CN103908293B - For measuring the medical image system and method for medical image - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a medical imaging system for measuring medical images. The medical imaging system includes a display unit for presenting one or more images of a subject. The image capture unit is configured to capture a plurality of gestures made by the user at a distance from the display unit. An image measurement unit is communicatively connected to the image capture unit, and the image measurement unit is configured to generate a measurement event based on one or more gestures of the plurality of gestures. Based on the measurement event, the vision measurement unit performs measurement of the object. The measurement events correspond to steps associated with the measurement of the object.

Description

Medical imaging system and method for measuring medical images

technical field

The subject matter disclosed in this specification relates to a medical imaging system. More specifically, the subject matter relates to a system and method for measuring medical images in such a medical imaging system.

Background technique

Medical imaging systems are used in different applications to generate images of different parts or regions (eg, different organs) of a patient or other subject. Different types of medical imaging systems are available and they include, for example, X-ray, computed tomography, single photon emission computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and the like. The medical imaging system generates medical images of the organs of a patient or other subject and the measurements that need to be taken on the medical images. For example, fetal images can be obtained and measured to determine fetal length. Measurement of fetal length is critical as this is a parameter indicative of the growth rate and state of health of the fetus. The measurement is done by selecting two points on the fetal image using an input device and then measuring the fetal length. For example, the input device may be a mouse or any other input device. Various other techniques can also be used to create shapes on the medical image such as circles and parabolas and to measure the length between two points in the medical image. However, all these techniques can often become cumbersome for the end user of the medical imaging system, since the user may have to deal with many processes or sub-devices of the medical imaging system in order to capture the medical image.

Therefore, there is a need for a system that facilitates measurement of the fetal image in a manner that is more convenient for the end user using a medical imaging system.

Contents of the invention

The above deficiencies, disadvantages and problems are addressed in this specification, which will be understood by reading and understanding the following description.

As discussed in detail below, embodiments of the invention include a medical imaging system for measuring medical images. The medical imaging system includes a display unit for presenting one or more images of a subject. The image capture unit is configured to capture a plurality of gestures made by the user at a distance from the display unit. An image measurement unit is communicatively connected to the image capture unit, and the image measurement unit is configured to generate a measurement event based on one or more gestures of the plurality of gestures. Based on the measurement event, the vision measurement unit performs measurement of the object. The measurement events correspond to steps associated with the measurement of the object.

In another embodiment, the present invention discloses a method of measuring a medical image in a medical imaging system. The method includes: presenting one or more medical images of a subject in a display unit of the medical imaging system; capturing a plurality of gestures made by a user at a distance from the display unit; At least one of the gestures generates a measurement event; and the object is measured based on the measurement event. The measurement events correspond to steps associated with the measurement of the object.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 illustrates a medical imaging system for performing an imaging procedure on a subject;

2 is a schematic diagram of a medical imaging system for measuring medical images according to an embodiment;

3 is a schematic diagram of a medical imaging system capable of performing measurements on a subject based on eye pose, according to an exemplary embodiment;

4 is a schematic diagram of a medical imaging system capable of performing measurements on the object based on hand gestures, according to an exemplary embodiment;

5 is a schematic diagram of a medical imaging system capable of performing measurements on an object based on hand posture using a finger cot worn on a finger of a user's hand, according to an exemplary embodiment; and

Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of a method for measuring a medical image in a medical imaging system according to an embodiment.

Detailed ways

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustrations specific embodiments that may be practiced. These embodiments have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logic may be made without departing from the scope of the described embodiments. , mechanical, electrical and other changes. Accordingly, the following detailed description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

To the extent that the figures illustrate diagrams of the functional blocks of various embodiments, the functional blocks are not necessarily indicative of the division between hardware circuitry. One or more of the functional blocks (eg, processor or memory) may be implemented in a single piece of hardware (eg, general purpose signal processor or random access memory, hard disk, etc.) or in multiple pieces of hardware. Similarly, a program may be a stand-alone program, may be incorporated as a subroutine in an operating system, may be a function in an installed software package, and so on. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings.

As used in this specification, an element or step recited in the singular and introduced by the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of other embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, an embodiment that "comprises" or "has" an element or elements possessing a particular property may include other such elements that do not possess that property, unless expressly stated to the contrary.

The invention discloses a medical imaging system for measuring medical images. The medical imaging system includes a display unit for presenting one or more images of a subject. The image capture unit is configured to capture a plurality of gestures made by the user at a distance from the display unit. An image measurement unit is communicatively connected to the image capture unit, and the image measurement unit is configured to generate a measurement event based on one or more gestures of the plurality of gestures. Based on the measurement event, the vision measurement unit performs measurement of the object. The measurement events correspond to steps associated with the measurement of the object.

Various embodiments of the present invention provide a medical imaging system 100 as shown in FIG. 1 . The medical imaging system 100 may be any type of system that utilizes an acquisition component 102 for acquiring images. For example, medical imaging system 100 may be an ultrasound imaging system, an X-ray system, a computed tomography imaging system, a magnetic resonance imaging system, a single photon emission computed tomography system, an electrocardiography system, a positron emission tomography (PET) system, or a multimodal imaging system. state imaging system. However, the various embodiments are not limited to medical imaging systems or the imaging systems described above for imaging human subjects.

The medical imaging system 100 includes an acquisition component 102 configured to acquire image data (eg, ultrasound image data). The acquisition component 102 in the case of an ultrasound imaging system may be an ultrasound probe 102 for scanning or otherwise imaging an object or volume of an object of interest. An "ultrasound probe" includes a plurality of transducers for transmitting a plurality of ultrasound signals to a region of interest on a human subject to acquire images. In another example, acquisition component 102 may be an array of "X-ray detectors" in a gantry of a computed tomography imaging system. Considering now the case of a positron emission computed tomography system, the acquisition component 102 may be an "image detector array" in a PET scanner. The acquisition component 102 is operatively connected to the image processing component 104 . Image processing component 104 is any type of image processor capable of processing image data acquired using acquisition component 102 . The image processing component 104 is also operatively connected to a display component 106 . Display component 106 , which may be a controller, configures or formats the processed image data for display on display screen 108 . Display 108 may be any type of screen capable of displaying images, graphics, text, and the like. For example, the display screen 108 may be a cathode ray tube (CRT) screen, a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, a plasma screen, or the like.

A processor 110 (eg, a computer) or other processing unit controls various operations within the medical imaging system 100 . For example, processor 110 may receive user input from user interface 112 and display requested image data or adjust settings for displayed image data. For example, a user may provide input or settings to change the displayed image or display characteristics of display screen 108 .

Fig. 2 shows a medical imaging system 200 for measuring medical images according to an embodiment. Medical imaging system 200 may be a portable system, mobile system, handheld system, or any other medical imaging system. The medical imaging system 200 may include an image acquisition unit (such as the acquisition component 102) for acquiring at least one image (ie, a medical image) of the object. The at least one image is presented in the display unit 202 . A user of the medical imaging system 200 may need to take measurements on the subject. For example, measurements may need to be taken on an image of a fetus (ie, the subject) to determine fetal length. This can be performed by taking measurements between two or more points on the image of the object. However, it is conceivable that the measurements may be obtained on the object in any other way or form than measurements between points on the object.

A user performs a number of gestures in front of the medical imaging system 200 . These gestures are captured by the image capture unit 204 . The gestures may be performed using body parts such as, but not limited to, the user's limbs and eyes. The gesture may include a number of predefined movements that may be performed using the body part. This is explained in further exemplary detail in conjunction with FIGS. 3 , 4 and 5 . The image capture unit 204 may be a camera (such as a video camera) that captures the gesture of the user. In an embodiment, captured gestures may be stored in memory 206 . The image measurement unit 208 analyzes these gestures to generate one or more measurement events for measuring the image. During analysis, each gesture can be associated with one or more measurement events. The measurement events correspond to steps involved in performing measurements on the object. The one or more measurement events may be associated with a predefined motion in a gesture. Measurements on the object may, for example, be performed by determining the length between two points on the image. For example, the measurement event may be drawing a line between two points on the image, drawing a circle covering multiple or two points on the image, measuring the distance between the two points, and registering or Confirm or select point. It is envisioned that other measurement events may be utilized for performing measurements on the subject and are within the scope of this disclosure. The measurement event may be selected from a set of measurement events stored in memory 206 .

Based on the selected measurement event, the image measurement unit 208 performs measurements on the object. For example, a measurement event may be to draw a line between two points on the fetus to measure femoral shaft length. The measured values acquired, for example in numerical form in millimeters, are displayed on the display unit 202 . However, it is conceivable that said measurements performed and said measured values may be presented in any other form.

FIG. 3 illustrates a medical imaging system 300 capable of performing measurements on a subject 302 based on eye poses, according to an exemplary embodiment. The medical imaging system 300 presents an object 302 via a display unit 304 (ie, a user interface). The display unit 304 can be a touch screen or a cathode ray tube screen. A user operating the medical imaging system 300 performs a number of gestures using the user's eyes 306 . It should be noted that the eye 306 may be a single eye or both eyes of the user, however, for ease of description, a single eye will be explained. Consider an example, if the distance between two points (ie, point 308 and point 310) needs to be measured, then these points are initially determined and settled. The user may gaze or gaze at point 308 and perform gestures for confirming point 308 . The performed gestures may be, for example but not limited to, blinking 306 , gazing at point 308 for a predetermined time, moving eye 306 closer to display unit 304 and moving eye 306 away from display unit 304 . Camera 312 may capture the gesture of eye 306 . As shown in FIG. 3 , camera 312 may be positioned above display unit 304 or may be positioned in any other location on medical imaging system 300 for conveniently capturing the user's gestures. The gestures are analyzed to detect predefined movements like blinking, gazing and moving the eyes 306 towards and away from the display unit 304 for example. The predefined motion may be stored in a memory of the medical imaging system 300 (eg, memory 206 ). Each predefined motion may have one or more measurement events for performing the measurement on the object. In an embodiment, a mapping table may be stored in the memory, the mapping table representing the relationship between each predefined movement and the one or more measurement events. The predefined movement in the gesture (eg gazing at point 308 for a predetermined time) is associated with a measurement event (ie registering or confirming point 308 as the first point). Points 308 may be registered and stored in medical imaging system 300 . The user then gazes or gazes instead at point 310 for a predetermined amount of time to confirm the selection. Thus, point 310 is selected as the second point. The medical imaging system 300 can measure the length between these points. This can be done by performing one or more measurement events such as drawing a line between two points on the image (i.e., point 308 and point 310), measuring the distance between the two points, and drawing circle of two points on the image) to complete. In FIG. 3, the distance between point 308 and point 310 is indicated as "L". The distance "L" may have a numerical value and may be displayed on the display unit 304 in various forms.

Turning now to FIG. 4 , a medical imaging system 300 is shown that is capable of performing measurements on an object 302 based on hand gestures, according to an exemplary embodiment. As explained in FIG. 4 , it may be desirable to measure the distance between two points, such as point 308 and point 310 . The user may gesture with the user's hand 400 for performing measurements on the object 302 . The user may point finger 402 at point 308 for a predetermined time, which is considered a gesture. The camera 312 collects this gesture and will detect the pointing of the finger 402 as a predefined movement. This predefined movement performed for said predetermined time is associated with a measurement event such as a registration or validation point 308 . Similarly, point 310 may also be selected or registered using hand 400 based on a similar gesture. It should be noted that other kinds of gestures can be performed using hand 400, such as moving finger 402 closer to the point (i.e., point 308 and point 310), moving finger 402 away from the point, rotating finger 402, and waving hand 400, and these gestures within the disclosure scope of this manual. Once the points 308 and 310 are registered, a measurement event (such as measuring the distance between these points) is performed. The distance between the points may be expressed as "L", and the numerical value of the distance may be displayed on the display unit 304 .

In another example, the fingers 402 may be covered with a finger cot 500 and used to perform gestures in front of a medical imaging system 300 according to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 5 . As shown in FIG. 5 , the user may perform gestures using finger 402 together with finger cot 500 . Finger cot 500 may be held or positioned in front of medical imaging system 300 in order to select or confirm points 308 and 310 . Camera 312 may be configured to capture the gesture and distinguish hand 400 and fingers 402 from finger cot 500 . In an embodiment, camera 312 may be able to differentiate finger cot 500 based on the color of the cot. The finger cot 500 can have different colors. The user may position finger cuff 500 to focus on point 308 and then rotate finger 402 along with finger cuff 500 . The camera 312 detects the rotational movement of the finger cuff 500, and the medical imaging system 300 identifies it as a gesture. The predefined motion associated with the gesture is a rotational motion of the finger cuff 500 . The predefined motion is indicative of the user's selection of point 308 . In a similar manner, the user uses finger 402 and finger cot 500 to select point 310 . To obtain the distance between the two points, the user may move finger 402 in a direction similar to the line connecting point 308 and point 310 . Movement of finger 402 may be recognized by camera 312 by detecting movement of finger cot 500 . The medical imaging system 300 analyzes this gesture and performs a measurement event (such as drawing a line connecting point 308 and point 310 ), which is displayed in display unit 304 . Then, the distance between the two points is measured and presented to the user. It should be noted that the distance between the two points on the object (such as a fetus) displayed on the display unit 304 may not be an exact length, but the distance or length may be properly adjusted based on a predefined ratio to represent an exact distance. length or distance.

In another embodiment, points on finger cot 500 may be used by camera 312 to determine if the user is performing a gesture. The user may position finger cuff 500 to focus on point 308 and then rotate finger 402 along with finger cuff 500 . The camera 312 tracks the movement of the points on the finger cot 500 to detect rotational movement of the finger cot 500 . The dots on the finger cot 500 may be colored dots. Medical imaging system 300 confirms that the point on finger cuff 500 is aligned with point 308 and that movement of the point on finger cuff 500 indicates selection of point 308 . In this case, the predefined movement may be a rotational movement of said point on finger cuff 500 relative to point 308 . The user can select point 310 using the same technique. To get the distance between the two points, the user can move finger 402 in a direction similar to the line connecting point 308 and point 310 . The movement of the points on the finger cot 500 can be recognized by the camera 312 . The medical imaging system 300 analyzes this gesture and performs a measurement event (eg, draws a line connecting point 308 and point 310 ), which is displayed in display unit 304 . Then, the distance between the two points is measured and presented to the user.

Referring to Figures 3, 4 and 5, various embodiments of performing gesture-based measurements on the object by a medical imaging system are described and are exemplary only, and thus use body parts of the user Other forms of gestures performed are also within the scope of this disclosure.

Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of a method 600 for measuring a medical image in a medical imaging system according to an embodiment. The medical imaging system is used to capture one or more medical images of a subject. The medical imaging system is operated by users such as technicians and medical professionals. The object may be an anatomical structure of a subject (ie, a human being). At step 602, the medical image is rendered in a display unit of the medical imaging system. Measurements need to be taken on the medical image and thus the user can exhibit multiple poses in front of the medical imaging system. The gesture may be performed at a distance from the display unit. At step 604, a camera in the medical imaging system captures the gesture. The gestures are performed using body parts such as the user's eyes and limbs. The gesture may include a number of predefined movements that may be performed using the body part. At step 606, the medical imaging system analyzes the gestures to generate one or more measurement events for measuring the image. Each gesture can be associated with one or more measurement events. The measurement events correspond to steps involved in performing measurements on the object. The measurement events may be associated with predefined movements in gestures. The gesture is analyzed to detect predefined motions. The predefined motions may be, for example, blinking, gazing, and moving the user's eyes towards and away from the display unit. Based on the selected measurement events, the medical imaging system performs measurements on the object. At step 608, the object is measured based on the measurement event, the measurement event corresponding to a step associated with the measurement of the object. For example, the measurement event may be drawing a line between two points on the image, drawing a circle covering multiple points or two points on the image, measuring the distance between the two points, and registering or Confirm or select point.

The various embodiments and/or components (eg, modules or components thereof and controllers) may also be implemented as part of one or more computers or processors. The computer or processor may include computing means, input means, a display unit and an interface (eg for accessing the Internet). The computer or processor may include a microprocessor. The microprocessor can be connected to a communication bus. The computer or processor may also include memory. The memory may include random access memory (RAM) and read only memory (ROM). The computer or processor may further include a storage device, which may be a hard drive or a removable storage drive (eg, floppy disk drive, optical disk drive, etc.). The storage means may also be other similar means for loading computer programs or other instructions into the computer or processor.

As used in this specification, the terms "computer" or "module" may include any processor-based or microprocessor-based system, including those using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computers (RISCs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) ), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor system capable of performing the functions described in this specification. The above examples are exemplary only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term "computer".

The computer or processor executes a set of instructions stored in one or more memory elements for processing input data. The storage element may also store data or other information as desired or desired. The storage element may be in the form of an information source or a physical storage element within the processing machine.

The method described in conjunction with FIG. 6 may be performed using a processor or any other processing means. The method steps may be implemented using coded instructions (eg, computer readable instructions) stored on a tangible computer readable medium. The tangible computer readable medium can be, for example, flash memory, read only memory, random access memory, any other computer readable storage medium, and any storage medium. Although the method for measuring a medical image in a medical imaging system is explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6 , other methods for implementing the method may be employed. For example, the order of performance of each method step may be changed, and/or some of the described method steps may be changed, removed, divided or combined. Furthermore, the method steps can be performed sequentially or simultaneously for measuring the medical image in the medical imaging system.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any computing system or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If other such examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal meaning of the claims, or if such examples include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal meaning of the claims, such examples should also be included in the claims. within range.

Claims (10)

1. a kind of medical image system, it includes：

Display unit, the display unit are used at least one image that object is presented；

Image capturing unit, described image capturing unit are configured to capture user away from the display unit certain distance place The multiple postures done；And

Image measurement unit, described image measuring unit are communicatively connected to described image capturing unit, wherein described image Measuring unit is configured to：

Measurement event is generated based at least one posture in the multiple posture；

Measurement is performed to the object based on the measurement event, wherein the measurement event corresponds to the measurement with the object Associated step.

2. medical image system as claimed in claim 1, tied wherein at least one image of the object includes dissection At least one medical image of structure.

3. medical image system as claimed in claim 1, wherein described image capturing unit are cameras.

4. medical image system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multiple posture and the motion phase of the body part of user Association.

5. medical image system as claimed in claim 4, wherein described image measuring unit be further configured to Lower step generates the measurement event：

The predefined motion for the body part that the user performs is detected from least one posture；And

The measurement event associated with the predefined motion is determined from one group of measurement event.

6. medical image system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the body part is in the eyes and limbs of the user One.

7. a kind of method for being used to measure medical image in medical image system, methods described include：

At least one medical image of object is presented in the display unit of the medical image system；

Multiple postures that capture user is done at away from the display unit certain distance；

Measurement event is generated based at least one posture in the multiple posture；And

The object is measured based on the measurement event, wherein the measurement event is corresponding to associated with the measurement of the object The step of.

8. method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the multiple posture is associated with the motion of the body part of user.

9. method as claimed in claim 8, wherein generating the measurement event includes：

The predefined motion for the body part that the user performs is detected from least one posture；And

The measurement event associated with the predefined motion is determined from one group of measurement campaign.

10. method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the body part is one in the eyes and limbs of the user.