Simulator, simulator control method, and simulation program

Abstract

To display an image for determining whether or not a desired pixel value is acquired in a part selected by an operator.SOLUTION: A simulator 40 includes: a prediction unit 46 for simulating a pixel value in a selected part when a contrast medium is injected according to a predetermined injection condition; a determination unit 47 for determining whether or not the pixel value is higher than an upper limit and determining whether or not the pixel value is lower than a lower limit on the basis of a result of the simulation by the prediction unit; and a display control unit 48 for displaying a first image 61A in a display unit 26 when the pixel value is higher than the upper limit, and displaying a second image 61B of a display mode different from that of the first image in the display unit when the pixel value is lower than the lower limit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a simulator, a simulator control method, and a simulation program. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a simulator comprising: a prediction unit that predicts temporal changes in pixel values of each tissue; and a display unit that schematically displays predicted images of each tissue. The display unit is controlled by a display control unit to change the contrast of each compartment in accordance with temporal changes in pixel values. As an example, in an image of each tissue immediately after a contrast agent is injected into an upper limb vein, the upper limb vein is shown with a native pixel value (dark gray). All blood vessels including the abdominal aorta and celiac artery are also shown with native pixel values (dark gray). Then, in an image of each tissue approximately 25 seconds after the start of injection, the abdominal aorta, celiac artery, internal jugular vein, and the like are shown particularly white, while the upper limb vein is shown in light gray. Furthermore, in an image of each tissue approximately 120 seconds after the start of injection, the entire image is shown in light gray compared to the image immediately after injection. [[Prior Art Literature]] [[Patent Literature]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] International Publication No. WO 2016 / 084373 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] In the simulator described in Patent Document 1, the contrast of the image of each tissue changes in accordance with temporal changes in the pixel values of each tissue. This allows an operator to visually recognize changes in the image of each tissue. However, the operator cannot determine, from the image of each tissue, whether a desired pixel value is obtained at a site selected as an imaging site. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To solve the above problems, a simulator as an example of the present invention includes: a prediction unit that simulates the pixel values ​​at a selected site when a contrast agent is injected according to predetermined injection conditions; a determination unit that determines whether the pixel values ​​are higher than an upper limit and whether the pixel values ​​are lower than a lower limit based on the simulation results from the prediction unit; and a display control unit that displays a first image on the display unit when the pixel values ​​are higher than the upper limit and displays a second image on the display unit with a different display mode from the first image when the pixel values ​​are lower than the lower limit.

[0006] To solve the above problems, a simulator control method as an example of the present invention simulates the pixel values ​​at a selected site when a contrast agent is injected according to predetermined injection conditions, determines whether the pixel values ​​are higher than an upper limit and whether the pixel values ​​are lower than a lower limit based on the simulation results, displays a first image if the pixel values ​​are higher than the upper limit, and displays a second image with a different display mode from the first image if the pixel values ​​are lower than the lower limit.

[0007] To solve the above problems, a simulation program as an example of the present invention functions as a display control unit that includes a simulation computer which includes a prediction unit that simulates the pixel values ​​at a selected site when a contrast agent is injected according to predetermined injection conditions, a determination unit that determines whether the pixel values ​​are higher than an upper limit and whether the pixel values ​​are lower than a lower limit based on the simulation results from the prediction unit, and a display control unit that displays a first image on the display unit when the pixel values ​​are higher than the upper limit and displays a second image on the display unit with a different display mode from the first image when the pixel values ​​are lower than the lower limit.

[0008] This allows the operator to determine whether or not the desired pixel values ​​have been obtained in the selected area.

[0009] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the exemplary embodiments shown with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the injection system and imaging system. [Figure 2] This is a schematic block diagram of the simulator. [Figure 3] This is the confirmation screen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 4] This is a simulation screen showing the result when pixel values ​​within the desired range are obtained. [Figure 5] This is a simulation screen showing what happens when the pixel value falls below the lower limit. [Figure 6] This is a simulation screen showing what happens when the pixel value exceeds the upper limit. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart for displaying the judgment results. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] 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 apparatus 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.

[0012] Unless otherwise specified, the term "contrast agent" includes both the contrast agent alone and the drug solution containing the contrast agent plus other solvents and additives. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the term "pixel value" below includes the CT value of the selected area to be contrast-enhanced, the sum or mean of the CT values ​​of pixels within the region of interest (ROI), or the SD value (standard deviation) of the region of interest. Additionally, pixel values ​​include those obtained by subtracting the values ​​in non-contrast-enhanced tissue (e.g., the CT value of the imaging area in a simple CT scan). The region of interest may be pre-defined or selected by the operator.

[0013] [First Embodiment] Referring to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of the injection system 120 and the imaging system 130, a system comprising a simulator 40 (Figure 2) that simulates pixel values ​​in a selected area will be described. For example, the simulator 40 is provided in either the injection system 120 or the imaging system 130. Alternatively, the simulator 40 may be an external device separate from the injection system 120 and the imaging system 130. This external device may be connected to at least one of the injection system 120 and the imaging system 130 by wire or wireless connection. Below, an example in which the injection system 120 is equipped with the simulator 40 will be described.

[0014] The injection system 120 includes an injection head 20, which is an example of an injection device for injecting contrast agents according to an injection protocol, and a touch panel 26, which is an example of a display unit. The injection head 20 injects a drug solution, such as physiological saline and various contrast agents, filled in a syringe, into the subject. The injection system 120 also includes a stand 22 for holding the injection head 20 and a console 23 connected to the injection head 20 by wire or wireless connection.

[0015] The console 23 functions as a control device for controlling the injection head 20, and also as a simulator 40 for predicting the time-dependent change in pixel values ​​at the selected site. Alternatively, the injection system 120 may include a separate computer device that functions as the simulator 40, distinct from the console 23. This computer device may be connected to the injection head 20 via wired or wireless connection. The console 23 also includes a touch panel 26 that functions as both a display and an input unit, and can communicate with the injection head 20 and the imaging device 30 via wired or wireless connection. The touch panel 26 can display the injection protocol, the device's input status, settings, injection results, and various other information. The operator can input drug information, injection protocol, site information, subject information, and target values ​​via the touch panel 26. The target values ​​are the target pixel value and the target maintenance time, which is the maintenance time for maintaining the target pixel value. Alternatively, the injection system 120 may include a display as a display unit and an input device such as a keyboard or numeric keypad instead of the touch panel 26.

[0016] Furthermore, instead of the console 23, the injection system 120 may have a control device connected to the injection head 20 and a separate display unit (e.g., a tablet terminal or touch panel display) connected to the control device that displays the injection status of the drug solution. In this case, the control device functions as a simulator 40 that predicts the change in pixel values ​​over time. The injection head 20 and the control device can also be configured integrally with the stand 22. Furthermore, instead of the stand 22, a ceiling suspension member can be provided, and the injection head 20 can be suspended from the ceiling via the ceiling suspension member.

[0017] Furthermore, the injection head 20 may 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 the injection. In addition, the injection head 20 may have a power supply or battery. This power supply or battery can be provided in either the injection head 20 or the control device, or it can be provided separately from them.

[0018] The injection head 20 comprises a syringe holder on which a syringe filled with a drug solution is mounted, and a drive mechanism that pushes out the drug solution from the syringe in accordance with an injection protocol. The injection head 20 also has an operation unit 28 for inputting operations of the drive mechanism. The operation unit 28 is provided with, for example, a forward button for the drive mechanism, a reverse button for the drive mechanism, and a final confirmation button. Furthermore, the injection head 20 may be provided with a head display that displays injection conditions, injection status, device input status, setting status, and various injection results. For example, the head display is installed on a side of the injection head 20 or is built into the injection head 20. Furthermore, the head display may be a touch panel display operable by an operator. In this case, the head display may display the screens shown in FIGS. 3 to 6.

[0019] When a contrast medium is injected, an accessory such as an extension tube is connected to the distal end of the syringe mounted on the injection head 20. When preparation for injection is completed, the operator presses the final confirmation button on the operation unit 28. Alternatively, the operator may perform a touch operation on the final confirmation button displayed on the touch panel 26. Thereby, the injection head 20 stands by in a state where injection can be started. Thereafter, when injection is started, the contrast medium pushed out from the syringe is injected into the subject via the extension tube.

[0020] In addition, the injection head 20 may be capable of mounting prefilled syringes having data carriers such as RFID chips, IC tags, or barcodes, and various syringes. Drug solution information related to the drug solution is stored in the data carrier. In a case where a syringe having a data carrier can be mounted, the injection head 20 comprises a reading unit that reads the data carrier attached to the syringe. Furthermore, the injection head 20 may have three or more syringe holders, or may have only one syringe holder.

[0021] The injection head 20 can receive information from an external storage device (not shown), such as a server S (Figure 2), and can also transmit information to the server S. Similarly, the imaging device 30 of the imaging system 130 can receive information from the server S and transmit information to the server S. This server S is, for example, a RIS (Radiology Information System), a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System), or a HIS (Hospital Information System).

[0022] The server S has pre-stored examination orders. These examination orders include subject information about the subject and examination information about the examination content. The server S can also store information related to imaging results, such as image data transmitted from the imaging device 30, and information related to injection results transmitted from the injection head 20. An external image review system or image creation workstation may be used to operate the injection head 20 and the imaging device 30. Furthermore, a device (e.g., a tablet terminal) that can remotely control the injection head 20 may be installed inside or outside the hospital.

[0023] The imaging system 130 includes a medical imaging device 30 for imaging a subject, and the imaging device 30 is connected to the injection system 120 by wire or wireless. Examples of this imaging device 30 include various medical imaging devices such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) devices, CT (Computed Tomography) devices, angiography devices, PET (Positron Emission Tomography) devices, SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) devices, CT angiography devices, MR angiography devices, ultrasound diagnostic devices, and angiography devices. Below, an example in which the imaging system 130 includes a CT device will be described.

[0024] The imaging device 30 includes an imaging unit 31 that images the 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 area, 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 controls the imaging unit 31 to image the subject according to the imaging plan. Furthermore, the control device 32 may also function as a simulator 40 that predicts the change in pixel values ​​over time in the selected area. The control device 32 can also communicate with the imaging unit 31, the injection head 20, and the server S by wired or wireless means. The simulator 40 of the imaging device 30 may take into account the information included in the imaging plan to perform a more accurate simulation.

[0025] The imaging unit 31 includes a bed, an X-ray source for irradiating the subject with X-rays, and an X-ray detector for detecting 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's body based on the X-rays that have passed through the subject.

[0026] The imaging device 30 has a display 33. The display 33 is connected to the control device 32 and displays the device's input status, settings, imaging results, and various other information. When the control device 32 also functions as a simulator 40, the display 33 also functions as a display unit for the simulation screen described later. Alternatively, the control device 32 and the display 33 can be configured as an integrated unit. Furthermore, the imaging device 30 has an interface 34, such as a keyboard, which functions as an input unit. The operator can input information including drug solution information, injection protocols, tissue information, subject information, and target values ​​to the imaging device 30 via the interface 34. The display 33 may also be a touch panel that functions as an input display unit. In this case, the display 33 also functions as a substitute for the interface 34.

[0027] [simulator] Referring to Figure 2, a simulator 40 (e.g., a perfusion simulator) that predicts the change in pixel values ​​over time in a selected area chosen by the operator as an imaging area from within the subject's tissue will be described. The console 23 comprises the simulator 40 and a touch panel 26 as an input display unit. The simulator 40 comprises a control unit 41 and a storage unit 42 that stores the control program PG. When the console 23 as a whole functions as the simulator 40, the simulator 40 will include the touch panel 26 as a display unit.

[0028] As an example, the control unit 41 is configured as a computer combining a processor that performs various calculations and operation controls according to a predetermined program, internal memory necessary for the processor's operation, and other peripheral devices. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), and controls the entire injection system 120 and comprehensively controls various processes based on a control program PG stored in the memory unit 42. In this embodiment, the CPU performs various calculations, control, and discrimination operations according to the control program PG stored in the memory unit 42. A touch panel 26 is also connected to the control unit 41 as an input unit for inputting predetermined commands and data. The touch panel 26 also functions as a display unit that displays the device's input status, setting status, measurement results, and various information. Furthermore, the control unit 41 may perform control according to a program stored on a portable recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), CF (Compact Flash) card, and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, or an external storage medium such as a server S connected to the Internet or LAN.

[0029] The control unit 41 controls each part of the simulator 40 according to the control program PG stored in the memory unit 42. The control unit 41 includes an information acquisition unit 43, an injection condition acquisition unit 44, a target value acquisition unit 45, a prediction unit 46, a determination unit 47, and a display control unit 48. Each part is a logical device realized by a combination of the hardware resources of the control unit 41 and the control program PG as a software resource. At least some of these logical devices may be provided outside the console 23. In this case, the control unit 41 includes only some of these logical devices.

[0030] The memory unit 42 is a computer-readable, non-temporary recording medium. The memory unit 42 includes RAM (Random Access Memory), which is the system work memory for the processor of the control unit 41 to operate, as well as storage devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and SSD (Solid State Drive) for storing programs and system software.

[0031] Furthermore, the storage unit 42 stores a control program PG, which also functions as a simulation program that simulates pixel values ​​in the selected area. This control program PG causes the control unit 41, acting as a computer, to function as an information acquisition unit 43, an injection condition acquisition unit 44, a target value acquisition unit 45, a prediction unit 46, a determination unit 47, and a display control unit 48. The control program PG can also be stored on a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium. In addition, the storage unit 42 stores reference data RD, which is referenced during simulation and the display of the simulation screen. For example, the reference data RD includes threshold identification information that specifies the upper or lower limit of the pixel value, an image used to display the simulation results (e.g., an image simulating an organ), and information indicating the display mode of the image according to the determination result (e.g., brightness).

[0032] The information acquisition unit 43 acquires body part information, subject information, drug solution information, and examination information related to the examination. For example, the information acquisition unit 43 acquires various information entered by the operator via the touch panel 26. Specifically, the information acquisition unit 43 acquires the name of the body part that identifies the selected body part as body part information entered by the operator. For example, the names of body parts include head, brain, chest, coronary artery, right ventricle, left ventricle, abdomen, lower limbs, upper limbs, lungs, liver, stomach, spleen, pancreas, intestines, kidneys, ascending aorta, descending aorta, and abdominal aorta. Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 43 may acquire various information from external devices connected to the console 23. For example, the information acquisition unit 43 may acquire heart rate as subject information from a pulse oximeter as a measuring device that acquires the subject's biological information.

[0033] Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 43 may acquire various information from the storage unit 42 of the simulator 40 or from the server S. When acquiring information from the server S, the console 23 and the server S function together as the simulator 40. Examples of this server S include RIS, PACS, HIS, image review systems, and image creation workstations. The server S is configured as a single logical server S by combining multiple server units, which are computers. However, the server S may be configured by a single server unit. Alternatively, the server S may be logically configured using cloud computing. The server S is also configured as a computer that combines a processor that performs various calculations and operation controls according to a predetermined program, internal memory necessary for the operation of the processor, and other peripheral devices.

[0034] Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 43 may acquire various types of information from the imaging device 30 or the injection head 20. For example, the injection head 20 acquires the iodine content as drug solution information from a reading unit built into the injection head 20. The information acquisition unit 43 then acquires the iodine content from the injection head 20. As an example, the reading unit is a non-contact type reading device that reads drug solution information from a data carrier attached to a syringe mounted on the injection head 20.

[0035] The part information acquired by the information acquisition unit 43 may include not only information that identifies the selected part, but also tissue information of the subject. Tissues include the heart, right ventricle, left ventricle, blood vessels, kidneys, ureters, other organs and muscles. As an example, tissue information may include the number of compartments in blood vessels and organs as tissues, tissue volume, vascular lumen volume, capillary volume, extracellular fluid space volume, blood flow rate per unit tissue, blood flow velocity per unit tissue, contrast agent leakage rate in the tissue, capillary permeable surface area, contrast agent return rate in the tissue, capillary permeable surface area, and the inherent pixel values ​​of the tissue. The number of compartments may be set so that there are more compartments in tissues with a larger volume than in tissues with a smaller volume.

[0036] Furthermore, the subject information acquired by the information acquisition unit 43 includes, for example, iodine content per unit weight, sex, weight, height, body surface area, cardiac function, heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, hemoglobin level, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), creatinine level, age, lean body mass, body mass index, circulating blood volume, subject number, subject ID, subject disease and adverse event history, subject name, date of birth, blood volume, and blood flow velocity. In addition, the drug solution information acquired by the information acquisition unit 43 includes, for example, iodine content, iodine content per unit, viscosity, osmotic pressure ratio, filling amount, product ID, product name, chemical classification, contained components, concentration, expiration date, syringe capacity, syringe pressure resistance, cylinder bore diameter, piston stroke, and lot number.

[0037] Furthermore, the inspection information acquired by the information acquisition unit 43 includes, for example, information identifying the imaging area, pressure limit, amount of iodine per unit time (hereinafter also referred to as the amount of iodine used), tube voltage (kV), inspection number, inspection ID, inspection date and time, type of drug solution, name of drug solution, and characteristics of the imaging device 30. The information identifying the imaging area is information that can identify the area or range selected as the imaging target. For example, the information identifying the imaging area includes the name of the inspection area, the name of the imaging method, or the distance from the drug solution injection site to the inspection area. Note that if it is not necessary for the simulation, the information acquisition unit 43 does not have to acquire any of the area information, subject information, drug solution information, or inspection information.

[0038] The injection condition acquisition unit 44 acquires the injection protocol, which is the injection condition for the contrast agent. For example, the injection condition acquisition unit 44 generates an injection protocol based on various information acquired from the information acquisition unit 43, and acquires the injection protocol therein. Alternatively, the injection condition acquisition unit 44 may acquire an injection protocol entered by the operator via the simulator 40. The injection condition acquisition unit 44 may also acquire an injection protocol from the storage unit 42, the server S, the injection head 20, or the imaging device 30. The injection protocol includes, for example, the injection time and injection rate of the drug solution. Furthermore, the injection protocol may consist of multiple injection phases. For example, the confirmation screen shown in Figure 3 displays an injection protocol consisting of a first phase injecting the contrast agent, a second phase injecting the contrast agent and saline, and a third phase injecting saline.

[0039] For example, the injection protocol may include information such as the injection method, injection site of the drug solution, injection volume, mixing injection ratio, injection timing, contrast agent concentration, injection pressure, injection speed acceleration, injection time and injection speed of each drug solution, whether or not physiological saline is used to boost the contrast agent, increase or decrease in injection speed, whether or not cross-injection is performed, whether or not link speed setting is performed, and the volume of the injection tube. Cross-injection is an injection method in which the contrast agent is injected at a speed faster than the injection speed of physiological saline until a set time has elapsed from the start of injection, and then the contrast agent is injected so that the injection speed gradually decreases, while physiological saline is injected so that the injection speed gradually increases. Link speed setting is a setting that links the injection speeds of the contrast agent and physiological saline so that their injection speeds are the same.

[0040] Furthermore, the injection condition acquisition unit 44 may generate an injection protocol based on the target value acquired by the target value acquisition unit 45. In this case, the injection condition acquisition unit 44 may generate an injection protocol that realizes the simulation results (e.g., time-concentration curve or time-weighted curve) from the prediction unit 46. Furthermore, the injection condition acquisition unit 44 may generate an injection protocol based on examination information, subject information, and drug solution information.

[0041] The target value acquisition unit 45 acquires the target pixel value necessary for interpreting the image of the imaging area as the target value. The operator can input the target pixel value from the touch panel 26. The target value acquisition unit 45 may also acquire the desired target maintenance time for maintaining the target pixel value as the target value. The operator can input the target maintenance time from the touch panel 26. Alternatively, the target value acquisition unit 45 may acquire the target value from the injection head 20, imaging device 30, storage unit 42, or server S. Furthermore, if the operator does not input a target value, or before the operator inputs a target value, the target value acquisition unit 45 may acquire a preset target value. The preset target value is stored in the storage unit 42. This allows the operator to obtain simulation results without inputting a target value.

[0042] The prediction unit 46 simulates the pixel values ​​at a selected site when a contrast agent is injected according to predetermined injection conditions. For example, the prediction unit 46 obtains an injection protocol from the injection condition acquisition unit 44 as predetermined injection conditions. As an example, the injection condition acquisition unit 44 calculates the injection time and injection rate of the contrast agent and physiological saline as an injection protocol based on the selected site, the subject's weight, and the iodine content of the contrast agent. The prediction unit 46 also obtains site information, subject information, drug solution information, and examination information from the information acquisition unit 43 to simulate the time-dependent changes in pixel values ​​in each tissue of the subject. An example of a simulation by the prediction unit 46 is described below.

[0043] Each tissue in the subject is divided into multiple compartments along the blood flow direction, according to the number of compartments in the tissue based on the tissue information acquired by the information acquisition unit 43. The prediction unit 46 divides the volume of the tissue including the compartment of each tissue to be predicted, the volume of the capillaries in that tissue, and the volume of the extracellular fluid space in that tissue by the number of compartments to predict the change in pixel value over time for each compartment. The tissues in the subject include the right ventricle, aorta, veins, arteries, brain (or head), upper limbs, myocardium (e.g., myocardium dominated by the right coronary artery, myocardium dominated by the anterior descending branch, and myocardium dominated by the circumflex branch), lungs, liver, stomach, spleen, pancreas, intestines, kidneys, ureters, lower limbs, left ventricle, ascending aorta, descending aorta, and abdominal aorta. The contrast agent injected through the upper limb veins travels to the right ventricle, lungs, left ventricle, and aorta (e.g., ascending and descending aorta) before reaching the right ventricle via the veins. The contrast agent then gets out of the body through the kidneys and ureters.

[0044] The prediction unit 46 uses a differential equation, for example, Equation 1 below, to determine the change in the pixel value of each tissue as a function of time. Here, C1 is the concentration of contrast agent flowing into the compartment, C2 is the concentration of contrast agent flowing out of the compartment, V is the volume of the compartment, and Q is the blood flow rate (blood flow velocity) per unit tissue in the compartment.

[0045]

number

[0046] Furthermore, the prediction unit 46 considers the leakage rate when the contrast agent permeates from the capillaries to the extracellular fluid space and the leakage rate when it permeates from the extracellular fluid space to the capillaries in order to determine the change in pixel values ​​in the right ventricle, left ventricle, and tissues other than blood vessels. For this purpose, the prediction unit 46 uses differential equations such as those shown in equations 2 and 3 below. Here, the volume of the extracellular fluid space is denoted as Vec, the concentration of the contrast agent in the extracellular fluid space as Cec, the volume of the capillaries as Viv, the concentration of the contrast agent in the capillaries as Civ, the leakage rate as PS1, and the leakage rate as PS2.

[0047]

number

[0048]

number

[0049] The prediction unit 46 solves the above differential equation to obtain the change in contrast agent concentration corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of injection and the pixel value as a function of time. Furthermore, the prediction unit 46 may calculate the amount of contrast agent discharged based on a predetermined discharge rate and subtract this amount from the contrast agent in the renal capillaries for simulation. This allows the simulation to be performed so that a portion of the contrast agent that reaches the kidneys is subtracted from the total amount of contrast agent in the whole body (in plasma). By simulating the discharge of contrast agent, the total amount of contrast agent in the whole body decreases over time, thus enabling a more accurate simulation. Alternatively, the prediction unit 46 may perform the simulation using a known pharmacokinetic model, such as the method described in Japanese Patent No. 3553968.

[0050] When the simulation is complete, the prediction unit 46 sequentially stores the simulation results in the storage unit 42. These simulation results include information on the pixel values ​​over time associated with each tissue. The tissue corresponding to the selected area can be identified based on the area information. The simulation results may also include a time-dose curve (TDC) or time-weighted curve (TEC) showing the change in pixel values ​​over time at the examination site. In addition, the simulation results may include information on the pixel values ​​over time associated with the tissue. Furthermore, the simulation results may include the length of time (e.g., seconds) during which the pixel values ​​of the selected area remain below the upper limit and above the lower limit. Alternatively, the prediction unit 46 may use other known methods for simulating the systemic circulation of the contrast agent.

[0051] Furthermore, the prediction unit 46 receives subject information from the information acquisition unit 43, including hemoglobin level (g / dL), body weight (kg), height (cm), cardiac function (%), heart rate (bpm), and body surface area (m²). 2 The prediction unit 46 may receive creatinine level, cardiac output (L / min), and eGFR. This allows the prediction unit 46 to perform more accurate and high-precision simulations based on more information. As a result, it can acquire higher-quality images or create three-dimensional images, for example, to perform surgical simulations or to determine treatment strategies. The prediction unit 46 may also calculate and use at least one of body surface area, cardiac output, and estimated glomerular filtration rate in the simulation. For example, body surface area can be calculated based on weight and height using the Fujimoto, Dubois, or Shintani formulas. Cardiac output can be calculated based on body surface area, cardiac function, and heart rate. eGFR can be calculated based on creatinine level, age, and sex.

[0052] The determination unit 47 determines whether the pixel value is higher than the upper limit and whether the pixel value is lower than the lower limit, based on the simulation results from the prediction unit 46. For example, the determination unit 47 obtains information that identifies the selected area as area information from the information acquisition unit 43 and identifies the tissue corresponding to the selected area. The determination unit 47 also obtains threshold identification information for the selected area by referring to the reference data RD. Then, the determination unit 47 obtains the target pixel value from the target value acquisition unit 45 and identifies the upper and lower limits of the pixel value based on the threshold identification information.

[0053] Threshold information is set for each tissue of the subject. For example, in the case of coronary arteries, the information specifying the upper limit is "plus 50 HU" and the information specifying the lower limit is "minus 50 HU". Therefore, if the target pixel value is 400 HU, the upper limit will be 450 HU and the lower limit will be 350 HU. Note that the threshold information may also be the upper or lower pixel value; for example, the information specifying the upper limit may be "450 HU" and the information specifying the lower limit may be "350 HU". Furthermore, the threshold information may also be a percentage of the target pixel value; for example, the information specifying the upper limit may be "plus 10%" and the information specifying the lower limit may be "minus 10%". In this case, if the target pixel value is 400 HU, the upper limit will be 440 HU and the lower limit will be 360 ​​HU.

[0054] For example, the determination unit 47 is the goal The peak value of the pixel value during the maintenance period is compared with the upper and lower limits to determine whether the pixel value is higher than the upper limit and whether the pixel value is lower than the lower limit. Alternatively, the determination unit 47, the goalThe average or median pixel value during the maintenance period may be compared with the upper and lower limits. Alternatively, the determination unit 47 may compare the pixel value at the imaging timing when the imaging device 30 performs imaging with the upper and lower limits. In this case, the imaging timing may be determined by the determination unit 47, or it may be obtained by the determination unit 47 from the imaging device 30, the storage unit 42, the server S, or the injection head 20. As an example, in the injection head 20, the imaging timing can be obtained by detecting sounds during exposure using a built-in or connected sensor.

[0055] Furthermore, the determination unit 47 may determine a predetermined timing during the maintenance period in which the pixel value of the selected area is maintained at a state lower than the upper limit and higher than the lower limit as the imaging timing. In imaging devices 30 such as CT scanners, the imaging timing is the exposure timing when X-rays are irradiated. For example, the determination unit 47 may determine the timing in the middle of the maintenance period as the imaging timing. Alternatively, the determination unit 47 may determine the timing in which the pixel value reaches its peak value during the maintenance period as the imaging timing. The determination unit 47 transmits information to the display control unit 48 to identify the determined imaging timing, such as the elapsed time from the start of injection to the imaging timing, or the time of the imaging timing.

[0056] Based on the determination result by the determination unit 47, the display control unit 48 displays a first part image 61A (Figure 6), which is an example of a first image, on the touch panel 26 if the pixel value in the selected part is higher than the upper limit. The display control unit 48 also displays a second part image 61B (Figure 5), which is an example of a second image with a different display mode from the first part image 61A, on the touch panel 26 if the pixel value in the selected part is lower than the lower limit. As a result, the operator can determine that the pixel value in the selected part meets the desired conditions if neither the first part image 61A nor the second part image 61B is displayed. That is, if neither the first part image 61A nor the second part image 61B is displayed, it means that the pixel value in the selected part is maintained within a predetermined range from the target pixel value. The display control unit 48 may also display a string indicating that the pixel value in the selected part is higher than the upper limit on the touch panel 26 if it is higher than the upper limit, and may also display a string indicating that the pixel value in the selected part is lower than the lower limit on the touch panel 26 if it is lower than the lower limit. In these cases, the injection condition acquisition unit 44 may generate an injection protocol that achieves an optimal time-concentration curve or time-weighted curve. The display control unit 48 displays the generated injection protocol.

[0057] Furthermore, the display control unit 48 displays a third part image 61C (Figure 4), which is an example of a third image with a different display mode from the first part image 61A and the second part image 61B, on the touch panel 26 when the pixel value of the selected part is lower than the upper limit and higher than the lower limit. This allows the operator to determine that the pixel value in the selected part meets the desired conditions if the third part image 61C is displayed. In other words, if neither the first part image 61A nor the second part image 61B is displayed, and the third part image 61C is displayed, it means that the pixel value in the selected part is maintained within a predetermined range from the target pixel value. The first part image 61A, the second part image 61B, and the third part image 61C may be images that mimic organs, images that mimic the human body, images that mimic parts of the human body, and other arbitrary images. Furthermore, images that mimic parts of the human body as the first part image 61A, the second part image 61B, and the third part image 61C may be displayed superimposed on an image that mimics the human body.

[0058] Furthermore, the display control unit 48 may display the first part image 61A and the second part image 61B in such a way that the first part image 61A has a higher brightness than the second part image 61B, thereby differentiating the display patterns of the two images. Alternatively, the display control unit 48 may display the first part image 61A, the second part image 61B, and the third part image 61C in such a way that the first part image 61A has a higher brightness than the third part image 61C, and the second part image 61B has a lower brightness than the third part image 61C, thereby differentiating the display patterns of each image. Alternatively, the display control unit 48 may display the first part image 61A, the second part image 61B, and the third part image 61C in such a way that their size, brightness, density, saturation, contrast, or resolution differs from each other. Furthermore, the display control unit 48 may change the display mode so that the third part image 61C is displayed with more emphasis than the first part image 61A and the second part image 61B. Examples of emphasis include changes in the color, shape, or size of the image, flashing of the image, and movement of the image.

[0059] Furthermore, the display control unit 48 displays a length image 62 (Figure 4) on the touch panel 26 as an image indicating the length of time during which the pixel value of the selected area is maintained at a state lower than the upper limit and higher than the lower limit, with the size of the image corresponding to the length of the maintenance time. That is, the display control unit 48 displays the length image 62 in such a way that the size becomes larger or longer if the maintenance time is long, and smaller or shorter if the maintenance time is short. For example, the display control unit 48 displays the length image 62 on an axis indicating the elapsed time from the start of injection. This allows the operator to understand the length of time during which the pixel value is maintained within a predetermined range from the target pixel value. In addition, the display control unit 48 may also display a string of characters (e.g., seconds) indicating the length of the maintenance time on the touch panel 26.

[0060] Furthermore, the display control unit 48 displays an instruction image 63 (Figure 4) on the touch panel 26 as information indicating the imaging timing. For example, the display control unit 48 obtains the elapsed time from the start of injection to the imaging timing from the determination unit 47 as information that identifies the imaging timing. The display control unit 48 then displays, for example, an instruction image 63 indicating the imaging timing, aligned with the axis line indicating the elapsed time from the start of injection, as information that identifies the imaging timing. The imaging timing may be a single point in time within the maintenance time, or it may be a predetermined time range within the maintenance time. For example, if the imaging timing is a time range, the imaging timing is the range consisting of a predetermined length of time before the center of the maintenance time and a predetermined length of time after the center. Alternatively, the display control unit 48 may display a string of characters (e.g., seconds) indicating the elapsed time from the start of injection to the imaging timing on the touch panel 26, either in place of or in addition to the image, as information that identifies the imaging timing. The display control unit 48 may also obtain information that identifies the imaging timing, such as the time of the imaging timing, from an external device of the console 23, such as the imaging device 30.

[0061] [Screen Description] Before displaying the simulation screens shown in Figures 4 to 6, the display control unit 48 displays the confirmation screen shown in Figure 3 on the touch panel 26. The display control unit 48 displays the confirmation screen when the operator selects a body part on the initial screen (not shown). The display control unit 48 also displays the initial screen on the touch panel 26 when the injection head 20 is activated. For example, the initial screen displays a silhouette image of a human body, and the operator touches the body part of the silhouette image. This allows the operator to select the touched body part as the selected body part. Once the selected body part is selected, an input screen for entering subject information, inspection information, and target values ​​is displayed on the initial screen. For example, the operator touches the numeric keypad image displayed on the input screen to input the weight as subject information, the pressure limit and iodine usage amount as inspection information, and the target pixel value and target maintenance time as target values. The operator's operations may include touch operations, tap operations, flick operations, swipe operations, pinch-in operations, and pinch-out operations, and may also be operations using an operating device such as a mouse or keyboard.

[0062] The display control unit 48 displays the confirmation screen shown in Figure 3 on the touch panel 26 after a certain period of time has elapsed since the operator has entered subject information, etc. The display control unit 48 may display the confirmation screen instead of the initial screen, or it may display the confirmation screen together with the initial screen. Alternatively, the display control unit 48 may display the confirmation screen in response to an operation by the operator to display the confirmation screen. The confirmation screen is provided with a drug solution information section 51 where drug solution information is displayed. For example, the display control unit 48 displays the amount of contrast agent and physiological saline filled in the syringe mounted on the injection head 20 as drug solution information acquired from the information acquisition unit 43 in the drug solution information section 51. In the example in Figure 3, the amount of contrast agent filled is 140 mL and the amount of physiological saline filled is 150 mL, both displayed in the drug solution information section 51. Furthermore, the confirmation screen is provided with an examination information section 52 where examination information is displayed. For example, the display control unit 48 displays the pressure limit and the amount of iodine used as examination information entered by the operator in the examination information section 52. In the example shown in Figure 3, the pressure limit of 300 psi and the iodine volume of 22.2 mgI / kg / sec are displayed in the inspection information section 52. Note that input of subsequent information (e.g., inspection information or target values) may be restricted until the operator inputs subject information such as weight. If the operator does not operate the system for a certain period of time after each piece of information has been entered, the display control unit 48 may automatically display the registered icon or information input screen.

[0063] The confirmation screen includes an injection time field 53 where the injection time is displayed. In the example in Figure 3, the injection time of the contrast agent, 15 seconds, is displayed in the injection time field 53. The injection time field 53 may also display the injection time of the physiological saline solution, the injection time of the mixed injection, or the total injection time of all drug solutions. Furthermore, the confirmation screen includes a subject information field 54A where subject information is displayed. For example, the display control unit 48 displays the subject's weight in the subject information field 54A as subject information entered by the operator. In the example in Figure 3, a weight of 58 kg is displayed in the subject information field 54A. The confirmation screen in Figure 3 also includes a biological information field 54B where the subject's biological information is displayed. For example, the display control unit 48 displays the heart rate in the biological information field 54B as biological information acquired by the information acquisition unit 43 from the measuring device. In the example in Figure 3, a heart rate of 60 bpm is displayed in the biological information field 54B. However, if biological information is not acquired from the measuring device, the biological information field 54B may be omitted. Furthermore, the confirmation screen is provided with a drug solution name field 55 where the product name of the contrast agent is displayed as the drug solution name. For example, the display control unit 48 displays the product name of the contrast agent filled in the syringe as the drug solution name acquired from the information acquisition unit 43 in the drug solution name field 55. In the example in Figure 3, the product name "ABC" is displayed in the drug solution name field 55. The name or logo of the drug solution manufacturer may also be displayed, and the product name and the name or logo of the manufacturer may be displayed after the reading unit of the injection head 20 has read the drug solution information. Furthermore, the amount of iodine per unit of contrast agent may also be displayed.

[0064] The confirmation screen also includes a selection area field 56 where information identifying the selected area is displayed. For example, the display control unit 48 displays the name of the area and an image representing the area in the selection area field 56 as information identifying the selected area entered by the operator. In the example in Figure 3, an image representing the chest in a silhouette image of the human body and the area name "Coronary Artery" are displayed in the selection area field 56. The confirmation screen also includes an injection conditions field 57 where the injection conditions are displayed. For example, the display control unit 48 displays the injection protocol in the injection conditions field 57 as drug solution information acquired from the injection condition acquisition unit 44. In the example in Figure 3, an injection protocol consisting of a first phase in which the contrast agent injection rate is 6.4 mL / sec and the injection volume is 58 mL, a second phase in which the injection rates of the contrast agent and physiological saline are 2.2 mL / sec and the injection volume is 13 mL each, and a third phase in which the physiological saline injection rate is 2.5 mL / sec and the injection volume is 20 mL is displayed. Furthermore, a mark M or string of characters may be displayed to indicate a recommended instrument for use when, for example, a contrast agent and physiological saline are mixed and injected (e.g., "SPIRAL FLOW®" manufactured by Nemoto Kyorindo Co., Ltd.). Using such an instrument allows for accurate mixing of the drug solution. In the second phase, 26 mL of the mixed contrast agent and physiological saline solution is injected at an injection rate of 4.4 mL / sec.

[0065] Furthermore, the confirmation screen displays an air check button 58 and a simulation start or display button 59. The operator can complete the injection preparation by touching the air check button 58. When the operator touches the air check button 58, the display control unit 48 displays a start button (not shown) in place of the air check button 58. The operator can start the injection by touching the start button. Alternatively, the operator can start the injection by pressing down the start switch provided on the operation unit 28 of the injection head 20. Furthermore, the operator may also start the injection by operating a remote control device.

[0066] Furthermore, when the operator flicks the start or display button 59, the display control unit 48 displays the simulation screen shown in Figures 4 to 6 on the touch panel 26. If the operator does not perform any operations for a certain period of time on the simulation screen, the display control unit 48 displays the confirmation screen again. In this case, the display control unit 48 may display the confirmation screen instead of the simulation screen, or it may display the confirmation screen together with the simulation screen.

[0067] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the simulation screen is provided with an examination information field 52, an injection time field 53, a biological information field 54B, a selected site field 56, and an injection conditions field 57. The display control unit 48 displays these fields in the same way as the confirmation screen shown in Figure 3, so its explanation is omitted. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the simulation screen is provided with a results field 60 that shows the judgment result. The display control unit 48 displays the results field 60 so that it expands in sync with the operator's flick operation. Alternatively, the display control unit 48 may display the results field 60 as a pop-up superimposed on the confirmation screen. In this results field 60, an image simulating the heart, including the coronary arteries, is displayed as the third site image 61C. The display control unit 48 displays the third site image 61C when the judgment unit 47 determines that the pixel value of the selected site is lower than the upper limit and higher than the lower limit.

[0068] The prediction unit 46 starts the simulation when the display control unit 48 displays a confirmation screen. That is, the prediction unit 46 starts the simulation after a certain period of time has elapsed since the operator inputs subject information. When the simulation is finished, the prediction unit 46 stores the simulation results in the storage unit 42. The determination unit 47 performs a determination at any time after the simulation is finished and stores the determination result in the storage unit 42. The display control unit 48 then expands the results field 60 displaying the first part image 61A, the second part image 61B, or the third part image 61C according to the determination result. Alternatively, the prediction unit 46 may start the simulation when the operator operates the start or display button 59. In parallel, when the operator operates the start or display button 59, the display control unit 48 expands the results field 60. Then, the determination unit 47 performs a determination after the simulation is completed, and according to the determination result, the display control unit 48 displays the first part image 61A, the second part image 61B, or the third part image 61C in the expanded result field 60.

[0069] Furthermore, the display control unit 48 displays a length image 62 in the results column 60, on the axis indicating the elapsed time from the start of injection, showing the length of the maintenance time. In the example in Figure 4, the maintenance time is shown as 15 seconds, between the timing 20 seconds after the start of injection and the timing 35 seconds after the start of injection. In addition, the display control unit 48 displays an indicator image 63 in the results column 60, aligned with the axis, indicating the imaging timing. Note that the display of at least one of the length image 62 and the indicator image 63 may be omitted.

[0070] Furthermore, the display control unit 48 displays the target pixel value, target retention time, and tube voltage in the results column 60. In the example in Figure 4, the target pixel value is 400HU (target CT value), the retention time is 15 sec (retention time), and the tube voltage is 120kVp (tube voltage). The display control unit 48 may also display a simulation screen so that the operator can change at least one of the target pixel value, target retention time, and tube voltage. For example, if the operator touches the value they want to change, the display control unit 48 will pop up an input keypad image. A re-simulation may be performed after the change is made. A re-simulation may also be performed if the biological information of the subject acquired by the measuring device (e.g., heart rate) changes. In these cases, the determination unit 47 performs a determination after the simulation is completed, and according to the determination result, the display control unit 48 displays the first part image 61A, the second part image 61B, or the third part image 61C in the expanded results column 60.

[0071] In the simulation screen shown in Figure 5, the display control unit 48 displays each field in the same way as the simulation screen shown in Figure 4, except for the results field 60. Therefore, the results field 60 will be explained below. In the results field 60 shown in Figure 5, an image simulating the heart, including the coronary arteries, is displayed as the second part image 61B. The display control unit 48 displays the second part image 61B when the determination unit 47 determines that the pixel value in the selected part is lower than the lower limit.

[0072] In the simulation screen shown in Figure 6, the display control unit 48 displays each field in the same way as the simulation screen shown in Figure 4, except for the results field 60. Therefore, the results field 60 will be explained below. In the results field 60 shown in Figure 6, an image simulating the heart, including the coronary arteries, is displayed as the first part image 61A. The display control unit 48 displays the first part image 61A when the determination unit 47 determines that the pixel value in the selected part is higher than the upper limit.

[0073] As shown in the results column 60 of Figures 4 to 6, the display control unit 48 displays one of the first part image 61A, the second part image 61B, or the third part image 61C depending on the determination result. Furthermore, the first part image 61A shown in Figure 6 has higher brightness and is displayed as whiter than the second part image 61B shown in Figure 5 and the third part image 61C shown in Figure 4. This allows the operator to intuitively and visually recognize the simulation result that the pixel value in the selected part is higher than the upper limit. Furthermore, the second part image 61B shown in Figure 5 has lower brightness and is displayed as blacker than the first part image 61A shown in Figure 6 and the third part image 61C shown in Figure 4. This allows the operator to visually recognize the simulation result that the pixel value in the selected part is lower than the lower limit.

[0074] Furthermore, the third region image 61C shown in Figure 4 is displayed with lower brightness and appears darker than the first region image 61A shown in Figure 6, and with higher brightness and appears whiter than the second region image 61B shown in Figure 5. This allows the operator to visually recognize the simulation result that the pixel values ​​in the selected region are within the range between the upper and lower limits. The display control unit 48 may also make the display of only a portion of the first region image 61A, the second region image 61B, and the third region image 61C different from the other images. For example, the display control unit 48 may make only the portion of the first region image 61A, the second region image 61B, and the third region image 61C corresponding to the coronary arteries different from the other images. Similarly, in the example where the selected region is the right ventricle, the display control unit 48 may make only the portion corresponding to the right ventricle different from the other images. Furthermore, the display control unit 48 may display images that mimic the organ corresponding to the selected area as the first area image 61A, the second area image 61B, and the third area image 61C. For example, if the selected area is the liver, the display control unit 48 may display an image that mimics the liver.

[0075] Furthermore, in the results column 60 shown in Figure 5, the second position image 64B is displayed as another example of the second image. Then, in the results column 60 shown in Figure 6, the first position image 64A is displayed as another example of the first image, in a different display manner from the second position image 64B. The second position image 64B differs from the first position image 64A in that it is displayed in a different position. That is, the second position image 64B is displayed below the target pixel value. This allows the operator to intuitively and visually recognize the simulation result that the pixel value in the selected area is lower than the lower limit. Similarly, the first position image 64A differs from the second position image 64B in that it is displayed in a different position. That is, the first position image 64A is displayed above the target pixel value. This allows the operator to visually recognize the simulation result that the pixel value in the selected area is higher than the upper limit. Note that the first position image 64A and the second position image 64B may have different display manners, such as blinking.

[0076] [Display flow of judgment results] After the operator turns on the power to the injection head 20 and loads the syringe, the reading unit of the injection head 20 reads the drug solution information, such as the product ID, and sends it to the simulator 40. The information acquisition unit 43 of the simulator 40 then acquires the drug solution information read by the reading unit. The display control unit 48 reads the manufacturer name, product name based on the product ID, and filling amount from the storage unit 42 and displays them on the initial screen. Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 43 stores the acquired product ID as drug solution information in the storage unit 42. Next, the operator selects the desired part from the silhouette image displayed on the initial screen and performs a touch operation. Then, as shown in Figure 7, the information acquisition unit 43 acquires information that identifies the part selected by the operator as the selected part, and stores it in the storage unit 42 as part information (S701).

[0077] When the operator selects a body part, the display control unit 48 displays an input screen (S702), and the operator inputs subject information, examination information, and target values, etc. The information acquisition unit 43 then acquires the subject information, examination information, target values, etc., and temporarily stores them in the storage unit 42 (S703). The amount of iodine used in the examination information may be calculated and acquired by the information acquisition unit 43 based on the subject's weight. After a certain period of time has elapsed since the operator inputs the subject information, etc. (YES in S704), the display control unit 48 displays a confirmation screen on the touch panel 26 (S705). On the other hand, until a certain period of time has elapsed (NO in S704), the display control unit 48 displays the input screen. The acquisition order or input order of drug solution information, examination information, subject information, etc. can be changed as appropriate.

[0078] In parallel with the display of the confirmation screen, the prediction unit 46 starts simulating the change in pixel values ​​over time (S706). That is, the prediction unit 46 starts the simulation after a certain amount of time has elapsed since the operator inputs subject information. When the prediction unit 46 finishes the simulation, it stores the simulation results in the storage unit 42. The judgment unit 47 also performs a judgment after the simulation is finished (S707) and stores the judgment results in the storage unit 42. Subsequently, when the operator starts the simulation or flicks the display button 59, the display control unit 48 displays the simulation screen on the touch panel 26.

[0079] Here, the display control unit 48 refers to the determination result from the determination unit 47. If the determination unit 47 determines that the pixel value in the selected area is higher than the upper limit (YES in S708), the display control unit 48 displays the first area image 61A and the first position image 64A on the simulation screen (S709). If the determination unit 47 determines that the pixel value in the selected area is lower than the lower limit (YES in S710), the display control unit 48 displays the second area image 61B and the second position image 64B on the simulation screen (S711). If the determination unit 47 determines that the pixel value of the selected area is lower than the upper limit and higher than the lower limit (NO in S710), the display control unit 48 displays the third area image 61C on the simulation screen (S712). The display of each image completes the display of the determination result. After that, if the operator does not perform any operations for a certain period of time, the display control unit 48 displays the confirmation screen again.

[0080] The operator then checks the information displayed on the confirmation screen and selects the air check button 58 if there are no changes. Alternatively, the start of injection may be restricted until the operator changes the settings and the third site image 61C is displayed. For example, the display of the air check button 58 may be restricted until the third site image 61C is displayed. The display control unit 48 then displays the start button on the confirmation screen. This completes the injection preparation and the injection head 20 waits in an injection-ready state. Alternatively, the operator may press the final confirmation button on the operation unit 28 of the injection head 20. Subsequently, when the operator touches the start button, the injection head 20 starts injection.

[0081] According to the invention of the first embodiment described above, the operator can determine whether or not the desired pixel values ​​have been obtained in the area selected as the imaging area. That is, the simulation screen displays the first image, the second image, or the third image. Therefore, the operator can visually recognize whether or not the pixel values ​​fall within the desired range by looking at the displayed image.

[0082] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments described, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Inventions modified within the scope that does not contradict the present invention, and inventions equivalent to the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each embodiment and each variation can be appropriately combined within the scope that does not contradict the present invention.

[0083] For example, the display control unit 48 may display the result of a timing determination at a time elapsed since the start of injection on the simulation screen, in response to the operator's operation. As an example, the operator can move the instruction image 63 in the left-right direction along the axis in the figure. The determination unit 47 compares the pixel value at the timing indicated in the instruction image 63 with an upper limit and a lower limit. The determination unit 47 then determines whether the pixel value is higher than the upper limit and whether the pixel value is lower than the lower limit. After that, the display control unit 48 displays the first image, the second image, or the third image on the simulation screen according to the determination result of the determination unit 47.

[0084] In this case, the display control unit 48 may gradually change the display mode of the image when changing the first image, second image, or third image to another image. For example, when changing from the third image to the first image, the brightness of the third image may be gradually increased to change it to the first image. Also, when changing from the third image to the second image, the brightness of the third image may be gradually decreased to change it to the second image. Alternatively, the display control unit 48 may display a slider image on the axis. In this case, the operator moves the slider image to display the first image, second image, or third image as a result of a determination at an arbitrary timing. In addition, the display control unit 48 may have a mode that displays the image such that the intensity of each tissue image changes according to the time-dependent change in the pixel values ​​of each tissue, based on the simulation results.

[0085] Alternatively, the simulator 40 may be mounted on an external computer connected by wired or wireless connection to at least one of the imaging device 30 and the injection head 20. In this case, the simulator 40 transmits the simulation results to the imaging device 30 or the injection head 20. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 26: Display unit, 40: Simulator, 41: Computer, 46: Prediction unit, 47: Judgment unit, 48: Display control unit, 61A: First image, 61B: Second image, 61C: Third image, 62: Image showing length, 63: Information showing imaging timing, 64A: First image, 64B: Second image, PG: Simulation program

Claims

1. A prediction unit that simulates the pixel values ​​at a selected site when a contrast agent is injected according to predetermined injection conditions, Based on the simulation results from the prediction unit, a determination unit determines whether the pixel value is higher than the upper limit and whether the pixel value is lower than the lower limit. A simulator comprising a display control unit that, according to the determination result of the determination unit, displays a predetermined image on the display unit when the pixel value is lower than the upper limit and higher than the lower limit, and displays another image with a different display mode from the aforementioned image on the display unit when the pixel value is higher than the upper limit or lower than the lower limit.

2. The simulator according to Claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the upper limit and the lower limit, determines whether the peak value of the pixel value is higher than the determined upper limit, and determines whether the peak value is lower than the determined lower limit.

3. The simulator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display control unit causes the display manner of the image and the other image to differ by changing the brightness, color, shape, luminance, density, saturation, contrast, resolution or size, flashing, or moving.

4. The simulator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determination unit determines whether the pixel value is higher than the upper limit and whether it is lower than the lower limit, following the completion of the simulation by the prediction unit.

5. The simulator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the determination unit stores the determination result in the storage unit.

6. The pixel values ​​at the selected site are simulated when a contrast agent is injected according to predetermined injection conditions. Based on the simulation results, it is determined whether the pixel value is higher than the upper limit and whether the pixel value is lower than the lower limit. A simulator control method that, depending on the determination result, displays a predetermined image on the display unit if the pixel value is lower than the upper limit and higher than the lower limit, and displays another image with a different display mode from the aforementioned image on the display unit if the pixel value is higher than the upper limit or lower than the lower limit.

7. The simulator computer, A prediction unit that simulates the pixel values ​​at a selected site when a contrast agent is injected according to predetermined injection conditions, Based on the simulation results from the prediction unit, a determination unit determines whether the pixel value is higher than the upper limit and whether the pixel value is lower than the lower limit. A simulation program that functions as a display control unit, which, according to the determination result by the determination unit, displays a predetermined image on the display unit if the pixel value is lower than the upper limit and higher than the lower limit, and displays another image with a different display mode from the predetermined image on the display unit if the pixel value is higher than the upper limit or lower than the lower limit.

Images