Medical Control Systems

Abstract

To switch the state of talk among an engineer, a patient, and a third party to an appropriate state in inspection using a medical image diagnostic device.SOLUTION: A medical control system according to an embodiment comprises: a first microphone and a first speaker that are installed in an inspection chamber; a second microphone and a second speaker that are installed in an operating chamber of a medical image diagnostic device; a third microphone and a third speaker that are installed in a talking chamber different from the inspection chamber and the operating chamber; and a control unit. The control unit controls a talking state to be a first state where a voice input to the first microphone or the third microphone is output from the second speaker, a voice input to the second microphone is output from the third speaker, and a voice input to the second microphone or the third microphone is not output from the first speaker.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings relate to medical control systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Pediatric patients are sometimes examined using medical imaging diagnostic equipment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations generally require a long examination time of around 30 minutes. Because pediatric patients cannot stay still for long periods of time, examinations of pediatric patients are prone to artifacts caused by patient movement, and re-imaging may be necessary. Examinations using PET (Positron Emission Tomography) also require re-imaging due to the long examination time. For this reason, when examining pediatric patients, parents / guardians may enter the examination room to be present during the examination. However, to reduce the risk of infection, parents / guardians may not be allowed into the examination room.

[0003] In recent years, with the spread of mobile devices, it has become possible for parents to remotely communicate with patients in the examination room and technicians in the control room using mobile devices that can communicate with the examination room and control room. In such cases, if the patient can hear the conversation between the technician and the parent during the examination, this may increase the patient's anxiety depending on the content of the conversation. It is preferable that the communication status between the technician, patient, and parent be changed depending on the situation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-204282 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to maintain appropriate communication conditions between a technician, a patient, and a third party during an examination using a medical image diagnostic device. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A medical control system according to an embodiment includes a first microphone and a first speaker, a second microphone and a second speaker, a third microphone and a third speaker, and a control unit. The first microphone and the first speaker are installed in an examination room where a medical image diagnostic device is installed. The second microphone and the second speaker are installed in an operation room of the medical image diagnostic device. The third microphone and the third speaker are installed in a call room different from the examination room and the operation room. The control unit controls the call state between the examination room, the operation room, and the call room. The control unit also controls the call state to a first state in which audio input to the first microphone or the third microphone is output from the second speaker, audio input to the second microphone is output from the third speaker, and audio input to the second microphone or the third microphone is not output from the first speaker. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a call state in a normal state according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a call state in a contact state according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a call state in the open state according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a call state control process by the medical control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a call state in a contact state according to a modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical control system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a call state in a normal state according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a call state in the assisted state according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a call state control process by the medical control system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a medical control system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a control device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a call state control process by the medical control system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a call state control process by the medical control system according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a medical control system will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be given only when necessary.

[0009] (First embodiment) Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a medical control system 1. The medical control system 1 is a system that supports communication between a patient in an examination room R1, a technician performing operations in the operation room R2, and a guardian in the communication room R3 by controlling the state of conversation among an examination room R1 where examinations on patients are performed, an operation room R2 where operations related to the examinations are performed, and a communication room R3 that can communicate with the examination room R1 and the operation room R2.

[0010] The medical control system 1 also includes a control device 40. The control device 40 is installed in a control room R4 that can communicate with the examination room R1, the operation room R2, and the call room R3.

[0011] The devices installed in the examination room R1, operation room R2, call room R3, and control room R4 are connected via a network, and various information can be sent and received via the network. The network is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network). Connection to the network can be either wired or wireless. Furthermore, as long as security is ensured by a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or the like, the connection line is not limited to a LAN. Connection to a public communication line such as the Internet is also acceptable.

[0012] The medical control system 1 includes an examination device 11, an operation device 21, and a communication terminal 31. The examination device 11 is installed in an examination room R1. The operation device 21 is installed in an operation room R2. The communication terminal 31 is installed in a call room R3.

[0013] The medical control system 1 also includes a microphone 12 and a speaker 13 installed in the examination room R1, a microphone 22 and a speaker 23 installed in the operation room R2, and a microphone 32 and a speaker 33 installed in the call room R3.

[0014] The microphones 12, 22, and 32 are audio input devices that can input audio. For example, a general sound-collecting microphone can be used as the microphones 12, 22, and 32. The speakers 13, 23, and 33 are audio output devices that can output received audio. For example, a general speaker can be used as the speakers 13, 23, and 33.

[0015] In the examination room R1, an examination device 11 is installed, and an examination is performed using the examination device 11. The examination device 11 is, for example, a part or all of a medical image diagnostic device. The medical image diagnostic device is a modality that captures images of the inside of a subject, such as an X-ray computed tomography (CT device), a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI device), an ultrasound diagnostic device, an X-ray diagnostic device, or a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) device. The examination device 11 corresponds to, for example, a stand for an MRI device or a gantry for a PET device.

[0016] The microphone 12 and the speaker 13 are installed inside or near the examination device 11. The microphone 12 and the speaker 13 are attached, for example, inside the gantry of the MRI device. The microphone 12 and the speaker 13 may be provided separately from the examination device 11, or may be mounted inside the examination device 11. When the microphone 12 and the speaker 13 are provided separately from the examination device 11, the microphone 12 and the speaker 13 are connected to, for example, the control device 40. When a communication means for audio signals between the microphone and the speaker is provided in the operation device 21, the microphone 12 and the speaker 13 are connected to the operation device 21. When the microphone 12 and the speaker 13 are mounted inside the examination device 11, the microphone 12 and the speaker 13 are connected to the control device 40 and the operation device 21 via the examination device 11. The microphone 12 is an example of a first microphone, and the speaker 13 is an example of a first speaker.

[0017] In the operation room R2, the examination device 11 is operated using an operation device 21. For example, in the operation room R2, a medical image diagnostic device installed in the examination room R1 is operated. For example, the console device and input interface of an MRI device or PET device correspond to the operation device 21. The examination device 11 is operated, for example, by a technician.

[0018] The microphone 22 and the speaker 23 are installed inside or near the operation device 21. The microphone 22 and the speaker 23 are installed, for example, near the console device of the MRI apparatus. The microphone 22 and the speaker 23 may be provided separately from the operation device 21 or may be mounted inside the operation device 21. When the microphone 22 and the speaker 23 are provided separately from the operation device 21, the microphone 22 and the speaker 23 are connected to the operation device 21 and the control device 40. When the microphone 22 and the speaker 23 are mounted inside the operation device 21, the microphone 22 and the speaker 23 are connected to the control device 40 via the operation device 21. The microphone 22 is an example of a second microphone, and the speaker 23 is an example of a second speaker. Voice input to the microphone 22 is output from the speaker 13 in the examination room R1, and voice input to the microphone 12 in the examination room R1 is output from the speaker 23, allowing the technician in the operation room R2 to talk to the patient in the examination room R1.

[0019] In the call room R3, the patient's guardian, attendant, and other related parties can communicate with the patient in the examination room R1 and the technician in the control room R2 using the communication terminal 31. The call room R3 may be, for example, a waiting room where the guardian of the patient waits during an examination, or a room in the home of the patient's family or relatives. The call room R3 may be located in the same hospital as the examination room R1 and the control room R2, or it may be located in a remote location away from the examination room R1 and the control room R2.

[0020] The communication terminal 31 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a tablet terminal equipped with a camera and a display. The microphone 32 and speaker 33 are installed inside or near the communication terminal 31. For example, they are installed near the tablet terminal. The microphone 32 and speaker 33 may be provided separately from the communication terminal 31 or may be installed inside the communication terminal 31. If the microphone 32 and speaker 33 are provided separately from the communication terminal 31, the microphone 32 and speaker 33 are connected to the operation device 21 and the control device 40. If the microphone 32 and speaker 33 are installed inside the communication terminal 31, the microphone 32 and speaker 33 are connected to the operation device 21 and the control device 40 via the communication terminal 31. The microphone 32 is an example of a third microphone, and the speaker 33 is an example of a third speaker. For example, the patient and the guardian can check each other's condition during the examination by projecting the guardian's face photographed by the camera of the communication terminal 31 inside the examination device 11 and displaying an image of the patient photographed by a camera installed in the examination device 11 on the display of the communication terminal 31. In addition, the voice input into microphone 32 is output from speaker 13 in examination room R1 and speaker 23 in operation room R2, and the voice input into microphone 12 in examination room R1 and microphone 22 in operation room R2 is output from speaker 33, allowing the guardian in call room R3 to talk to the patient in examination room R1 or the technician in operation room R2.

[0021] The control room R4 is, for example, a machine room in which the main body of the MRI apparatus is stored.

[0022] Next, the configuration of the control device 40 will be described. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the medical control system 1. The control device 40 includes a memory 41, a communication interface 42, and a processing circuit 43. Although the control device 40 will be described below as a single device that executes multiple functions, the multiple functions may be executed by separate devices. For example, the functions executed by the control device 40 may be distributed and installed in different console devices or workstation devices. For example, all of the functions executed by the control device 40 may be installed in the operation device 21.

[0023] The memory 41 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or an integrated circuit that stores various information. The memory 41 may also be a portable storage medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a flash memory, in addition to an HDD or SSD. The memory 41 may also be a drive device that reads and writes various information from and to semiconductor memory elements such as flash memory and RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage area of ​​the memory 41 may be located within the control device 40, or may be located in an external storage device connected via a network.

[0024] The memory 41 stores programs executed by the processing circuit 43, various data used in the processing of the processing circuit 43, etc. As the programs, for example, a program that is installed in advance on a computer from a network or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and causes the computer to realize each function of the processing circuit 43 is used. Note that the various data handled in this specification are typically digital data. The memory 41 is an example of a storage unit.

[0025] The communication interface 42 is a network interface that controls transmission of communications with the devices installed in the examination room R1, the operation room R2, and the call room R3, as well as other external devices, via a network.

[0026] The processing circuit 43 controls the overall operation of the control device 40. The processing circuit 43 is a processor that executes a call control function 431 by calling and executing a program in the memory 41.

[0027] 2, the call control function 431 is described as being implemented by a single processing circuit 43, but the processing circuit may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may execute a program to implement the call control function 431. The call control function 431 may also be implemented as an individual hardware circuit. The above description of the functions executed by the processing circuit 43 also applies to the following embodiments and modifications.

[0028] Although the control device 40 is described as a single console that executes multiple functions, the multiple functions may be executed by separate devices. For example, the functions of the processing circuitry 43 may be distributed and installed in different devices.

[0029] The term "processor" used in the above description refers to a circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD)), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). When the processor is a CPU, for example, the processor realizes its function by reading and executing a program stored in a memory circuit. On the other hand, when the processor is an ASIC, for example, the program is not stored in a memory circuit, but the function is directly incorporated into the processor circuit as a logic circuit. Note that each processor in this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit, but may be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its function. Furthermore, multiple components in FIG. 2 may be integrated into a single processor to realize its function. The above description of "processor" also applies to the following embodiments and modifications.

[0030] The processing circuitry 43 controls the call status between the examination room R1, the operation room R2, and the call room R3 using a call control function 431. The processing circuitry 43 that realizes the call control function 431 is an example of a control unit. In the call control function 431, the processing circuitry 43 can switch between a normal state, a contact state, and an open state by controlling the call status between the examination room R1, the operation room R2, and the call room R3 in accordance with the operation of the technician. In other words, in the call control function 431, the processing circuitry 43 can control the call status between the examination room R1, the operation room R2, and the call room R3 to be the normal state, the contact state, or the open state.

[0031] Specifically, the processing circuit 43 controls the overall call state by controlling the on / off of each of the call states from the microphone 12 to the speakers 23 and 33, the call state from the microphone 22 to the speakers 13 and 33, and the call state from the microphone 32 to the speakers 13 and 23. That is, the processing circuit 43 can control the overall call state by controlling each of the call states between the examination room R1 and the operation room R2, the call state between the operation room R2 and the call room R3, and the call state between the examination room R1 and the call room R3.

[0032] The call state may be controlled, for example, by controlling the on / off of audio input from the microphones 12, 22, and 32, by controlling the on / off of audio output to the speakers 13, 23, and 33, or by controlling the on / off of a means for communicating audio signals between the microphones and the speakers. For example, when audio signals from the microphones 12, 22, and 32 are input to the control device 40, the processing circuit 43 may individually control the on / off of the audio signal input from the microphones 12, 22, and 32 depending on the call state. For example, when audio signals are output from the control device 40 to the speakers 13, 23, and 33, the processing circuit 43 may individually control the on / off of the audio signal output to the speakers 13, 23, and 33 depending on the call state. Alternatively, when the means for communicating audio signals between the microphones and the speakers is located within the operation device 21, the processing circuit 43 may individually control the on / off of the communication means within the operation device 21 depending on the call state. In any case, the processing circuit 43 is capable of directly or indirectly controlling the state of a call via the microphones 12, 22, 32 and the speakers 13, 23, 33.

[0033] The technician's operations are performed, for example, via an input interface provided on the operation device 21. The input interface accepts various input operations from the operator, converts the accepted input operations into electrical signals, and outputs the signals to the control device 40. For example, the input interface accepts input of medical information, various command signals, and the like from the operator. The input interface may be realized by a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch buttons, a touchscreen integrating a display screen and a touchpad, a non-contact input circuit using an optical sensor, and a voice input circuit, etc., for performing various processes in the processing circuitry 43. When a voice input circuit is used as the input interface, the voice input circuit may be connected to the microphone 22 or to a microphone separate from the microphone 22. The input interface is connected to the processing circuitry 43 and converts input operations received from the operator into electrical signals and outputs them to the control circuitry. Note that, in this specification, the input interface is not limited to one having physical operating components such as a mouse and keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives electrical signals corresponding to input operations from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuitry 43 is also included as an example of an input interface. The input interface is an example of an input unit. The input interface into which the engineer's operation is input may be provided in the operation device 21 or may be provided separately from the operation device 21.

[0034] The normal state is a state that is maintained when no special operation is performed by the technician. The normal state is an example of the second state. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the state of a call between a patient in examination room R1, a technician in control room R2, and a guardian in call room R3 in the normal state. In FIG. 3, a state in which voice input to the microphone is output from the speaker is indicated by a solid line, and a state in which voice input to the microphone is not output from the speaker is indicated by a dashed line. This also applies to the following figures. In the normal state, voice input to microphone 12 is output from speaker 23, voice input to microphone 22 is not output from speaker 13, voice input to microphone 22 is not output from speaker 33, voice input to microphone 32 is output from speaker 23, voice input to microphone 12 is output from speaker 33, and voice input to microphone 32 is output from speaker 13. In the normal state, a call between the guardian and the patient is possible, and the voices of the patient and guardian can be heard by the technician, but the technician's voice cannot be heard by the patient or guardian. This allows the technician to hear conversations between the patient and guardian and the patient's complaints, while preventing the patient or guardian from hearing conversations between the technician and other medical staff in the control room R2.

[0035] FIG. 4 shows the communication status between a patient in examination room R1, a technician in control room R2, and a guardian in communication room R3 in a communication state. The communication state is maintained when the technician wishes to communicate only with the guardian. The communication state is an example of the first state. In the communication state, voice input to microphone 12 is output from speaker 23, voice input to microphone 22 is not output from speaker 13, voice input to microphone 22 is output from speaker 33, voice input to microphone 32 is output from speaker 23, voice input to microphone 32 is not output from speaker 13, and voice input to microphone 12 is not output from speaker 33. In the communication state, a call between the technician and the guardian is possible, and the technician can hear the patient's voice, but the patient cannot hear the conversation between the technician and the guardian. This results in a state in which the technician can hear the patient's complaints, but the patient cannot hear the conversation between the technician and the guardian.

[0036] The open state is a state maintained when the technician, the guardian, and the patient wish to freely converse with each other. The open state is an example of the third state. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the state of a call in the open state between the patient in the examination room R1, the technician in the control room R2, and the guardian in the call room R3. In the open state, voice input to the microphone 12 is output from the speaker 23, voice input to the microphone 22 is output from the speaker 13, voice input to the microphone 22 is output from the speaker 33, voice input to the microphone 32 is output from the speaker 23, voice input to the microphone 12 is output from the speaker 33, and voice input to the microphone 32 is output from the speaker 13. In the open state, a call can be made among the technician, the patient, and the guardian.

[0037] Next, the operation of the call status control process executed by the medical control system 1 will be described. The call status control process is a process that automatically switches the call status between the technician, patient, and guardian to an appropriate state based on the technician's operation depending on the person with whom they want to talk when performing an examination that requires a long imaging time using an MRI device, PET, or the like. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the call status control process procedure. Here, the process when an examination is performed using an MRI device will be described. Note that the processing procedures in each process described below are merely examples, and each process can be modified as appropriate as possible. Furthermore, steps in the processing procedures described below can be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0038] (Call state control processing) (Step S101) When the patient on the bed is transported into the MRI apparatus gantry, the processing circuit 43 controls the overall call state to the normal state using the call control function 431. In the normal state, the patient and guardian can talk to each other, but the voice of the technician performing the examination cannot be heard by the patient or guardian.

[0039] (Step S102) While the entire call state is controlled to the normal state, the processing circuitry 43 continuously detects whether or not a switching operation for switching the call state has been input by the call control function 431. If no switching operation is detected (step S102-No), the processing circuitry 43 maintains the normal state.

[0040] (Step S103) When a switching operation is input by the technician (step S102-Yes), the processing circuitry 43 switches the call state according to the input operation using the call control function 431. For example, if the technician wants to talk only with the patient's guardian, the technician performs an operation to switch the call state to a contact state via the input interface of the operation room R2. In this case, the processing circuitry 43 switches the call state between the examination room R1, the operation room R2, and the call room R3 from a normal state to a contact state. Also, if the technician wants to have a three-way conversation with the patient and the guardian, the technician performs an operation to switch the call state to a public state via the input interface of the operation room R2. In this case, the processing circuitry 43 switches the call state between the examination room R1, the operation room R2, and the call room R3 from a normal state to a public state.

[0041] (Step S104) While the overall call state is controlled to the contact state or the open state, the processing circuit 43 continuously detects whether or not an operation to switch to the normal state has been input by the call control function 431.

[0042] (Step S105) If a switching operation is input (step S104-Yes), the processing circuitry 43 switches the call state from the contact state or the open state to the normal state using the call control function 431. For example, if the technician does not want the patient or guardian to hear the conversation in the operation room R2 in the contact state or the open state, the technician performs an operation to switch the call state to the normal state via the input interface of the operation room R2. In this case, the processing circuitry 43 switches the call state between the examination room R1, the operation room R2, and the call room R3 from the contact state or the open state to the normal state.

[0043] The processing circuitry 43 repeats the processes from step S102 to step S105 until the examination is completed (step S106-No), and switches the call state in response to the operation of the technician.

[0044] When the examination is completed and the patient placed on the bed is transported to the outside of the gantry of the MRI apparatus (step S106-Yes), the processing circuitry 43 ends the call state control process.

[0045] The effects of the medical control system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0046] The medical control system 1 according to this embodiment includes a microphone 12 and a speaker 13 installed in an examination room R1 where a medical image diagnostic device is installed, a microphone 22 and a speaker 23 installed in an operation room R2 of the medical image diagnostic device, and a microphone 32 and a speaker 33 installed in a call room R3 that can communicate with the examination room R1 and the operation room R2. The medical control system 1 can also control the call status between the examination room R1, the operation room R2, and the call room R3 so that communication is established. In the communication status, audio input to the microphones 12 and 32 is output from the speaker 23, audio input to the microphone 22 is output from the speaker 33, and audio input to the microphones 22 and 32 is not output from the speaker 13.

[0047] During an examination, if a child patient hears a conversation between adults, such as a conversation between a technician and a parent, this can cause anxiety for the patient. For this reason, the technician and parent may wish to disconnect the voice communication from the technician's and parent's microphones to the patient, allowing the technician and parent to talk without the patient hearing the content of the conversation. According to the medical control system 1 of this embodiment, by controlling the call status between the examination room R1, the control room R2, and the call room R3 to a communication status, the technician and parent can talk, but the conversation between the technician and parent cannot be heard by the patient. Furthermore, in the communication status, the technician can hear the patient's voice, allowing the technician to constantly monitor changes in the patient's condition.

[0048] Furthermore, the medical control system 1 according to this embodiment can control the communication status between the examination room R1, the operation room R2, and the communication room R3 so that the normal state is established. In the normal state, the voice input to the microphone 12 is output from the speakers 23 and 33, the voice input to the microphone 22 is not output from the speakers 13 and 33, and the voice input to the microphone 32 is output from the speakers 13 and 23.

[0049] With the above configuration, the call state can be controlled so that the guardian and patient can normally talk to each other and the technician can hear what they are saying.

[0050] Furthermore, the medical control system 1 can switch the call state from the normal state to the contact state in response to an operation by a user, such as a technician in the control room R2. This configuration allows the technician to easily switch the call state between the three parties with just a simple operation. Therefore, the effort required for operating the call state can be reduced compared to conventional systems. For example, when the technician selects the parent as the primary call partner, the call state can be automatically switched from the normal state to the contact state. Alternatively, when the technician presses a switch to switch to the contact state, the call state can be automatically switched from the normal state to the contact state. In this way, the call state between the technician, the patient, and the parent can be automatically switched to an appropriate state by simply selecting the call state according to the desired call partner, without having to individually operate the communication state between the microphone and speaker installed in each room.

[0051] Furthermore, the medical control system 1 according to this embodiment can control the call status between the examination room R1, the operation room R2, and the call room R3 so that they are in an open state. In the open state, the voice input to the microphone 12 is output from the speakers 23 and 33, the voice input to the microphone 22 is output from the speakers 13 and 33, and the voice input to the microphone 32 is output from the speakers 13 and 23.

[0052] With the above configuration, when a technician wants to talk to a patient, the call status can be controlled to enable a three-way conversation between the technician, the patient, and the guardian. Furthermore, the medical control system 1 can switch the call status from a normal state to an open state in response to an operation by a user, such as a technician, in the control room R2. For example, when the technician selects the patient as the primary call partner, the call status can be automatically switched from the normal state to the open state. Alternatively, when the technician presses a switch to switch to the open state, the call status can be automatically switched from the normal state to the contact state. This configuration allows the technician to easily switch the three-way call status with just a simple operation.

[0053] (Modification of the first embodiment) 7 is a diagram showing a communication state between a patient in examination room R1, a technician in operation room R2, and a guardian in communication room R3 in a communication state according to this modification. As shown in FIG. 4, in the communication state, the guardian may be able to hear the patient's voice. In this case, the voice input to microphone 12 is controlled to be output from speaker 33.

[0054] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment will be described. This embodiment is a modification of the configuration of the first embodiment as follows. Descriptions of the same configuration, operation, and effects as those of the first embodiment will be omitted. In this embodiment, when a technician undergoing an examination receives support from a medical professional in a remote location, the communication status of the technician, patient, guardian, and medical professional in the remote location is controlled. The medical professional is, for example, a technician or a doctor.

[0055] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the medical control system 1 of this embodiment. The medical control system 1 of this embodiment further includes a communication terminal 51 installed in the examination support room R5, a microphone 52, and a speaker 53. The examination support room R5 is capable of communicating with the examination room R1, the operation room R2, and the call room R3. The control device 40 controls the state of conversation between the examination room R1, the operation room R2, the call room R3, and the examination support room R5. The microphone 52 is an example of a fourth microphone, and the speaker 53 is an example of a fourth speaker.

[0056] Each device installed in the examination support room R5 is connected to the control room R2 via a network, and various information can be sent and received via the network. In the examination support room R5, medical personnel in remote locations can communicate with technicians in the control room R2 using a communication terminal 51. The examination support room R5 is, for example, an examination room for doctors or technicians in remote locations. If support from medical personnel in the same hospital is required, the examination support room R5 may be a separate room in the same hospital as the examination room R1 and the control room R2. The communication terminal 51 is, for example, a PC terminal or tablet terminal equipped with a camera and a display. The microphone 52 and speaker 53 may be provided separately from the communication terminal 51 or may be built into the communication terminal 51.

[0057] For example, by displaying the face of a medical professional in a remote location photographed by the camera of the communication terminal 51 on the display of the operation device 21 in the operation room R2 and displaying the status of the examination on the display of the communication terminal 51, the medical professional in the examination support room R5 can provide technical support regarding imaging and instructions regarding the examination to the technician in the operation room R2.

[0058] The processing circuitry 43 controls the call state between the operation room R2 and the examination support room R5 using the call control function 431. In the call control function 431, the processing circuitry 43 controls the call state between the operation room R2 and the examination support room R5 in response to the operation of the technician, thereby switching between a normal state and an assistance state. That is, in the call control function 431, the processing circuitry 43 can control the call state between the operation room R2 and the examination support room R5 so as to switch to the assistance state. Specifically, the processing circuitry 43 controls the call state between the operation room R2 and the examination support room R5 by controlling the on / off of the call state from the microphone 22 to the speaker 53 and the call state from the microphone 52 to the speaker 23.

[0059] 9 is a diagram showing the state of communication between the patient in the examination room R1, the technician in the control room R2, the guardian in the communication room R3, and the medical staff in the examination support room R5 in the normal state of this embodiment. In the normal state, in addition to the state in the first embodiment, the voice input to the microphone 22 is not output from the speaker 53, and the voice input to the microphone 52 is not output from the speaker 23. Therefore, in the normal state, communication between the medical staff in the remote location and the technician performing the examination is not possible.

[0060] Similarly, in the contact state and the open state of this embodiment, a call cannot be made between the medical staff in the remote location and the technician performing the examination.

[0061] FIG. 10 illustrates the call status in the support state between the patient in the examination room R1, the technician in the control room R2, the guardian in the communication room R3, and the medical staff in the examination support room R5. The support state is maintained when the technician in the control room R2 needs support from the medical staff in the examination support room R5. The support state differs from the normal state in that calls are possible between the examination support room R5 and the control room R2. The support state is an example of the fourth state. Specifically, in the support state, the voice input to the microphone 12 is output from the speaker 23, the voice input to the microphone 22 is not output from the speaker 13, the voice input to the microphone 22 is not output from the speaker 33, the voice input to the microphone 32 is output from the speaker 23, the voice input to the microphone 12 is output from the speaker 33, the voice input to the microphone 32 is not output from the speaker 13, the voice input to the microphone 22 is output from the speaker 53, and the voice input to the microphone 52 is output from the speaker 23. In the support state, a call can be made between the medical staff in the remote location and the engineer in the control room R2. Note that in the support state, the voices of the guardian and the patient may be heard by the medical staff in the remote location.

[0062] Next, the operation of the call state control process executed by the medical control system 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the call state control process. Here, the process when an examination is performed using an MRI apparatus will be described. Note that the process procedure in each process described below is merely an example, and each process can be modified as appropriate as possible. Furthermore, for the process procedure described below, steps can be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment. The processes of steps S201, S203, and S206 are similar to the processes of steps S101, S102, and S106 in FIG. 6, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

[0063] (Call state control processing) (Step S203) When the technician inputs a switching operation while the overall call status is controlled to the normal status (step S202—Yes), the processing circuitry 43 switches the call status according to the input operation using the call control function 431. As in the first embodiment, if the technician wants to talk only with the patient's guardian, the call status is switched from the normal status to the contact status. If the technician wants to have a three-way conversation with the patient and the guardian, the call status is switched from the normal status to the open status. Furthermore, if the technician wants to receive support from a medical professional in a remote location, the technician switches the call status to the support status via the input interface of the operation room R2. In this case, the processing circuitry 43 switches the call status between the examination room R1, the operation room R2, the call room R3, and the examination support room R5 from the normal status to the support status.

[0064] (Step S204) When the overall call state is controlled to the contact state, the open state, or the support state, the processing circuit 43 continuously detects whether or not an operation to switch to the normal state has been input by the call control function 431.

[0065] (Step S205) When a switching operation is input (step S204-Yes), the processing circuitry 43 switches the call status from the contact status, the open status, or the support status to the normal status using the call control function 431. For example, when the medical staff in the examination support room finishes their support in the normal status, the technician performs an operation to switch the call status to the normal status via the input interface of the operation room R2. In this case, the processing circuitry 43 switches the call status between the examination room R1, the operation room R2, the call room R3, and the examination support room R5 from the support status to the normal status.

[0066] The effects of the medical control system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0067] The medical control system 1 according to this embodiment further includes a microphone 52 and a speaker 53 installed in an examination support room R5 that can communicate with the operation room R2, and can control the communication status between the examination room R1, the operation room R2, the communication room R3, and the examination support room R5 to enter a support state. In the support state, voice input to the microphone 12 is output from speakers 23 and 33, voice input to the microphone 22 is not output from speakers 13 and 33, voice input to the microphone 32 is output from speakers 13 and 23, voice input to the microphone 22 is output from speaker 53, and voice input to the microphone 52 is output from speaker 23.

[0068] With the above configuration, when a technician performing an examination wants to receive technical support from a medical professional in a remote location, the call status can be controlled so that the medical professional providing the support and the technician performing the examination can converse, but the conversation cannot be heard by the patient or guardian.

[0069] Furthermore, the medical control system 1 can switch the call state from the normal state to the support state in response to an operation by a user such as an engineer in the control room R2. With this configuration, the engineer can easily switch the call state by simply performing a simple operation.

[0070] (Third embodiment) A third embodiment will be described. This embodiment is a modification of the configuration of the first embodiment as follows. Explanations of the configuration, operation, and effects that are the same as those of the first embodiment will be omitted. In this embodiment, if the patient is anxious, the guardian and the technician will automatically be able to communicate with each other.

[0071] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of the medical control system 1 of this embodiment. The medical control system 1 of this embodiment further includes a sensor 14 that detects the condition of a patient in the examination room R1. The sensor 14 may be, for example, a measuring device that measures the patient's heart rate, pulse wave, or respiratory waveform, or a camera that captures the patient's facial expression. The sensor 14 is connected to the control device 40 via a network. Data acquired by the sensor 14 is transmitted to the control device 40 via the network.

[0072] 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control device 40 of this embodiment. The processing circuit 43 of the control device 40 is a processor that executes a call control function 431 and a determination function 432 by calling and executing a program in the memory 41.

[0073] The processing circuit 43 uses the determination function 432 to determine the mental state of the patient based on the detection results of the sensor 14. For example, if the intervals between the patient's heartbeats or breathing are shorter than the standard, or if the patient's body movements are detected by image analysis, it is determined that the patient is anxious.

[0074] The processing circuit 43 switches the call state from the normal state to the contact state when the call control function 431 determines that the mental state is unstable through processing by the determination function 432. Specifically, when the determination function 432 determines that the patient's mental state is unstable, the call state is automatically switched from the normal state to the contact state.

[0075] Next, the operation of the call state control process executed by the medical control system 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the call state control process. Here, the process when an examination is performed using an MRI apparatus will be described. Note that the process procedure in each process described below is merely an example, and each process can be modified as appropriate as possible. Furthermore, for the process procedure described below, steps can be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment. The processes of step S301 and steps S306-S310 are similar to the processes of steps S101-S106 in FIG. 6, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

[0076] (Call state control processing) (Step S302) While the overall call state is controlled to the normal state, the processing circuit 43 continuously determines the mental state of the patient using the determination function 432. At this time, the processing circuit 43 determines whether the patient is anxious or not using measurement data of the patient's heart rate and pulse obtained from the sensor 14 and the analysis results of the patient's facial expression.

[0077] (Step S303) If it is determined that the patient is anxious (step S302-Yes), the processing circuit 43 switches the call status between the examination room R1, the operation room R2, and the call room R3 from the normal state to the contact state using the call control function 431. The technician can then talk to the guardian and encourage them to alleviate the patient's anxiety.

[0078] (Step S304) While the overall call state is controlled to the connected state, the processing circuit 43 continuously detects whether or not an operation to switch to the normal state has been input by the call control function 431.

[0079] (Step S305) If a switching operation is input by the technician (step S304—Yes), the processing circuitry 43 switches the call status according to the input operation using the call control function 431. When requesting the guardian to alleviate the patient's anxiety, the technician performs an operation to switch the call status to an open status via the input interface of the operation room R2. In this case, the processing circuitry 43 switches the call status between the examination room R1, the operation room R2, and the call room R3 from a contact status to an open status. Also, when the patient's mental state improves, or when the technician determines that a conversation between the patient and the guardian is no longer necessary after a conversation with the guardian, the technician performs an operation to switch the call status to a normal status via the input interface of the operation room R2. In this case, the processing circuitry 43 switches the call status between the examination room R1, the operation room R2, and the call room R3 from a contact status to a normal status.

[0080] If the patient is not anxious (step S302-No), similarly to the first embodiment, the processes from step S306 to step S310 are repeatedly executed until the examination is completed, and the call state is switched according to the operation of the technician.

[0081] The effects of the medical control system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0082] If a patient is anxious, their heart rate and pulse wave may become irregular, making it difficult to accurately perform synchronized imaging with the MRI system. Also, if a patient is anxious, their body movements may increase, making it difficult to perform imaging properly.

[0083] The medical control system 1 according to this embodiment further includes a sensor 14 that detects the state of the patient in the examination room R1. The medical control system 1 determines the mental state of the patient based on the detection result of the sensor 14, and if it determines that the mental state is unstable, it can switch the call state from the normal state to the contact state.

[0084] With this configuration, if the patient is feeling anxious, the system automatically switches to a state where the technician and the guardian can talk, allowing the technician to realize that the patient is in a state where the examination cannot be performed accurately.The technician can then ask the guardian to help the patient improve their mental state and then perform the examination, thereby improving the accuracy of the examination.

[0085] Instead of switching to a contact state in which the technician and guardian can converse, the state may be switched to a public state in which the patient and guardian can converse.

[0086] (Fourth embodiment) A fourth embodiment will be described. This embodiment is a modification of the configuration of the first embodiment as follows. Descriptions of the same configuration, operation, and effects as those of the first embodiment will be omitted. In this embodiment, the technician can be prompted to make an announcement to the patient at the start and end of the examination.

[0087] The processing circuitry 43 of this embodiment switches the call state from the normal state to the open state using the call control function 431 based on the start of an examination or the end of imaging by the medical image diagnostic device. At the start of an examination, for example, an operation to start the examination is performed via the input interface of the operation device 21. The processing circuitry 43 detects that the examination has started by receiving an electrical signal indicating that the operation to start the examination has been performed from the operation device 21. In addition, the processing circuitry 43 detects that the imaging has ended by receiving an electrical signal indicating that the imaging has ended from the examination device 11 or the operation device 21.

[0088] Next, the operation of the call state control process executed by the medical control system 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the call state control process. Here, the process when an examination is performed using an MRI apparatus will be described. Note that the process procedure in each process described below is merely an example, and each process can be modified as appropriate as possible. Furthermore, steps can be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate in the process procedure described below depending on the embodiment. The process of step S401 is similar to the process of step S101 in FIG. 6, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0089] (Call state control processing) (Step S402) While the overall call state is controlled to the normal state, the processing circuitry 43 maintains the overall call state in the normal state until the examination is started. When the technician is ready to start the examination, he or she performs an operation to start the examination via the input interface of the operation device 21.

[0090] (Step S403) When it is detected that the examination has started (step S402-Yes), the processing circuit 43 switches the call status between the examination room R1, the operation room R2, and the call room R3 from the normal state to the open state using the call control function 431. The open state is a state in which communication between the technician and the patient is possible. The technician gives the patient instructions necessary for imaging via the microphone 22 and speaker 13.

[0091] (Step S404) While the overall call state is controlled to the open state, the processing circuitry 43 continuously detects whether an operation to switch to the normal state has been input by the call control function 431. When preparations for imaging are complete or when conversation with the patient is no longer necessary, the technician switches the call state to the normal state via the input interface of the operation device 21.

[0092] (Step S405) If an operation to switch the call state to the normal state is input (step S404-Yes), the processing circuitry 43 switches the call state from the public state to the normal state by the call control function 431. After that, imaging is performed using the MRI apparatus while the call state is maintained in the normal state.

[0093] While imaging is being performed, the processes from step S102 to step S106 of the first embodiment may be executed, and the call state may be switched in response to an operation by the technician.

[0094] (Step S406) The processing circuit 43 continuously detects whether or not the imaging has finished by using the call control function 431. The processing circuit 43 maintains the entire call state in a normal state until the imaging has finished.

[0095] (Step S407) When it is detected that imaging has ended (step S406-Yes), the processing circuit 43 automatically switches the communication state between the examination room R1, the operation room R2, and the communication room R3 from the normal state to the open state using the communication control function 431. The open state is a state in which communication is possible between the technician and the patient. The technician informs the patient that imaging has ended via the microphone 22 and speaker 13, and provides care to the patient after breath-hold imaging.

[0096] (Step S408) While the overall call state is controlled to the open state, the processing circuit 43 continuously detects whether an operation to switch to the normal state has been input by the call control function 431. When the technician has completed the necessary communication after imaging, the technician performs an operation to switch the call state to the normal state via the input interface of the operation device 21.

[0097] (Step S409) If an operation to switch the call state to the normal state is input (step S408-Yes), the processing circuit 43 switches the call state from the public state to the normal state by the call control function 431. After that, the technician ends the examination.

[0098] The effects of the medical control system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0099] The medical control system 1 according to this embodiment can switch the call state from the normal state to the open state based on the start of an examination or the end of imaging by a medical image diagnostic device.

[0100] With this configuration, the system automatically switches to a state where conversation with the patient is possible when the examination begins, encouraging the technician to speak to the patient. The technician can give instructions and speak to the patient as necessary when starting the examination without performing any special operations.

[0101] Furthermore, by automatically switching to a state where conversation with the patient is possible when imaging is completed, the technician can be prompted to speak to the patient to calm them down. The technician can, for example, provide care after breath-hold imaging or check the patient's condition without performing any special operations. For example, a message saying "Communication has been enabled. Please stabilize the patient's breathing" is displayed on the display and output from the speaker 23 of the operation device 21.

[0102] Furthermore, when the call state is switched to the public state, the technician may be guided on how to talk to the patient using the display of the operation device 21. Furthermore, the process of automatically switching to the public state when imaging is completed may be performed between successive breath-hold imaging sessions, or may be performed only at the end of the final imaging session.

[0103] (Modifications of the first to fourth embodiments) In addition, if the patient or guardian is hearing impaired, communication between the examination room R1, the operation room R2, and the call room R3 may be carried out using an input device capable of inputting characters and a display device capable of displaying characters in addition to a microphone and speaker.

[0104] The input device may be, for example, the input interface of the operation device 21 in the operation room R2 or the touch panel of the communication terminal 31 in the call room R3, or a separate input interface may be used. The display device may be, for example, the display of the operation device 21 in the operation room R2 or the display of the communication terminal 31 in the call room R3. Characters entered using the input unit may be projected onto the inside of the gantry of the MRI apparatus in the examination room R1. In this case, the part onto which the characters are projected functions as the display unit.

[0105] Alternatively, characters input to the input device may be converted into voice and output from the speaker in each room. In this case, the processing circuit 43 of the control device 40 converts the characters input to the input device into voice using the call control function 431, and outputs the converted voice to the speaker 13, speaker 23, or speaker 33.

[0106] Alternatively, the voice input to the microphone in each room may be converted into text and displayed on a display device. In this case, the processing circuit 43 of the control device 40 converts the voice input to the microphone 12, microphone 22, or microphone 32 into text using the call control function 431, and outputs the converted text to the display device.

[0107] Furthermore, if the language used by the patient or guardian differs from the language used by the technician, such as when the patient or guardian is a foreigner, the voice input into the microphone may be automatically translated. In this case, the processing circuit 43 of the control device 40 uses the call control function 431 to translate the voice input into the microphone 12, microphone 22, or microphone 32 into a language different from the input language, and outputs the translated voice to the speaker 13, speaker 23, or speaker 33.

[0108] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, during an examination using a medical image diagnostic apparatus, the communication state between the technician, the patient, and a third party can be maintained in an appropriate state.

[0109] Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1...Medical control systems 11...Inspection equipment 12, 22, 32...Mike 13, 23, 33...Speakers 14...Sensor 21...Operating device 31, 51...Communication terminal 40...Control device 41...Memory 42...Communication interface 43...Processing circuit 431…Call control function 432…Determination function R1: Examination room R2…Control room R3…Call room R4…Control Room R5: Examination Support Room

Claims

1. a first microphone and a first speaker installed in an examination room in which the medical image diagnostic apparatus is installed; a second microphone and a second speaker installed in an operation room of the medical image diagnostic apparatus; a third microphone and a third speaker installed in a call room different from the examination room and the operation room; a control unit that controls a call state between the examination room, the operation room, and the call room; Equipped with the control unit controls the call state to be in a first state in which a voice input to the first microphone or the third microphone is output from the second speaker, a voice input to the second microphone is output from the third speaker, and a voice input to the second microphone or the third microphone is not output from the first speaker. Medical control systems.

2. The control unit the call state can be controlled so that a second state is established in which a voice input to the first microphone is output from the second speaker and the third speaker, a voice input to the second microphone is not output from the first speaker and the third speaker, and a voice input to the third microphone is output from the first speaker and the second speaker; switching the call state from the second state to the first state in response to an operation by a user in the operation room; The medical control system of claim 1 .

3. The control unit the call state can be controlled so that a third state is established in which a voice input to the first microphone is output from the second speaker and the third speaker, a voice input to the second microphone is output from the first speaker and the third speaker, and a voice input to the third microphone is output from the first speaker and the second speaker; switching the call state from the second state to the third state in response to an operation by a user in the operation room; The medical control system of claim 2 .

4. Further, a fourth microphone and a fourth speaker are installed in an examination support room that can communicate with the operation room, The control unit the call state can be controlled to be a fourth state in which a voice input to the first microphone is output from the second speaker and the third speaker, a voice input to the second microphone is not output from the first speaker and the third speaker, a voice input to the third microphone is output from the first speaker and the second speaker, a voice input to the second microphone is output from the fourth speaker, and a voice input to the fourth microphone is output from the second speaker; switching the call state from the second state to the fourth state in response to an operation by a user in the operation room; The medical control system of claim 2 .

5. a sensor for detecting a patient's condition; a determination unit for determining the mental state of the patient based on the detection result of the sensor; Furthermore, the control unit switches the call state from the second state to the first state when the mental state is determined to be unstable. The medical control system of claim 2 .

6. the control unit switches the call state from the second state to the third state based on the start of an examination or the end of imaging by the medical image diagnostic apparatus. The medical control system of claim 3 .

7. An input device is provided in the operation room or the call room and capable of inputting characters, the control unit converts characters input to the input device into voice and outputs the converted voice to the first speaker, the second speaker, or the third speaker. Further provided with The medical control system of claim 1 .

8. a display device that is provided in the examination room, the operation room, or the call room and is capable of displaying characters; the control unit converts the voice input to the first microphone, the second microphone, or the third microphone into characters and outputs the converted characters to the display device. The medical control system of claim 1 .

9. the control unit translates the speech input to the first microphone, the second microphone, or the third microphone into a language different from the input language, and outputs the translated speech to the first speaker, the second speaker, or the third speaker. The medical control system of claim 1 .

Images