Compression member, image acquisition device, image acquisition method, and image acquisition system

Abstract

This compression member for putting the breast in a compression state has relief structures in at least a partial region of a contact surface that comes into contact with the breast and / or an outer surface opposite the contact surface, the maximum height roughness and the average length of the relief structures being smaller than the wavelength of ultrasound.

Description

Compression member, image acquisition device, and image acquisition method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a compression member, an image acquisition device, and an image acquisition method.

[0002] Image acquisition devices that capture radiographic images of the breast have been known. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving the accuracy of breast cancer detection, devices that can acquire ultrasound images of the breast in addition to radiographic images have been proposed. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-125080 discloses a method of acquiring an X-ray image of the breast, determining the coordinates of an ROI that is observable on the X-ray image and includes an abnormal area, and scanning the object using an ultrasound imaging system using the coordinates of the ROI.

[0003] While it is well known to compress the breast with a compression member when capturing a radiographic image using an image capture device, a method of compressing the breast with a compression member has also been proposed for capturing ultrasound images. For example, JP 2021-527519 A discloses a pair of compression paddles, each housing a transducer and having a patient-contacting surface provided with a compression material, that are driven by a motor to immobilize the breast for ultrasound imaging. It also discloses that the patient-contacting surfaces of the compression paddles are striped, grooved, or otherwise roughened to resist movement of breast tissue caused by sweat, coupling gel required for ultrasound imaging, and the like.

[0004] It is known that the image quality of an ultrasound image depends on the difference in acoustic impedance between the media through which the ultrasound waves pass. At the interface between the media, the smaller the difference in acoustic impedance, the more ultrasound waves pass through, increasing the signal strength and improving the image quality. On the other hand, the larger the difference in acoustic impedance, the more ultrasound waves are reflected, increasing noise and deteriorating the image quality.

[0005] When acquiring an ultrasound image of a breast compressed by a compression member, ultrasound waves are transmitted through the compression member, breast, etc. Conventional compression members have a large difference in acoustic impedance from the breast, which can result in poor quality ultrasound images.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a compression member, an image acquisition device, and an image acquisition method that can obtain good images.

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a compression member that compresses a breast, and has an uneven structure in at least a partial area of ​​at least one of the contact surface with the breast and the outer surface opposite the contact surface, and the maximum height roughness and average length of the uneven structure are smaller than the wavelength of ultrasound.

[0008] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, the compression member may have an uneven structure in at least a partial area of ​​at least the contact surface.

[0009] A third aspect of the present disclosure is the second aspect, wherein the compression member may have an uneven structure in at least a partial area of ​​each of the contact surface and the outer surface.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the third aspect, wherein the uneven structure of the contact surface and the uneven structure of the outer surface may differ in at least one of the shape of the unevenness, the maximum height roughness, and the average length.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the maximum height roughness and average length of the uneven structure may be one-tenth or less of the wavelength of the ultrasonic wave.

[0012] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the fifth aspect, wherein the maximum height roughness and average length of the concave-convex structure may be equal to or less than one-twentieth of the wavelength of the ultrasonic wave.

[0013] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is an image acquisition device comprising: a radiation source; a radiation detector; and a compression member according to the above aspect, disposed between the radiation source and the radiation detector.

[0014] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the seventh aspect, further comprising an ultrasound probe disposed between the radiation source and the compression member.

[0015] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is an image acquisition method in which a gel-like or liquid ultrasonically transparent medium is applied to the uneven structure portion of a compression member relating to any one of the first to sixth aspects above, and an ultrasound image of a breast compressed by the compression member with the medium applied thereto is acquired via the compression member.

[0016] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is the ninth aspect, wherein the medium has an acoustic impedance between the acoustic impedance of the breast and the acoustic impedance of the compression member.

[0017] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is the ninth or tenth aspect, wherein a medium may be filled into recesses of the concave-convex structure.

[0018] According to the above-described aspects, the pressure member, image acquisition device, and image acquisition method of the present disclosure can obtain good images.

[0019] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image acquisition system. FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of the appearance of an image acquisition device. FIG. 3 is a three-view diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a compression member. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of a concave-convex structure of a compression member. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of a concave-convex structure of a compression member. FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of a concave-convex structure of a compression member. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of a concave-convex structure of a compression member. FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of a concave-convex structure of a compression member. FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of a concave-convex structure of a compression member. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a console. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the console. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a control process of the console. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of an image acquisition method. FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of a compression member according to a comparative example. FIG. 15 is a three-view diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a compression member.

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] First, the configuration of an image acquisition system 1 to which an image acquisition device 10 according to the present disclosure is applied will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image acquisition system 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the image acquisition system 1 includes the image acquisition device 10 and a console 50. The image acquisition device 10 and the console 50, and the console 50 and an external RIS (Radiology Information System) 6, are configured to be connectable via a wired or wireless network.

[0022] In the image acquisition system 1, the console 50 acquires an imaging order, etc. from the RIS 6, and controls the image acquisition device 10 in accordance with the imaging order and user instructions, etc. The image acquisition device 10 acquires radiological images and ultrasound images of the subject's breast compressed by the compression member 40.

[0023] Next, the schematic configuration of the image acquisition device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a side view showing an example of the appearance of the image acquisition device 10, as viewed from the right side of the subject. As shown in Fig. 2, the image acquisition device 10 includes a radiation source 17R, a radiation detector 28, an imaging table 16 disposed between the radiation source 17R and the radiation detector 28, a compression member 40 that compresses the breast between the imaging table 16, and an ultrasound probe 30. In the image acquisition device 10, a user such as a doctor or technician positions the subject's breast on an imaging surface 16A of the imaging table 16.

[0024] The image acquisition device 10 includes an arm unit 12, a base 14, and a shaft unit 15. The arm unit 12 is held by the base 14 so as to be movable in the vertical direction (Z direction). The shaft unit 15 connects the arm unit 12 to the base 14. The arm unit 12 is rotatable relative to the base 14 around the shaft unit 15 as a rotation axis. Furthermore, the arm unit 12 may have an upper portion including a radiation irradiation unit 17 and a lower portion including an imaging table 16 that are rotatable relative to the base 14 around the shaft unit 15 as a rotation axis, separately.

[0025] The arm 12 includes a radiation irradiator 17 and an imaging table 16. The radiation irradiator 17 includes a radiation source 17R and is configured to be able to change the irradiation field of radiation (e.g., X-rays) irradiated from the radiation source 17R. The irradiation field may be changed, for example, by a user operating the operation unit 26, or may be changed by the control unit 20 depending on the type of the attached compression member 40.

[0026] The imaging stand 16 includes a control unit 20, a storage unit 22, an I / F (Interface) unit 24, an operation unit 26, and a radiation detector 28. The control unit 20 controls the overall operation of the image acquisition device 10 in accordance with the control of the console 50. The control unit 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. (not shown). The ROM stores various programs in advance, including a program executed by the CPU for controlling the acquisition of radiographic images and ultrasound images. The RAM temporarily stores various data.

[0027] Data of radiographic images and ultrasound images, various other information, etc. are stored in the storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 is realized by a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory.

[0028] The I / F unit 24 communicates various types of information with the console 50 via wired or wireless communication. Specifically, the I / F unit 24 receives information related to the control of the image acquisition device 10 from the console 50. The I / F unit 24 also transmits radiographic image and ultrasound image data to the console 50.

[0029] The operation unit 26 is a part provided on the imaging stand 16 or the like that can be operated by the user with the hands or feet, and is, for example, a switch, a button, a touch panel, or the like.

[0030] The radiation detector 28 is disposed inside the imaging table 16, detects radiation R that has passed through the breast and the imaging table 16, generates a radiographic image based on the detected radiation R, and outputs image data representing the generated radiographic image. The type of radiation detector 28 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, an indirect conversion type radiation detector that converts radiation R into light and then converts the converted light into electric charges, or a direct conversion type radiation detector that directly converts radiation R into electric charges.

[0031] A probe unit 38 and a compression unit 48 are connected to the arm 12. A support part 36 that detachably supports the ultrasonic probe 30 is attached to the probe unit 38. A drive part (not shown) provided in the probe unit 38 moves the support part 36 (ultrasonic probe 30) in the vertical and horizontal directions (X direction, Y direction, and Z direction). The support part 36 is preferably made of a material that transmits radiation R.

[0032] The ultrasonic probe 30 is used to obtain an ultrasonic image of a breast compressed by a compression member 40. The ultrasonic probe 30 is disposed between the radiation source 17R and the compression member 40, irradiates the breast with ultrasonic waves via the compression member 40, and receives reflected waves from the breast. Specifically, the ultrasonic probe 30 includes an ultrasonic transducer array. The ultrasonic transducer array is configured with a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally. The ultrasonic transducer is formed by forming electrodes on both ends of a piezoelectric material, such as a piezoelectric ceramic, typically lead zirconate titanate (PZT), or a polymer piezoelectric element, typically polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF). The probe unit 38 also includes a converter (not shown) that converts the reflected waves from the breast received by the ultrasonic probe 30 into an ultrasonic image, thereby obtaining the ultrasonic image.

[0033] Furthermore, the image acquisition device 10 may be configured to be able to interchangeably attach a plurality of different types of ultrasound probes 30. Specifically, ultrasound probes 30 with different performance and dimensions may be attached depending on the subject's physique (e.g., breast size), breast tissue composition (e.g., fat mass and mammary gland mass), and type of imaging (e.g., magnification imaging and spot imaging). For example, a linear probe with a center frequency of approximately 7.5 MHz (for superficial imaging, etc.), a convex probe with a center frequency of approximately 3.5 MHz (for abdominal imaging, etc.), and a sector probe with a center frequency of approximately 2.5 MHz (for cardiac imaging, etc.) may be used.

[0034] A support part 46 that supports the compression member 40 is detachably attached to the compression unit 48. A drive part (not shown) provided in the compression unit 48 moves the support part 46 (compression member 40) in the up-down direction (Z direction).

[0035] The compression member 40 is disposed between the radiation source 17R and the imaging table 16, and compresses the breast by sandwiching the breast between the radiation source 17R and the imaging table 16. Figure 3 shows three views of an example of the compression member 40. The three views in Figure 3 include a top view of the compression member 40 seen from above (the radiation irradiation unit 17 side), a side view seen from the subject side, and a side view seen from the right side of the subject. As shown in Figure 3, the compression member 40 includes a compression portion 42 and a support portion 46.

[0036] The support portion 46 includes an attachment portion 47 and an arm 49. The attachment portion 47 attaches the compression member 40 to the image acquisition device 10, specifically to a drive portion of a compression unit 48. The arm 49 supports the compression portion 42.

[0037] The compression unit 42 has a bottom 43 surrounded by a wall 44 of approximately uniform height, and has a concave cross-sectional shape. The compression unit 42 is preferably made of an optically transparent or translucent material so that positioning and the compression state can be confirmed during breast compression. The compression unit 42 is also preferably made of a material that is highly transparent to radiation R and ultrasound. The compression unit 42 is also preferably made of a material that has excellent strength, such as drop strength and compression strength.

[0038] Examples of such materials that can be used include resins such as polymethylpentene (PMP), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic, polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Polymethylpentene, in particular, has an acoustic impedance that affects the transmittance and reflectance of ultrasound waves, which is closer to that of the human body (breast) than other materials, thereby reducing the amount of noise imparted to ultrasound images. Therefore, polymethylpentene is a suitable material for the compression portion 42.

[0039] The bottom 43 is configured to be approximately flat, and has an uneven structure in at least a partial region of at least one of the contact surface 43B with the breast and the top surface 43A, which is the outer surface facing the contact surface 43B and faces the radiation irradiation unit 17. The uneven structure may be, for example, a striped structure in which the depth in the Z direction from the surface changes in either the X direction or the Y direction in Fig. 3. Alternatively, it may be, for example, a lattice or honeycomb structure in which the depth in the Z direction from the surface changes in both the X direction and the Y direction in Fig. 3.

[0040] The maximum height roughness Rz and average length RSm of the uneven structure are smaller than the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves irradiated by the ultrasonic probe 30. By making the maximum height roughness Rz and average length RSm of the uneven structure smaller than the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves, an appropriate amount of echo jelly 4 can be retained without affecting the ultrasonic image (details will be described later). Specifically, the maximum height roughness Rz and average length RSm of the uneven structure are preferably equal to or smaller than one-tenth of the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves, and more preferably equal to or smaller than one-twentieth of the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves.

[0041] For example, when a linear probe (for superficial use, etc.) with a center frequency of approximately 7.5 MHz is used as the ultrasonic probe 30, the average wavelength of the ultrasonic waves passing through the compression member 40 and the breast is estimated to be approximately 200 μm (micrometers). In this case, the maximum height roughness Rz and average length RSm of the uneven structure of the contact surface 43B and / or upper surface 43A are preferably 20 μm or less, and more preferably 10 μm or less.

[0042] Furthermore, for example, when a convex probe (for the abdomen, etc.) with a center frequency of approximately 3.5 MHz is used as the ultrasonic probe 30, the average wavelength of the ultrasonic waves passing through the compression member 40 and the breast is estimated to be approximately 430 μm. In this case, the maximum height roughness Rz and average length RSm of the uneven structure of the contact surface 43B and / or upper surface 43A are preferably 43 μm or less, and more preferably 21 μm or less.

[0043] Furthermore, for example, when a sector-type probe (for use in the heart, etc.) with a center frequency of approximately 2.5 MHz is used as the ultrasonic probe 30, the average wavelength of the ultrasonic waves passing through the compression member 40 and the breast is estimated to be approximately 600 μm. In this case, the maximum height roughness Rz and average length RSm of the uneven structure of the contact surface 43B and / or upper surface 43A are preferably 60 μm or less, and more preferably 30 μm or less.

[0044] Furthermore, if the uneven structure is too fine, the transparency of the compression member 40 will be lost and the breast will not be visible through it, so it is preferable that the uneven structure be coarse enough so as not to interfere with breast positioning. Specifically, it is more preferable that the maximum height roughness Rz and average length RSm of the uneven structure of the contact surface 43B and / or upper surface 43A be 5 μm or more.

[0045] It is also preferable that at least a portion of the contact surface 43B has an uneven structure, and it is more preferable that at least a portion of each (both) of the contact surface 43B and the upper surface 43A has an uneven structure. Furthermore, when the contact surface 43B and the upper surface 43A each have an uneven structure, the uneven structure of the contact surface 43B and the uneven structure of the upper surface 43A may differ in at least one of the shape of the unevenness, the maximum height roughness Rz, and the average length RSm.

[0046] It is also preferable that at least one of the area of ​​the contact surface 43B that may come into contact with the breast and the area of ​​the upper surface 43A that faces the area has an uneven structure. That is, for example, the outer edge area of ​​the contact surface 43B that is unlikely to come into contact with the breast and the area of ​​the upper surface 43A that faces the area do not need to have an uneven structure.

[0047] The method for forming the uneven structure is not particularly limited, and known methods such as mechanical roughening treatment, electrochemical roughening treatment, and chemical roughening treatment may be used as appropriate.

[0048] It is known that the image quality of an ultrasound image depends on the difference in acoustic impedance between the media through which the ultrasound waves pass. At the interface between the media, the smaller the difference in acoustic impedance, the more ultrasound waves pass through, increasing the signal strength and improving the image quality. On the other hand, the larger the difference in acoustic impedance, the more ultrasound waves are reflected, increasing noise and deteriorating the image quality.

[0049] As described above, in the image acquisition device 10, the ultrasonic probe 30 irradiates ultrasonic waves via the compression member 40 to the breast compressed by the compression member 40 and receives reflected waves from the breast. That is, the ultrasonic waves are transmitted through the ultrasonic wave emitting surface of the ultrasonic probe 30, the bottom 43 of the compression member 40, the breast, etc. In this case, differences in acoustic impedance occur at the interface between the ultrasonic wave emitting surface of the ultrasonic probe 30 and the top surface 43A of the compression member 40, and at the interface between the contact surface 43B of the compression member 40 and the breast, which increases noise and causes deterioration of image quality.

[0050] Therefore, in the compression member 40 according to this embodiment, a gel or liquid ultrasonically transparent medium (hereinafter referred to as "Echo Jelly 4") is applied to the uneven structure of the upper surface 43A and / or the contact surface 43B, thereby smoothing the change in acoustic impedance. That is, the image acquisition device 10 acquires, via the compression member 40, an ultrasound image of the breast compressed by the compression member 40 with the Echo Jelly 4 applied to the uneven structure.

[0051] For example, a known jelly for ultrasound examinations having an acoustic impedance close to that of the human body (breast) can be used as the echo jelly 4. Specifically, the echo jelly 4 preferably has an acoustic impedance between that of the breast and that of the compression member 40 (bottom 43). By filling the recesses of the uneven structure with the echo jelly 4, the acoustic impedance can be made to change gradually, thereby suppressing noise that occurs depending on the magnitude of the difference in acoustic impedance and improving the image quality of the ultrasound image.

[0052] Specific examples of the uneven structure are shown in Figures 4 to 9. The left-hand diagrams in Figures 4 to 9 are enlarged cross-sectional views simulating a state in which the ultrasound probe 30 is in contact with the upper surface 43A of the compression member 40, the breast 2 is in contact with the contact surface 43B, and echo jelly 4 is filled in the recesses of the uneven structure of the upper surface 43A and / or the contact surface 43B. The right-hand diagrams in Figures 4 to 9 are graphs showing the change in acoustic impedance in the vertical direction (Z direction) corresponding to the enlarged cross-sectional views on the left. Note that the unit of acoustic impedance is expressed in MRayl in Figures 4 to 9, and 1 MRayl is 10 ６ kg / (m ２ ・s).

[0053] Figures 4 and 5 show an example of a structure having cone-shaped recesses on the upper surface 43A and the contact surface 43B. In Figure 5, the density of the recesses is lower and the average length RSm is longer than in Figure 4. Figure 6 shows an example of a structure having hemispherical recesses on the upper surface 43A and the contact surface 43B. Figure 7 shows an example of a structure having recesses formed by hollowing out the rest of the upper surface 43A and the contact surface 43B, leaving only the hemispheres.

[0054] Fig. 8 shows an example of a structure in which the shapes of the concave-convex structure differ between the upper surface 43A and the contact surface 43B, where the upper surface 43A has hemispherical recesses and the contact surface 43B has recesses formed by hollowing out the rest of the surface except for the hemispheres. Fig. 9 shows an example of a structure in which the upper surface 43A and the contact surface 43B have cone-shaped recesses with different maximum height roughness Rz.

[0055] 4 to 9, the way in which the acoustic impedance changes varies depending on the shape of the unevenness of the uneven structure, the maximum height roughness Rz, and the average length RSm. Specifically, the acoustic impedance changes in proportion to the volume of the echo jelly 4. Therefore, for example, the shape of the unevenness of the uneven structure, the maximum height roughness Rz, and the average length RSm may be appropriately optimized depending on the acoustic impedance and thickness of the ultrasound probe 30, the compression member 40, the breast 2, and the echo jelly 4.

[0056] 4 to 9 show examples in which the uneven structure has a fixed pattern, but the uneven structure is not limited to this. The uneven structure may be formed randomly, for example, in a grained or matte finish. Furthermore, the uneven structure may be a combination of the patterns shown in FIGS. 4 to 9.

[0057] As described above, the compression member 40 of this embodiment is a compression member that compresses the breast, and has an uneven structure in at least a portion of at least one of the contact surface 43B with the breast and the outer surface (upper surface 43A) facing the contact surface 43B, and the maximum height roughness Rz and average length RSm of the uneven structure are smaller than the wavelength of the ultrasound.

[0058] That is, the compression member 40 according to this embodiment can hold an appropriate amount of echo jelly 4 without affecting the ultrasound image. This allows for smooth changes in acoustic impedance between the ultrasound probe 30 and the compression member 40, and between the compression member 40 and the breast 2, and suppresses noise that occurs depending on the magnitude of the difference in acoustic impedance, thereby enabling the acquisition of good images.

[0059] The method of breast imaging using the image acquisition device 10 is not particularly limited. For example, craniocaudal (CC) imaging, mesolateral oblique (MLO) imaging, magnified imaging that captures a portion of the breast, and spot imaging may be used. CC imaging is a method of imaging the compressed breast by sandwiching the breast between the imaging table 16 and the compression member 40 in the vertical direction (Z direction). MLO imaging is a method of imaging the compressed breast, including the axillary region, by sandwiching the breast between the imaging table 16 and the compression member 40 while tilting the arm unit 12 so that the rotation angle relative to the base 14 is between 45 degrees and 90 degrees.

[0060] Furthermore, for example, the image acquisition device 10 may be one that performs tomosynthesis imaging. In tomosynthesis imaging, radiation R is irradiated from the radiation source 17R toward the breast from multiple irradiation positions with different irradiation angles, and multiple radiographic images of the breast are captured. That is, in tomosynthesis imaging, the angles of the imaging table 16, the compression member 40, the breast, etc. are kept fixed, and imaging is performed by changing the rotation angle of the radiation irradiator 17 relative to the base 14.

[0061] Furthermore, the image acquisition device 10 may be capable of positioning the subject's breasts not only when the subject is standing (standing position), but also when the subject is sitting in a chair, wheelchair, etc. (sitting position).

[0062] Next, the console 50 will be described. The console 50 controls the image acquisition device 10 so as to acquire a radiographic image in accordance with the radiography order acquired from the RIS 6, instructions from the user, etc. The console 50 also controls the position of the ultrasound probe 30 so as to acquire an ultrasound image in accordance with the position of the region of interest included in the radiographic image acquired by the image acquisition device 10.

[0063] An example of the hardware configuration of the console 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 10 . As shown in Fig. 10 , the console 50 includes a CPU 51, a non-volatile storage unit 52, and a memory 53 serving as a temporary storage area. The console 50 also includes a display 54 such as a liquid crystal display, an operation unit 55 such as a touch panel, a keyboard, and a mouse, and an I / F unit 56. The I / F unit 56 communicates with the image acquisition device 10, the RIS 6, and other external devices via wired or wireless communication. The CPU 51, the storage unit 52, the memory 53, the display 54, the operation unit 55, and the I / F unit 56 are connected via a bus 58 such as a system bus and a control bus so as to be able to exchange various information with each other.

[0064] The storage unit 52 is realized by a storage medium such as an HDD, an SSD, or a flash memory. The storage unit 52 stores an information processing program 57 for the console 50. The CPU 51 reads the information processing program 57 from the storage unit 52, loads it into the memory 53, and executes the loaded information processing program 57. The console 50 may be, for example, a personal computer, a server computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, or the like, as appropriate.

[0065] The storage unit 52 also stores image data of radiographic images and ultrasound images acquired by the image acquisition device 10, as well as various other information. The image data of radiographic images and ultrasound images may be stored in association with at least one of an imaging order and imaging information. The imaging information may be, for example, at least one of subject information and imaging type included in the imaging order, photographer information indicating the photographer who performed the imaging (e.g., a user such as a doctor or technician), and date and time information indicating the date and time when the imaging was performed.

[0066] An example of the functional configuration of the console 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. As shown in Fig. 11, the console 50 includes an acquisition unit 60, an extraction unit 62, and a control unit 64. The CPU 51 executes the information processing program 57, causing the CPU 51 to function as the acquisition unit 60, the extraction unit 62, and the control unit 64.

[0067] (Instructions for Imaging Based on Imaging Order) The acquisition unit 60 acquires an imaging order from the RIS 6. The imaging order includes, for example, subject information such as the name, sex, and date of birth of the subject to be imaged, as well as the type of imaging to be performed. The imaging type is, for example, a type of imaging to be performed, such as CC imaging, MLO imaging, enlarged imaging, and spot imaging, which is specified for each of the left and right breasts.

[0068] The control unit 64 instructs the image acquisition device 10 to capture a radiographic image in accordance with the imaging order acquired by the acquisition unit 60 .

[0069] (Acquisition of Ultrasound Image) After a radiological image is captured by the image capture device 10 in response to an image capture instruction from the control unit 64, the acquisition unit 60 acquires the radiological image. Specifically, the acquisition unit 60 may acquire a radiological image stored in the storage unit 22 of the image capture device 10 via the I / F unit 56, may acquire a radiological image already stored in the storage unit 52, or may acquire a radiological image saved in an external device.

[0070] The extraction unit 62 extracts a region of interest included in the radiographic image acquired by the acquisition unit 60. The region of interest is a region of abnormal shadow that appears in the radiographic image due to a lesion such as calcification or a mass. The region of interest may be extracted using, for example, a known CAD (Computer Aided Detection / Diagnosis) technique, or a region designated by the user via the operation unit 55 may be extracted as the region of interest.

[0071] As a method for extracting a region of interest using CAD technology, for example, a method using a learning model such as a convolutional neural network (CNN) may be applied. For example, the extraction unit 62 may extract a region of interest from a radiographic image using a learning model that is trained to receive a radiographic image as input and extract and output a region of interest included in the radiographic image.

[0072] The control unit 64 controls the position of the ultrasound probe 30 in the image acquisition device 10 so that the region of interest extracted from the radiation image by the extraction unit 62 appears in the ultrasound image. Specifically, the control unit 64 identifies a position on the compression member 40 that corresponds to the region of interest, and instructs the image acquisition device 10 to move the ultrasound probe 30 to the identified position on the compression member 40.

[0073] Next, the operation of the console 50 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. In the console 50, the CPU 51 executes the information processing program 57, thereby executing the control process shown in Fig. 12. The control process is executed, for example, when a command to start execution is given by the user via the operation unit 55.

[0074] In step S10, the acquisition unit 60 acquires an imaging order from the RIS 6. In step S12, the control unit 64 instructs the image acquisition device 10 to capture a radiographic image in accordance with the imaging order acquired in step S10.

[0075] In step S14, the acquisition unit 60 acquires the radiographic image captured by the image acquisition device 10 in accordance with the instruction in step S12. In step S16, the extraction unit 62 extracts a region of interest included in the radiographic image acquired in step S14. In step S18, the control unit 64 instructs the image acquisition device 10 to move the ultrasound probe 30 to a position where the region of interest extracted in step S16 appears in the ultrasound image. When step S18 is completed, this control process ends.

[0076] As described above, the console 50 controls the image acquisition device 10, so that the image acquisition device 10 can acquire an ultrasound image including a region of interest in a radiation image.

[0077] Next, with reference to FIG. 13, an image acquisition method for acquiring radiographic images and ultrasonic images using the image acquisition device 10, console 50, and compression member 40 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0078] In step S20, the user applies a gel or liquid ultrasonically transparent medium (Echo Jelly 4) to the uneven portion of the upper surface 43A and / or contact surface 43B of the compression member 40. In step S22, the user compresses and positions the breast using the compression member 40 to which the Echo Jelly 4 has been applied in step S20.

[0079] In step S24, the image acquisition device 10 irradiates the breast compressed in step S22 with radiation R and captures a radiographic image using the radiation detector 28. Note that the radiographic image is captured in response to an instruction from the console 50 (corresponding to step S12). In step S26, the image acquisition device 10 transmits the radiographic image captured in step S24 to the console 50.

[0080] In step S28, the image acquisition device 10 controls the drive unit of the probe unit 38 to move the ultrasound probe 30 to a position where the region of interest included in the radiographic image captured in step S24 will appear in the ultrasound image. The ultrasound probe 30 is moved in response to instructions from the console 50 (corresponding to step S18). In step S30, the image acquisition device 10 acquires an ultrasound image using the ultrasound probe 30 at the position to which it was moved in step S28. That is, the image acquisition device 10 acquires an ultrasound image of the breast compressed in step S22 via the compression member 40 to which the Echo Jelly 4 has been applied in step S20. When step S30 is completed, the image acquisition method ends.

[0081] Comparative Example As a comparative example of the compression member 40 according to the present embodiment, Fig. 14 shows an example of a compression member 40C that does not have a concave-convex structure. The left side of Fig. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view simulating a state in which the ultrasound probe 30 is in contact with the upper surface 43A of the compression member 40C, the breast 2 is in contact with the contact surface 43B, and Echo Jelly 4 is applied to the upper surface 43A and the contact surface 43B at a substantially constant thickness. The right side of Fig. 14 is a graph showing the change in acoustic impedance in the vertical direction (Z direction) corresponding to the enlarged cross-sectional view on the left.

[0082] 14, the acoustic impedance of the compression member 40C, which does not have a concave-convex structure, changes stepwise. Therefore, noise generated depending on the magnitude of the difference in acoustic impedance between the ultrasound probe 30 and the echo jelly 4, between the echo jelly 4 and the compression member 40, and between the echo jelly 4 and the breast 2 increases more than with the compression member 40 of the above embodiment. In other words, the image quality of the ultrasound image deteriorates compared to when the compression member 40 of the above embodiment is used.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the image acquisition device 10 is described as including the ultrasound probe 30, but this is not limiting. For example, the compression member 40 according to this embodiment may be applied to a general mammography device that includes a radiation source 17R, a radiation detector 28, and a compression member 40 disposed between the radiation source 17R and the radiation detector 28. Even in this case, good images can be obtained by, for example, using an ultrasound probe independent of the mammography device to acquire ultrasound images of a breast compressed in the mammography device.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a plurality of different types of compression members 40 may be attachable to the image acquisition device 10. For example, different types of compression members 40 may be prepared according to the subject's physique (e.g., breast size) and the type of imaging (e.g., magnification imaging and spot imaging), and may be detachably attached to the image acquisition device 10.

[0085] Specifically, a compression member according to the size of the breast, a compression member for axillary imaging, a compression member for magnification imaging, and a compression member for so-called spot imaging, which captures a radiographic image of only the area where a lesion is present, may be used. In other words, the compression member 40 is not limited to one that compresses the entire breast, but may also be one that is smaller than the breast and compresses only a part of the breast.

[0086] FIG. 15 shows a three-view diagram of a compression member 40S for small breasts, as an example of another embodiment of the compression member 40. The three-view diagram in FIG. 15 includes a top view of the compression member 40S from above (the radiation irradiation unit 17 side), a side view from the subject's side, and a side view from the subject's right side. Similar to the compression member 40 in FIG. 3 , the compression member 40S includes a compression section 42 and a support section 46. The bottom section 43 of the compression member 40S is not flat, and the side facing the attachment section 47 is higher than the side facing the chest wall (the side farther from the attachment section 47). Furthermore, the wall section 44 does not have a uniform height, and the height of a portion facing the chest wall is lower than the height of the remaining portion. This shape allows the compression member 40S to easily position and compress even small breasts.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the following various processors can be used as the hardware structure of processing units that perform various processes, such as the control unit 20, the acquisition unit 60, the extraction unit 62, and the control unit 64. As described above, the various processors include a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) and functions as various processing units, as well as dedicated electrical circuits that are processors having a circuit configuration specifically designed to perform specific processes, such as a programmable logic device (PLD) that is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0088] A single processing unit may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, multiple processing units may be configured with a single processor.

[0089] Examples of configuring multiple processing units with a single processor include: first, a form in which one processor is configured with a combination of one or more CPUs and software, as typified by computers such as client and server computers, and this processor functions as multiple processing units; second, a form in which a processor is used to realize the functions of an entire system including multiple processing units with a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as typified by systems on chips (SoCs); and thus, various processing units are configured using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as a hardware structure.

[0090] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors can be an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the various programs in the image acquisition device 10 are pre-stored (installed) in the ROM included in the control unit 20, and the information processing program 57 in the console 50 is pre-stored in the storage unit 52. However, this is not limiting. The various programs and the information processing program 57 in the image acquisition device 10 may be provided in a form recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The various programs and the information processing program 57 in the image acquisition device 10 may also be downloaded from an external device via a network. Furthermore, the technology disclosed herein extends to storage media that non-temporarily store programs, in addition to programs.

[0092] The technology of the present disclosure can also be appropriately combined with the above-described exemplary embodiments and examples. The above-described description and illustrations are detailed descriptions of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure and are merely examples of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the above description of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects is an example of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted, new elements may be added, or new elements may be replaced with other parts from the description and illustrations shown above, within the scope of the gist of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0093] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-054511, filed on March 29, 2022, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A compression member for compressing the breast, a concave-convex structure in at least a partial area of ​​at least one of the contact surface with the breast and an outer surface facing the contact surface; The maximum height roughness and average length of the uneven structure are 20 μm or less. Compression member.

2. The uneven structure is provided in at least a part of the contact surface. The compression member according to claim 1 .

3. A compression member for compressing a breast, comprising: The contact surface has an uneven structure in at least a part of the area of ​​the contact surface with the breast and an outer surface facing the contact surface, The maximum height roughness and the average length of the uneven structure are smaller than the wavelength of ultrasonic waves. Compression member.

4. The uneven structure of the contact surface and the uneven structure of the outer surface are different in at least one of the shape of the unevenness, the maximum height roughness, and the average length. The compression member according to claim 3 .

5. A radiation source; A radiation detector; a compression member disposed between the radiation source and the radiation detector and configured to compress the breast, the compression member having an uneven structure in at least a partial area of ​​at least one of a contact surface with the breast and an outer surface facing the contact surface; an ultrasonic probe disposed between the radiation source and the compression member; Equipped with The maximum height roughness and average length of the uneven structure are equal to or less than one-tenth of the wavelength of the ultrasonic wave irradiated by the ultrasonic probe. Image acquisition device.

6. The maximum height roughness and average length of the uneven structure are equal to or less than 1 / 20 of the wavelength of the ultrasonic wave.

6. An image acquisition device according to claim 5.

7. A compression member for compressing a breast, the compression member having an uneven structure in at least a portion of at least one of a contact surface with the breast and an outer surface opposite the contact surface, the uneven structure being coated with a gel-like or liquid ultrasonically transparent medium, An ultrasonic image of the breast compressed by the compression member with the medium applied thereto is obtained via the compression member. Image acquisition method.

8. The medium has an acoustic impedance between the acoustic impedance of the breast and the acoustic impedance of the compression member. The image acquisition method according to claim 7.

9. The medium is filled into the recesses of the concave-convex structure. The image acquisition method according to claim 7 or 8.

10. A radiation source; A radiation detector; a compression member disposed between the radiation source and the radiation detector and configured to compress the breast, the compression member having an uneven structure in at least a partial area of ​​at least one of a contact surface with the breast and an outer surface facing the contact surface; an ultrasonic probe that irradiates ultrasonic waves onto the breast from the outer surface side through the compression member; Equipped with The maximum height roughness and average length of the uneven structure are equal to or less than one-tenth of the wavelength of the ultrasonic wave. Image acquisition system.