Medical imaging apparatus

Abstract

Provided is a medical imaging apparatus with which it is possible to flexibly execute appropriate assistance for an operator performing complex imaging. An X-ray imaging apparatus 10 according to the present invention comprises: a console 11 which allows an operator to input a description; an information processing unit 13 which associates an imaging type with the content of the description provided by the operator; a memory 21 which stores the content of the description by the operator in association with the imaging type; an imaging type acquisition unit 14 which acquires a type of imaging to be executed; and a display unit 12 which reads out the content of the description by the operator corresponding to the acquired imaging type from the memory 21 and displays said content.

Description

Medical Imaging Equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical imaging apparatus such as an X-ray imaging apparatus equipped with a monitor.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a medical imaging device in which an operator wears a kneeboard and operates the device while checking the information written on the kneeboard. The kneeboard is a memo on which the operator writes down the instruments required to perform the medical stage and important points to note during the operation. If the memo is created before the operation, it can be referenced during the operation and used as supplementary information for safely performing the operation. Patent Document 1 also describes how to determine bleeding based on the time spent using gauze. This determination can be made using a clock.

[0003] JP 2008-86756 A

[0004] However, the medical imaging device described above does not adequately address the needs of the surgeon. When performing complex imaging requiring multiple steps, a function to support the surgeon, who must pay close attention to the points to be considered when performing the imaging, is necessary to ensure smooth imaging. Because the procedures vary depending on the imaging type, the points to be considered by the surgeon for each procedure also vary depending on the imaging type. Even in a medical imaging device that only supports one imaging type, the points to be considered by the surgeon may change as the imaging progresses. To reliably support such surgeons, flexibility in the reference content is required. Conventional devices have not been designed with sufficient consideration for these circumstances. Ultimately, surgeons are forced to rely on external tools, as in Patent Document 1. This configuration is not optimal from a hygienic perspective, and a configuration that can fully support the surgeon within the medical imaging device is desirable.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a medical imaging apparatus that can flexibly provide appropriate support to an operator performing complex imaging.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the first aspect of the present invention has the following configuration.

[0007] A medical imaging device comprising: a description input unit for inputting a description by a surgeon; a description content processing unit for associating an imaging type with the surgeon's description; a memory for storing the surgeon's description in association with the imaging type; an imaging type acquisition unit for acquiring the imaging type to be performed; and a display unit for displaying the surgeon's description corresponding to the acquired imaging type.

[0008] According to the first aspect described above, the surgeon's description is input and associated with the imaging type. Since the surgeon can freely write the description, information related to the imaging type can be stored in memory according to the surgeon's convenience. When performing imaging for a certain imaging type, the display unit displays the surgeon's description corresponding to the imaging type to be performed. The surgeon can perform imaging while referring to the displayed content, allowing for smooth and reliable imaging with accurate support. Furthermore, since this imaging support does not rely on tools external to the device, imaging is optimized for hygiene.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the second aspect of the present invention can also have the following configuration.

[0010] A medical imaging device comprising: a setting value input unit that allows an operator to input a time setting value; a setting value processing unit that associates an imaging type with the setting value; a memory that stores the setting value in association with the imaging type; an imaging type acquisition unit that acquires the imaging type to be performed; and a display unit that displays a timer that can measure the time indicated by the setting value corresponding to the acquired imaging type.

[0011] According to the second aspect described above, the surgeon inputs a time setting value and associates this setting value with the imaging type. Since the surgeon can freely input a setting value, the timer measurement time for the imaging type can be stored in memory according to the surgeon's convenience. When performing imaging for a certain imaging type, the display unit displays a timer capable of measuring the time indicated by the setting value corresponding to the imaging type to be performed. Since the surgeon can refer to this timer while performing imaging, smooth and reliable imaging can be performed with accurate support. Furthermore, since this imaging support does not rely on tools external to the device, imaging is optimized in terms of hygiene.

[0012] The medical imaging apparatus according to the present invention allows for complete support for the surgeon through the device configuration. In other words, the present invention allows for flexible support for the surgeon for each imaging type. This is because the surgeon can set reference content in advance as appropriate for their own convenience through the input unit. The present invention supports the surgeon by acquiring the imaging type to be performed and displaying information appropriate for that imaging type. Therefore, the medical imaging apparatus according to the present invention eliminates the need for the surgeon to rely on external tools, making it ideal for hygiene.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a layout diagram of each part constituting a console according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the stored contents of a memory according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the stored contents of a memory according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the stored contents of a memory according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating pre-imaging setting processing according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the display contents of a display unit in pre-imaging setting processing. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which an operator makes entries in pre-imaging setting processing. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating description content display processing according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the display contents of a display unit in description content display processing. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the display contents of a display unit in description content display processing. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the display contents of a display unit in description content display processing.

[0014] A medical imaging apparatus according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following description will be made using, as an example, DIP (Drip Infusion Pyelography) imaging of the urinary system using an X-ray imaging apparatus. The present invention relates to medical imaging apparatuses equipped with monitors in general, and an X-ray imaging apparatus is one example of a medical imaging apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

[0015] The X-ray imaging device 10 according to the embodiment comprises a tabletop 1 on which a subject M is placed in a horizontal position as shown in FIG. 1 , a support column 2 that extends vertically and is movable along the body axis of the subject M, an X-ray tube 3 that is disposed at the tip of the support column 2 and is positioned above the tabletop 1, and that irradiates X-rays onto the subject M, a detector 4 that is positioned below the tabletop 1 and detects X-rays that have passed through the subject M, and a collimator 5 that is positioned between the tabletop 1 and the X-ray tube 3 and that limits the irradiation position of the X-ray beam on the subject M.

[0016] The console 11 is provided for the purpose of allowing the surgeon to give various instructions to the X-ray imaging device 10. Specific examples of instructions given by the surgeon include an instruction to start X-ray irradiation. The console 11 is also configured to accept character input by the surgeon, which will be described later. The console 11 in this embodiment corresponds to the description input unit and setting value input unit of the present invention.

[0017] The display unit 12 is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor, and is capable of displaying the patient's electronic medical record, live images as moving images, and still images (X-ray images) for diagnosis. In addition, the display unit 12 is configured to display information related to character input by the surgeon and to display information to support the surgeon's X-ray imaging operations, which will be described later.

[0018] The information processing unit 13 is configured to associate the description content input by the surgeon through the console 11 with the imaging type and transmit the result to the memory 21. The specific configuration of the information processing unit 13 will be described later. The information processing unit 13 in the embodiment corresponds to the description content processing unit and the setting value processing unit of the present invention.

[0019] The imaging type acquisition unit 14 is configured to acquire imaging types related to the control of the X-ray tube 3, such as tube current, tube voltage, and pulse width, from a RIS (Radiology Information System). The imaging type acquisition unit 14 transmits the acquired imaging type to an X-ray tube control unit 19 that controls the X-ray tube 3. The X-ray tube control unit 19 controls the X-ray tube 3 based on the transmitted imaging type. The imaging type acquisition unit 14 also transmits the acquired imaging type to the detector 4. The detector 4 operates based on the transmitted imaging type. In addition to the RIS, the imaging type acquisition unit 14 of the embodiment can also acquire the imaging type through input by the operator via the console 11. In this way, the X-ray imaging device 10 can change the imaging type based on the operator's setting without relying on the RIS.

[0020] The timer control unit 15 controls the timer icon displayed on the display unit 12. This timer icon is configured to display the remaining time on the display unit 12 and operates under the control of the timer control unit 15. The timer control unit 15 starts a countdown using the timer icon in accordance with instructions from the surgeon via the console 11. The specific configuration of the timer icon will be described later. The timer icon 51 in the embodiment corresponds to the timer of the present invention.

[0021] The image generator 16 acquires the X-ray detection signal output from the detector 4 and generates an X-ray image. The generated X-ray images include frames constituting a live image for positioning the subject and X-ray images for diagnosis. The image generator 16 transmits the generated X-ray images to the display unit 12, and the display unit 12 displays the transmitted X-ray images.

[0022] The support column movement control unit 17 controls the movement of the support column 2 in the longitudinal direction of the tabletop 1. The support column movement control unit 17 recognizes the movement distance and movement direction of the support column 2 based on input from the surgeon via the console 11. The support column movement control unit 17 then controls the support column movement mechanism 18 based on the recognized movement distance and movement direction of the support column 2. The support column movement mechanism 18 is a mechanism that supports the support column 2, and moves the support column 2 to the position desired by the surgeon.

[0023] The X-ray tube control unit 19 supplies a predetermined tube voltage and a predetermined tube current to the X-ray tube 3 based on instructions from the imaging type acquisition unit 14, causing the X-ray tube 3 to output X-rays suitable for imaging.

[0024] The display control unit 20 is configured to determine the display content of the display unit 12. The display content in Fig. 10 to Fig. 15 and the flowchart in Fig. 9, which will be described later, are realized by the operation of the display control unit 20.

[0025] The memory 21 stores information necessary for the operation of the X-ray imaging device 10, such as programs, various parameters, and patient-related data required for the operation of the information processing unit 13, imaging type acquisition unit 14, timer control unit 15, image generation unit 16, support column movement control unit 17, X-ray tube control unit 19, and display control unit 20. The memory 21 stores the description content input by the operator through the console 11 in association with the imaging type, and the configuration of this memory will be described later.

[0026] The information processing unit 13, imaging type acquisition unit 14, timer control unit 15, image generation unit 16, support column movement control unit 17, X-ray tube control unit 19, and display control unit 20 of the embodiment are all realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) mounted on the X-ray imaging device 10 executing various programs. The X-ray imaging device 10 of the embodiment is not limited to a configuration in which each unit is realized by a single CPU, and multiple CPUs can be substituted for this. The same applies to the memory 21 described above. In other words, the X-ray imaging device 10 of the embodiment is not limited to a configuration in which each unit is realized by a single memory 21, and multiple memories can be substituted for this.

[0027] Additionally, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 of the embodiment includes a collimator drive mechanism for adjusting the opening of the collimator 5 and a collimator control unit, but these components are not shown in FIG.

[0028] FIG. 2 specifically illustrates the console 11 and display unit 12 of the embodiment. The console 11 of the embodiment is composed of various human interfaces provided on the operation desk 6 to which the surgeon faces. Specifically, the console 11 is composed of a mouse 11a for moving a pointer on the display unit 12, a keyboard 11b for inputting characters to the display unit 12, various joysticks 11c for the surgeon to control the driving parts of the X-ray imaging device 10, such as the collimator 5 and the support column 2, and control keys 11d for the surgeon to input instructions related to imaging, such as instructions for X-ray irradiation and forced termination of imaging. Because the keyboard 11b is often unnecessary and is large in size, it is placed in a drawer 6a that can be pulled out from the back side of the main board of the operation desk 6. The other components of the console 11 are provided on the main board of the operation desk 6. The main board is a load-bearing top board on which the monitor constituting the display unit 12 is placed.

[0029] A tower-type computer 30 is disposed below the main board of the operation desk 6. The computer 30 is an information processing device that realizes the information processing unit 13, the imaging type acquisition unit 14, the timer control unit 15, and the display control unit 20 in the X-ray imaging apparatus 10. The display unit 12, the mouse 11a, and the keyboard 11b are connected to the computer 30.

[0030] The information stored in the memory 21 will be described in detail below. FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the description list association table T1 stored in the memory 21. The description list association table T1 associates photography types with description lists, with photography type 1 being associated with description list L1, photography type 2 being associated with description list L2, and photography type 3 being associated with description list L3. The description lists L1, L2, and L3 are all tables stored in the memory 21. Specific examples of the description lists will be described later. Photography type 1 is a photography type corresponding to DIP photography, and when DIP photography is performed, the description list L1 corresponding to photography type 1 is read from the memory 21 and displayed on the display unit 12.

[0031] FIG. 4 shows the contents of the description list L1 for DIP radiography of radiography type 1. The description list L1 is composed of multiple items, and the items are associated with the description content. The first item in the description list L1 stores the string "Inject contrast agent." Similarly, the second item stores the string "Radiography (ensure the upper pelvis is in the field of view)," and the third item stores the string "Wait 10 minutes." The fourth item stores the string "Urination," and the fifth item stores the string "Radiography (ensure the upper pelvis is in the field of view)." In this way, the description list of this embodiment is a table in which strings are associated with the number of items. The strings that make up the description list can be freely written by the surgeon before radiography and stored in memory 21. The description list indicates the order in which the text is displayed on the display unit 12, and according to the description list L1, the following text will be displayed on the display unit 12 in this order: "Inject contrast agent," "Take an image (so that the upper pelvis is in the field of view)," "Wait 10 minutes," "Urinate," and "Take an image (so that the upper pelvis is in the field of view)." Note that the descriptions "Inject contrast agent," "Take an image," "Wait 10 minutes," and "Urinate" are imaging procedures that the surgeon refers to when taking an image. The description "Take the upper pelvis in the field of view" is a check that the surgeon should pay attention to when taking an image.

[0032] Furthermore, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 of the embodiment can also create different imaging types for multiple operators. Therefore, even if the imaging is the same DIP imaging, the description list L1 can be set to descriptions suitable for one operator, and the description list L2 can be set to descriptions suitable for another operator.

[0033] FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the timer setting value association table T2 stored in the memory 21. The timer setting value association table T2 associates imaging types with timer setting values. The imaging type 1 is associated with a timer setting value of "10," the imaging type 2 is associated with a timer setting value of "13," and the imaging type 3 is associated with a timer setting value of "9" in the timer setting value association table T2. The imaging type 1 corresponds to DIP imaging. When DIP imaging is performed, the timer setting value of "10" corresponding to the imaging type 1 is read from the memory 21 and displayed on the display unit 12. The timer setting value specifies the initial value indicated by the timer icon displayed on the display unit 12. If the timer setting value for the imaging type 1 is "10," the initial value of the timer icon displayed on the display unit 12 during imaging related to the imaging type 1 is 10 minutes. Using this timer icon, the surgeon can accurately know the passage of 10 minutes during imaging.

[0034] 5, the timer setting value association table T2 associates not only the timer setting value but also the corresponding item with the shooting type. A corresponding item specifies one of the items constituting the description list. For example, according to the timer setting value association table T2, the corresponding item for shooting type 1 is "3." The value of the corresponding item indicates the timing at which the timer icon is displayed. If the corresponding item for shooting type 1 is "3," the timer icon is displayed on the display unit 12 at the timing when the third item in the description list L1, "Wait 10 minutes," is displayed on the display unit 12.

[0035] The character strings, timer setting values, and numerical values ​​of the corresponding items that make up the description list can all be freely set by the surgeon through pre-imaging setting processing. The pre-imaging setting processing is processing in which the surgeon creates each table using the mouse 11a and keyboard 11b before imaging. The pre-imaging setting processing will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 6 etc.

[0036] <Pre-examination Setting Process> Step S1: When the operator issues an instruction to the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 via the console 11 to invoke a list creation mode provided in the X-ray imaging apparatus 10, the display control unit 20 causes the display unit 12 to display a list creation screen consisting of multiple input boxes, as shown in FIG. 7 . Details of the list creation screen will be described below. The list creation screen displays a column 43 on the left side of the display unit 12, each containing the following items: "Imaging Type," "Procedure 1," "Procedure 2," "Procedure 3," "Procedure 4," "Procedure 5," and "Procedure 6." Input boxes 44 corresponding to each item in the column 43 are displayed in the center of the display unit 12. The operator can freely enter text in each input box 44. Regarding the imaging type item, the operator may be prompted to select a predetermined imaging type stored in the memory 21 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 from a pull-down menu. By matching the type of imaging selected by the surgeon with the type of imaging input to the X-ray imaging device 10 by the RIS, the X-ray imaging device 10 can read out the description list corresponding to the type of imaging specified by the RIS at the time of imaging and perform imaging.

[0037] 7, the list creation screen displays, in this order at the bottom of the screen, a character string 45a that reads "Procedure," a numerical value input box 45b, a character string 45c that reads "Timer," a set value input box 45d, and a character string 45e that reads "minutes." These displays allow the surgeon to input specifications related to the timer icon. The numerical value input box 45b allows the surgeon to specify the procedure for which the timer icon is to be displayed, and the set value input box 45d allows the surgeon to set the time to be measured by the timer icon.

[0038] In the list creation mode, the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 is ready to accept input from the operator via the mouse 11 a and keyboard 10 b. In Fig. 7, a cursor 41 for character input via the keyboard 11 b is displayed in an input box 44 associated with the imaging type item, and a pointer 42 that can be moved by the mouse 11 a is displayed on the display unit 12 separately from the cursor 41.

[0039] A confirmation icon 46 is displayed at the bottom of the list creation screen, and when the surgeon operates the confirmation icon 46 using the mouse 11a, the description content is confirmed and a description list is created.

[0040] Step S2: FIG. 8 shows the state when the surgeon has finished creating a description list for DIP imaging on the list creation screen. At this time, the surgeon can enter the text "Urology DIP" in the imaging type input box 44, the text "Inject contrast agent" in the step 1 input box 44, the text "Photography (so that the upper pelvis is in the field of view)" in the step 2 input box 44, the text "Wait 10 minutes" in the step 3 input box 44, the text "Urination" in the step 4 input box 44, and the text "Photography (so that the upper pelvis is in the field of view)" in the step 5 input box 44. The surgeon can also enter a number "3" in the numeric value input box 45b and a setting value "10" in the setting value input box 45d. In the state shown in FIG. 8, when the surgeon operates the confirm icon 46 with the mouse 11a, the description content is confirmed, and the description list L1 described in FIG. 4 is created. The description list L1 is a list of the character strings entered in the procedure-related input boxes 44. The association between the description list L1 and the photography type is held in a description list association table T1 (see FIG. 3) created by the information processing unit 13. The association between the timer display values, setting values, and photography type is held in a timer setting value association table T2 (see FIG. 5) created by the information processing unit 13.

[0041] Furthermore, if different imaging types are prepared for each surgeon for the same DIP imaging, multiple similar lists with similar procedures will be created. For example, for Procedure 3, which requires a waiting time, different waiting times can be entered for each surgeon, and for other procedures, descriptions can be written with content and expressions that suit the surgeon. In this way, the X-ray imaging device 10 of the embodiment is configured to be flexible and can accommodate different surgeons.

[0042] Step S3: The tables created in the above steps are stored in the memory 21. The tables stored in the memory 21 are referenced in a description content display process that is executed when the surgeon actually performs imaging. Details of the description content display process will be described below with reference to FIG. 9 and other figures.

[0043] <Description Content Display Process> Step S11: First, the display control unit 20 recognizes that the imaging to be performed is imaging type 1 related to DIP imaging. This recognition is performed by acquiring information about the imaging from the RIS or by specification by the surgeon via the console 11. If different imaging types are set by different surgeons, the imaging type is directly specified by the surgeon via the console 11. Once imaging type recognition is complete, the display unit 12 displays a character string 47 of "Urology DIP," which indicates imaging type 1 received from the RIS, as shown in FIG. 10. The character string "Urology DIP" may be stored in the memory 21 by overwriting "Imaging Type 1" in the description list association table T1 described in FIG. 3. Alternatively, a table associating imaging types with imaging name "Urology DIP" may be stored in the memory 21 separately from the tables shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, and the character string 47 may be displayed based on this table. If multiple examination types are prepared for each operator, the character string 47 is displayed so that the imaging type can be distinguished, such as "Urology DIP (A)" and "Urology DIP (B)." In this case, the imaging name stored in the memory 21 is "Urology DIP (A)" for imaging type 1, "Urology DIP (B)" for imaging type 2, etc.

[0044] Step S12: Next, the tables related to Figures 3, 4, and 5 stored in memory 21 are referenced, and the description list "description list L1", the numerical value "3", and the setting value "10" corresponding to urinary DIP (imaging type 1) are read out from memory 21.

[0045] Step S13: The surgeon operates the console 11 to instruct the start of urinary DIP.

[0046] Step S14: When imaging begins, the display unit 12 displays the first item in the description list L1, "Inject contrast agent," as comment 49 at the edge of the screen, as shown in Fig. 11. In this way, the display unit 12 displays the character string that the surgeon has written for procedure 1. An image display area 50 in which an image is displayed is provided in the center of the display unit 12, and the comment 49 is displayed on the display unit 12 while avoiding this image display area 50.

[0047] A forward icon 48a for advancing an item is displayed around the comment 49 on the display unit 12, avoiding the image display area 50. The forward icon 48a can be operated by the surgeon using the mouse 11a. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0048] Step S15: In this step, it is determined whether the surgeon has instructed to end the procedure display. If the determination is false, the process proceeds to step S16, and if true, the process proceeds to step S21. The following explanation will be given assuming that the surgeon has not instructed to end the procedure display at this point.

[0049] Step S16: Next, it is determined whether or not the surgeon has issued an instruction to update the display procedure. This determination is true if the surgeon has operated the forward icon 48a on the display unit 12 using the mouse 11a. If the forward icon 48a has not been operated and the determination is false, the process returns to step S15. Therefore, the process repeats steps S15 and S16, and remains in a standby state until an instruction to end the procedure display is issued or the forward icon 48a is operated.

[0050] Step S17: When the surgeon operates the forward icon 48a on the display unit 12 using the mouse 11a and step S16 becomes true, the process proceeds to step S17, and the display of the timer icon on the display unit 12 is terminated. When this step is executed for the first time, the timer icon is not displayed, so nothing happens in this step and the process proceeds to the next step.

[0051] Step S18: Thereafter, the display unit 12 displays the second item in the description list L1, "Shoot (so that the upper part of the pelvis is in the field of view)," as comment 49 at the edge of the screen, as shown in Fig. 12. In this way, the character string written by the surgeon for procedure 2 is displayed on the display unit 12, and the displayed procedure is updated. In other words, the display of comment 49 is updated from procedure 1 to procedure 2.

[0052] Step S19: It is then determined whether the displayed procedure is a timer display procedure. This determination is true if the numerical value indicating the order in the list of the procedure displayed as comment 49 matches the numerical value stored in the timer setting value association table T2 shown in Figure 5. The numerical value corresponding to photography type 1 in the timer setting value association table T2 is 3, and in Figure 12, the second procedure is displayed, so the determination is false and the process returns to step S15.

[0053] 12 shows the display contents of the display unit 12 in steps S17 to S19. At this time, the surgeon is taking a live image with the support of the comment 49 so that the upper part of the pelvis is included in the field of view, and a fluoroscopic image (live image) of the subject is displayed in the image display area 50. At this time, in addition to a forward icon 48a for sending an item, a backward icon 48b for moving an item back is displayed around the comment 49 on the display unit 12, avoiding the image display area 50. Like the forward icon 48a, the backward icon 48b can be operated by the surgeon using the mouse 11a.

[0054] As described above, when step S19 is completed, the process returns to step S15. However, since the surgeon is still taking images and has not yet issued an instruction to end the procedure display, the process proceeds to step S16. Steps S15 and S16 are repeated until the surgeon operates the forward icon 48a or the backward icon 48b using the mouse 11a. When the surgeon operates the forward icon 48a using the mouse 11a, the process proceeds to step S17. However, since the timer icon is not displayed on the display unit 12 at this time, nothing happens. The process then proceeds to step S18, and the display unit 12 displays the third item in the description list L1, "Wait 10 minutes," as comment 49 at the edge of the screen, as shown in FIG. 13. In this way, the character string entered by the surgeon for procedure 3 is displayed on the display unit 12, and the displayed procedure is updated. In other words, the display of the comment 49 is updated from procedure 2 to procedure 3.

[0055] On the other hand, if the surgeon operates the back icon 48b using the mouse 11a, the process proceeds to step S17. However, at this point, the timer icon is not displayed on the display unit 12, so nothing happens. Then, the process proceeds to step S18, and the display unit 12 displays the first item in the description list L1, "Inject contrast agent," as comment 49 at the edge of the screen. In this way, the character string entered by the surgeon for procedure 1 is displayed on the display unit 12, and the displayed procedure is updated. In other words, the display of comment 49 is updated from procedure 2 to procedure 1.

[0056] In this way, with the X-ray imaging apparatus of the embodiment, it is possible to easily re-execute a procedure by reversing the comments 49. Furthermore, before actually executing a procedure, it is also possible to forward the comments 49 to check the procedure, and then to re-reference the procedure related to execution by reversing the comments 49.

[0057] Assume that the surgeon operates the forward icon 48a using the mouse 11a, and the third item in the description list L1, "Wait 10 minutes," is displayed as a comment 49 on the display unit 12. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S19. In this step, it is determined whether the displayed procedure is a timer display procedure. Since the value corresponding to the imaging type 1 in the timer setting value association table T2 is 3, and the third procedure is displayed in FIG. 13, the determination is true, and the process proceeds to step S20.

[0058] Step S20: In addition to the forward icon 48a and the backward icon 48b, a timer icon 51 with the character "10:00" indicating 10 minutes, which is the stored setting value, and a start icon 52 with the word "start" for timer operation are displayed around the comment 49 on the display unit 12, avoiding the image display area 50. When the surgeon operates the start icon 52 with the mouse 11a, the timer icon 51 starts counting down. Note that at this time, the surgeon has already taken an X-ray image, and a diagnostic X-ray image is displayed in the image display area 50. This X-ray image is one of two images to be taken. Therefore, DIP imaging continues. When the timer icon 51 finishes measuring the time and step S20 ends, the process returns to step S15.

[0059] When step S20 is completed, the process returns to step S15. However, since the surgeon is still taking images and has not yet instructed to end the procedure display, the process proceeds to step S16. Steps S15 and S16 are repeated until the surgeon operates the forward icon 48a or the backward icon 48b using the mouse 11a. When the surgeon operates the forward icon 48a using the mouse 11a, the process proceeds to step S17. At this time, the timer icon is displayed on the display unit 12, so the timer icon 51 and the start icon 52 are removed from the display unit 12 in this step. The process then proceeds to step S18, where the display unit 12 displays the fourth item in the description list L1, "urination," as comment 49 at the edge of the screen, as shown in FIG. 14. In this way, the character string entered by the surgeon for procedure 4 is displayed on the display unit 12, and the displayed procedure is updated. In other words, the display of the comment 49 is updated from procedure 3 to procedure 4.

[0060] The process then proceeds to step S19. However, since the value corresponding to imaging type 1 in the timer setting value association table T2 is 3 and the fourth procedure is displayed in FIG. 14 , the determination is false, and the process returns to step S15. However, at this point, the surgeon is in the middle of imaging and does not instruct the procedure display to end, so the process proceeds to step S16. Steps S15 and S16 are repeated until the surgeon operates the forward icon 48a or the backward icon 48b using the mouse 11a. When the surgeon operates the forward icon 48a using the mouse 11a, the process proceeds to step S17. At this point, the timer icon is not displayed on the display unit 12, so nothing happens. The process then proceeds to step S18, and the display unit 12 displays the fifth item in the description list L1, "Photography (so that the upper pelvis is included in the field of view)," as comment 49 at the edge of the screen, as shown in FIG. 15. In this way, the display unit 12 displays the character string entered by the surgeon for procedure 5, and the displayed procedure is updated. In other words, the display of the comment 49 is updated from step 4 to step 5.

[0061] 15, the surgeon, with the support of the comment 49, is in the middle of capturing a live image so that the upper part of the pelvis is included in the field of view, and a fluoroscopic image (live image) of the subject is displayed in the image display area 50. At this time, instead of the forward icon 48a for advancing an item, an end icon 48c for terminating the procedure display is displayed around the comment 49 on the display unit 12, avoiding the image display area 50. The end icon 48c can be operated by the surgeon using the mouse 11a, just like the forward icon 48a and backward icon 48b.

[0062] Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S19, but since the value corresponding to imaging type 1 in the timer setting value association table T2 is 3 and the fifth procedure is displayed in Fig. 15, the determination is false and the process returns to step S15. If the operator operates the end icon 48c with the mouse 11a at this point, the determination in step S15 becomes true and the process proceeds to step S21.

[0063] Step S21: The process ends when the comment 49, the back icon 48b, and the end icon 48c are erased from the display unit 12. Thereafter, the operator takes a second X-ray image, and the imaging by imaging type 1 itself ends.

[0064] As described above, the X-ray imaging device 10 according to the embodiment can provide complete support to the surgeon through the device configuration. That is, according to the embodiment, the surgeon can be flexibly supported for each imaging type. This is because the surgeon can appropriately set the reference content according to his / her own convenience through the console 11. The device according to the embodiment supports the surgeon by acquiring the imaging type to be performed and providing a display appropriate for that imaging type. Therefore, the X-ray imaging device according to the present invention eliminates the surgeon's need to rely on external tools, making it hygienic and optimal. Furthermore, the configuration according to the embodiment is highly flexible to suit the surgeon's needs. This is because different imaging types can be created and stored for each surgeon. Since different description lists are required for each imaging type, each surgeon can prepare their own dedicated description list. Therefore, the X-ray imaging device can display information on the display unit 12 tailored to the surgeon according to the description list.

[0065] <Effects of Configuration of Embodiment> The configuration and effects of the X-ray imaging device 10 in this example will be described below. (1) The X-ray imaging device 10 in this example includes a console 11 for inputting a description by the surgeon, an information processing unit 13 that associates imaging types with the surgeon's description, a memory 21 that stores the surgeon's description in association with the imaging type, an imaging type acquisition unit 14 that acquires the imaging type to be executed, and a display unit 12 that displays the surgeon's description corresponding to the acquired imaging type.

[0066] According to the configuration related to (1) above, the surgeon's description is input and this description is associated with the imaging type. Since the surgeon can freely write the description, information related to the imaging type can be stored in the memory 21 according to the surgeon's convenience. Then, when performing imaging for a certain imaging type, the display unit 12 displays the surgeon's description corresponding to the imaging type to be performed. Since the surgeon can perform imaging while referring to this display content, smooth and reliable imaging can be performed with accurate support. Moreover, since this imaging support does not rely on tools external to the device, imaging is optimized in terms of hygiene.

[0067] (2) The above-mentioned display unit 12 updates the items in the order of the description list based on a description list containing multiple items that are the surgeon's description content and the surgeon's instruction to scroll forward, and updates the items by going back through the description list based on the description list and the surgeon's instruction to scroll backward.

[0068] According to the above-described configuration, a procedure can be easily re-executed by scrolling backward through the comments 49 on the display unit 12. Furthermore, before actually executing a procedure, the procedure can be checked by scrolling forward through the comments 49, and then the procedure can be referred to again by scrolling backward through the comments 49.

[0069] (3) The above-mentioned description of the surgeon is a character string indicating the imaging procedure.

[0070] With the above-described configuration, the surgeon can reliably perform imaging while checking the imaging procedure. Descriptions of imaging procedures are easier to understand when written in text. Furthermore, the data size is smaller than when graphics such as pictures are used. Therefore, with the above-described configuration, the surgeon can reliably and quickly understand the imaging procedure and begin imaging.

[0071] (4) The above-mentioned description of the surgeon is a character string indicating the contents of the surgeon's check during imaging.

[0072] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the surgeon can reliably perform imaging while checking the check contents. As with the above-mentioned imaging procedures, the check contents that the surgeon refers to are easier to understand when written in text. Therefore, according to the above-mentioned configuration, the surgeon can reliably and quickly understand the check contents during imaging and proceed with imaging.

[0073] (5) The display unit 12 displays a timer icon 51 that can measure time when displaying the contents of the surgeon's description.

[0074] According to the above-described configuration, the operator does not need to prepare a separate clock for measuring time because time measurement can be completed within the X-ray imaging device 10. This imaging support does not rely on tools external to the device, making imaging hygienic and optimal.

[0075] (6) The display unit 12 can display a captured image.

[0076] According to the above-described configuration, information to assist in imaging is displayed on the display unit 12 on which the image is displayed. Therefore, the surgeon can perform imaging while referring to the content written in the comment 49 without moving his / her line of sight significantly.

[0077] (7) The X-ray imaging device 10 of this example includes a console 11 that allows the operator to input a time setting value, an information processing unit 13 that associates the imaging type with the setting value, a memory 21 that stores the setting value in association with the imaging type, an imaging type acquisition unit 14 that acquires the imaging type to be performed, and a display unit 12 that displays a timer icon 51 that can measure the time indicated by the setting value corresponding to the acquired imaging type.

[0078] According to the above-described configuration, the surgeon inputs a time setting value and associates this setting value with the imaging type. Since the surgeon can freely input a setting value, the timer measurement time for the imaging type can be stored in the memory 21 according to the surgeon's convenience. When performing imaging for a certain imaging type, the display unit 12 displays a timer icon 51 that can measure the time indicated by the setting value corresponding to the imaging type to be performed. The surgeon can perform imaging while referring to this timer icon 51, allowing for smooth and reliable imaging with accurate support. Furthermore, since this imaging support does not rely on tools external to the device, imaging is optimized for hygiene.

[0079] (8) The timer icon 51 displays a countdown based on a set value.

[0080] According to the above-described configuration, the surgeon can wait until the predetermined time has elapsed while referring to the remaining time, so that the surgeon can be sure to know how much time has passed.

[0081] (9) The apparatus includes a timer control unit 15 that starts measuring time using the timer icon 51 based on the above-mentioned instruction to start measurement from the surgeon.

[0082] According to the above-described configuration, the timer icon 51 starts operating in response to an instruction from the surgeon, so the surgeon can start measuring time in accordance with the progress of the work.

[0083] <Other Embodiments> The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting. The scope of the present invention includes the claims and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. For example, the present invention can be modified as follows.

[0084] (1) While the configuration of the embodiment includes both a description list and a timer setting value association table T2, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The present invention can also be applied to a configuration in which comments 49 according to the examination type are displayed on the display unit 12, and the timer icon 51 is not displayed. In this case, the timer setting value association table T2 is not necessarily required. Furthermore, the list creation screen in the pre-examination setting process described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 does not necessarily display the character string 45a, the numeric value input box 45b, the character string 45c, the setting value input box 45d, and the character string 45e.

[0085] (2) While the configuration of the embodiment includes both a description list and a timer setting value association table T2, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The present invention can also be applied to a configuration in which a timer icon 51 is displayed on the display unit 12 upon the start of shooting, without displaying the comment 49. In this case, the description list and the columns of corresponding items in the timer setting value association table T2 are not necessarily required. Also, the forward icon 48a, the backward icon 48b, and the end icon 48c do not necessarily need to be displayed on the display unit 12. The column 43 and the input box 44 do not need to be displayed on the list creation screen in the pre-shooting setting process described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. In this example, the timer icon can also be configured to disappear from the screen of the display unit 12 when time measurement ends.

[0086] (3) In the configuration of the embodiment, the items in the description list are updated by operating the forward icon 48a and the backward icon 48b, but the entire description list may be displayed on the display unit 12 in step S14 of the description content display process. In this case, steps S16 to S19 in the description content display process are not necessarily required. There is no need to display multiple input boxes 44 on the list creation screen in the pre-shooting setting process described with reference to Figures 7 and 8.

[0087] (4) In the configuration of the embodiment, the character string entered by the surgeon via the keyboard 11b is displayed on the display unit 12 as the comment 49, but the comment 49 may also be a figure drawn by the surgeon via the mouse 11a.

[0088] (5) In the embodiment, the display unit 12 can display the captured image. However, in addition to the display unit 12, a separate monitor for displaying the captured image can also be provided.

[0089] (6) The timer icon in the embodiment notifies the surgeon of the passage of time by counting down, but this can also be changed to a configuration in which it counts up.

[0090] (7) In the embodiment, a start icon 52 for starting the timer is displayed around the timer icon, but it is also possible to configure the timer icon to automatically start measuring time without having a start icon 52.

[0091] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Top plate 2 Support 3 X-ray tube 4 Detector 5 Collimator 11 Console (description input section, setting value input section) 12 Display section 13 Information processing section (description content processing section, setting value processing section) 14 Imaging type acquisition section 15 Timer control section 16 Image generation section 17 Support movement control section 18 Support movement mechanism 19 X-ray tube control section 21 Memory 51 Timer icon (timer)

Claims

1. a description input unit for inputting a description by a surgeon; a memory for storing the contents of the description by the surgeon in association with the type of imaging; an imaging type acquisition unit for acquiring an imaging type to be performed; a display unit that reads out from the memory the description content of the surgeon corresponding to the acquired imaging type and displays it; A medical imaging apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 1, The display unit updates the items in the list order based on a list including multiple items written by the surgeon and an instruction from the surgeon to scroll forward, and updates the items by going back through the list based on the list and an instruction from the surgeon to scroll backward.

3. 2. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 1, The operator description is a string of characters that indicates the imaging procedure, the medical imaging modality.

4. 2. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 1, The description of the surgeon is a character string indicating the contents of the surgeon's check during imaging, the medical imaging apparatus.

5. 2. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 1, The display unit displays a timer capable of measuring time when displaying the contents of the operator's description.

6. 2. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 1, The display unit is capable of displaying an image.

7. A setting value input unit that allows an operator to input a time setting value; a memory for storing the setting value in association with a photography type; an imaging type acquisition unit for acquiring an imaging type to be performed; a display unit that reads out a setting value corresponding to the acquired photographing type from the memory and displays a timer capable of measuring a time indicated by the read setting value; A medical imaging apparatus comprising:

8. 8. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 7, The timer displays a countdown based on the set value.

9. 8. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 7, A medical imaging apparatus comprising a timer control unit that starts time measurement on the basis of an instruction to start measurement from an operator.