JP2000308620A - Image diagnosing method, and data transmission method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data transmission method capable of easily realizing various kinds of image processing methods and diagnosis methods, and an image diagnosis method. SOLUTION: In the method for diagnosing image by an image diagnosis device which is connected to a data collection device 1 for collecting the diagnosis data of a sample to be examined through a communication means 10 to implement the specified processing of the diagnosis data, the diagnosis data is received from the data collection device 1 through the communication means 10, and the processing based on the received diagnosis data is implemented and served for the diagnosis.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an X-ray CT
The present invention relates to a data transmission method and an image diagnostic method applicable to an image diagnostic device such as a line diagnostic device, an MRI device, and a SPECT device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image diagnostic apparatuses such as an X-ray CT apparatus, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, an MRI apparatus, and a SPECT apparatus have been known. These image diagnostic apparatuses are composed of a plurality of units such as a scanner main body, a bed, a high-voltage generating unit, a console, and an imager, and are designed and manufactured on the assumption that these units are arranged and used adjacently. It had been. Table 1 shows an example of the size of each unit of a kind of X-ray CT apparatus as an image diagnostic apparatus. Table 1 Width Depth Weight Scanner main body 2200mm 1000mm 1400kg Bed 700mm 2300mm 300kg High pressure generator 600mm 400mm 250kg Console 1300mm 900mm 250kg Imager 600mm 800mm 150kg Next, each unit will be described in detail using an X-ray CT apparatus as an example. FIG. 8 shows a configuration diagram of a conventional X-ray CT apparatus. The scanner body 101 includes an X-ray tube 105 and a detector 106,
It is composed of a DAS 107. The image processing unit 102
PU 109, reconstruction device 110, image processing device 111,
And a storage device 112. High pressure generator 103
Generates a high voltage to be supplied to the X-ray tube 105. The couch 104 is for moving the subject M thereon. The detector 106 detects transmitted X-rays of the subject. The DAS 107 converts an X-ray detection signal detected by the detector 106 into a digital signal. The operation unit 108 is an operation panel for performing various operations of the X-ray CT apparatus. The CPU 109 generates a control signal for controlling each unit.

The image reconstructing device 110 reconstructs an image from the projection data detected by the detector 106.
The image processing device 111 performs image processing such as enlargement / reduction and movement of an image reconstructed by the image reconstruction device 110. The storage device 112 stores the projection data sent from the DAS 107, the image reconstructed by the image reconstruction device 110, or the image processed by the image processing device 111. The display device 113 displays an image signal transmitted through the image processing device 111. The imager 114 prints an image sent by an image signal on a film. Conventional X-ray C
In the T device, the CPU 109 controls the scanner main body 101, controls the image reconstructing device 110, and controls the image processing device 111.
, Each unit could not be operated independently.

[0004]

Heretofore, in most cases, a diagnostic image has been observed on the spot in real time by an image diagnostic apparatus such as an X-ray CT apparatus. However, with the advent of advanced image processing methods and diagnostic methods, handling of diagnostic images obtained from image diagnostic apparatuses has also been diversified significantly. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a data transmission method and an image diagnosis method that can easily realize various image processing methods and diagnosis methods.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present application is connected to a data collection device that collects diagnostic data of a subject via communication means, and the diagnostic data of the diagnostic data is determined. An image diagnosis method performed by an image processing device capable of executing the processing, wherein the diagnostic data from the data collection device is received via communication means,
The above-described processing based on the received diagnostic data is executed to provide a diagnosis. In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 2 of the present application is directed to an image processing apparatus that performs a predetermined process on a signal related to diagnostic data of a subject and a data collection apparatus that is connected to a data collection apparatus connected through a communication unit. A transmission method, wherein a signal related to the diagnostic data is transmitted from the data collection device to the image processing device via the communication unit. In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 4 of the present application is an image that is connected via a communication unit to a data collection device that collects diagnostic data of a subject and is capable of executing predetermined processing of the diagnostic data. An image diagnostic method performed by a processing device, wherein each diagnostic data from a plurality or a plurality of types of data collection devices is received via communication means, and the received diagnostic data is executed by a common image processing device. And provide it for diagnosis.

In order to further achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 6 of the present application is connected to a data collection device mounted on a vehicle for collecting diagnostic data of a subject via communication means, and the predetermined diagnostic data of the diagnostic data is stored. An image diagnosis method performed by an image processing apparatus capable of executing the processing of (a), wherein diagnostic data collected in the vehicle by the data collection apparatus is subjected to predetermined processing by the image processing apparatus via a communication unit to make a diagnosis. It is characterized by providing.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A data transmission method and an image diagnosis method applied to an image diagnosis apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a scan unit (data detection unit) of the X-ray CT apparatus. The scanner body 1
It comprises an X-ray tube 2, a detector 3, and a DAS 4. The high-voltage generator 6 generates a high voltage to be supplied to the X-ray tube 2. The couch 7 is for moving the subject M thereon. The detector 3 detects a projected X-ray of the subject M. The DAS 4 converts an X-ray detection signal detected by the detector 3 into a digital signal. Storage device 5
Includes scan conditions, date and time of examination, location of examination, patient data,
It stores projection data and the like, and is connected to the DAS 4 and the transmission / reception device 10. The transmission / reception device 10 transmits and receives data by radio waves. The simple operation unit 8 is a simple operation panel for operating the scanning unit. The CPU 9 generates a control signal for controlling the scanner unit. Next, the operation of each configuration of the scanning unit will be described. The subject M on the bed 7 is moved to adjust the imaging position. After the positioning of the subject M is completed, the patient data and scan conditions are input from the simple operation unit 8 and a scan start instruction is issued. The CPU 9 stores the patient data, scan conditions, examination date and time, and examination place in the storage device 5.
Send to The storage device 5 stores these data. After the completion of the storage, the CPU 9 sends a signal for performing a scan to each unit.

When the CPU 9 outputs a scan start signal, each unit operates as follows. The high voltage generator 6
A high voltage is generated and supplied to the X-ray tube 2. The X-ray tube 2 generates X-rays by the high voltage from the high voltage generator 6 and irradiates the subject M. At this time, the detector 3 detects the amount of transmitted X-rays that have passed through the subject M and sends it to the DAS 4. DAS4
Converts the signal sent from the detector 3 into a digital signal and sends it to the storage device 5. The storage device 5 stores the digital signal from the DAS 4. The X-ray tube 2 and the detector 3
Detects transmitted X-rays while rotating around the subject M by a rotating mechanism (not shown). Next, the configuration of the image processing unit will be described. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an image processing unit of the X-ray CT apparatus. The transmission / reception device 15 transmits and receives data by radio waves. The storage device 16
It stores scan conditions, examination date and time, patient data, projection data, and the like, and is connected to the transmission / reception device 15 and the image reconstruction device 12. The CPU 11 controls each unit of the image processing unit. The operation unit 18 is an operation panel for performing various operations of the image processing unit. The image reconstructing device 12 reconstructs an image from the projection data, and sends the reconstructed image to the image processing device 13. The image processing device 13 performs image processing such as enlargement / reduction and ROI (enhancement processing) on the image from the image reconstruction device 12, and sends the image to the display device 14 and the imager 17. The display device 14 displays an image sent from the image processing device 13. The imager 17 is a recording device that records an image sent through the image processing device 13 on a film.

Next, the operation of each component of the image processing unit will be described. The image reconstructing device 12 reconstructs a tomographic image of the subject M based on the projection data stored in the storage device 16 and sends the reconstructed tomographic image to the image processing device 13. The image processing device 13
Image processing is performed based on the operation information of the operation unit 18 transmitted via the PU 11, and the image processing is transmitted to the display device 14. Display device 1
4 displays this image. Thereby, the tomographic image obtained from the projection data measured by the scanning unit can be displayed on the display device 14. At this time, an arbitrary image displayed by operating the operation unit 18 can be recorded by the imager 17. Next, transmission of data between the scanning unit and the image processing unit will be described. Operation unit 18
Is operated to put the transmission / reception device 15 in a reception standby state. Next, the operation unit 18 is operated to instruct the start of transmission. CPU 9
Receives the transmission start signal, and instructs the transmission / reception device 10 to transmit a call signal. The transmission / reception device 10 includes a CPU 9
When this signal is received from, a call signal including the device identification number of the image processing device is transmitted. The transmission / reception device 15 receives the call signal, compares the device identification number included in the call signal with a device identification number stored in advance, and if it matches, a reception confirmation signal indicating that the call signal has been received. Send Upon receiving the reception confirmation signal, the transmission / reception device 10 transmits a signal indicating that the reception confirmation signal has been received to the CPU 9. Thereby, it is possible to confirm the line for transmitting data.

When the CPU 9 confirms the reception of the reception confirmation signal, the identification number of the scanning unit and the configuration of the scanning unit (X
The data of the number of channels of the line detector, the radius of the detector, etc.) is sent to the transmitting / receiving device 10. The transmission / reception device 10 transmits the identification number of the scanning unit and the configuration data of the scanning unit. After the transmission of the identification number of the scanning unit and the configuration data of the scanning unit, the CPU 9 instructs the storage device 5 and the transmission / reception device 10 to transmit the storage data. The transmission / reception device 10 has a CP
Upon receiving a storage data transmission instruction from U9, the scan conditions, patient data, examination date and time,
Data such as an inspection place and projection data is read and transmitted. When the transmission of the stored data is completed, the CPU 9 gives the transmission / reception device 10 an instruction to end the transmission. Transmitting / receiving device 10
Receives the transmission end instruction, transmits a transmission end signal. The transmission / reception device 15 receives data such as the identification number of the scanning unit, configuration data of the scanning unit, scanning conditions, patient data, examination date / time, examination location, and projection data transmitted from the transmission / reception device 10 and stores the data in the storage device 16. I do. Upon receiving the transmission end signal, the transmission / reception device 15 returns to the reception standby state. Thus, data can be transmitted from the scanning unit to the image processing unit. Further, a mechanism for checking whether the transmitted data has been reliably received may be provided.

According to such a configuration, X-ray projection data can be measured only by the scanning unit. Further, such a scanning unit may be mounted on a vehicle and used for a group examination or the like. In addition, by mounting this scanning unit on an ambulance, data measured in the ambulance can be transmitted to an image processing unit in a hospital by radio waves, and diagnosis can be performed before a patient arrives. Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described. 3 and 4 are configuration diagrams of the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, an image reconstruction device 12 is provided in a scanning unit. Hereinafter, the configuration of the second embodiment will be described. The description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is omitted. The image reconstructing device 12 reconstructs a tomographic image from the projection data.
It is provided between. The projection data detected by the detector 3 is converted into digital projection data by the DAS 4 and sent to the image reconstruction device 12. The image reconstruction device 12 reconstructs a tomographic image from the projection data, and sends the reconstructed image to the storage device 5. The storage device 5 stores this image. Next, communication is performed between the transmission / reception device 10 and the transmission / reception device 15 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the data stored in the storage device 5 is transmitted to the storage device 16. That is,
The storage device 16 stores a tomographic image.

The image processing device 13 performs various image processes on the image stored in the storage device 16 based on the operation of the operation section 18, converts the image into a video signal, and sends the video signal to the display device 14. The display device 14 displays this video signal as an image.
At this time, an arbitrary image displayed by operating the operation unit 18 can be recorded by the imager 17. According to such a configuration, since the X-ray projection data can be measured only by the scanning unit, the size of the apparatus can be reduced. Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of an imaging unit (data detection unit) of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus. The high-voltage generator 31 generates a high voltage to be supplied to the X-ray tube 30. The bed 34 (not shown) mounts the subject M thereon. The image intensifier 35 converts the transmitted X-ray transmitted through the subject M into an optical image. The imaging device 36 converts the optical image converted by the image intensifier 35 into an image signal. The DAS 37 converts an analog image signal output from the image sensor 36 into a digital signal. The storage device 38 stores data. The transmission / reception device 39 transmits and receives data by radio waves. The simple operation unit 33
It is a simple operation panel for operating the photographing unit. CPU3
Reference numeral 2 denotes a control signal for controlling the imaging unit.

Next, the operation of each component of the photographing unit will be described. When patient data and scan conditions are input from the simple operation unit 33 and an instruction to start imaging is given, the CPU 32 stores the scan conditions, patient data, examination date and time, examination place, and image data in the storage device 38. When the storage of these data is completed, the CPU 32 sends a signal to start capturing to each unit.
When the CPU 32 gives an instruction to start shooting, each unit operates as follows. The high voltage generator 31 generates a high voltage and
Supply to the wire tube 30. The X-ray tube 30 is a high-voltage generator 3
X-rays are generated by the high voltage from 1 and irradiate the subject M. The image intensifier 35 converts the transmitted X-ray transmitted through the subject M into an optical image. Imaging device 36
Converts the optical image converted by the image intensifier 35 into an image signal and sends it to the DAS 37. DAS
37 converts this image signal into a digital signal and sends it to the storage device 38. The storage device 38 stores the digital signal from the DAS 37. Next, similarly to the first embodiment, the data stored in the storage device 38 is transmitted to the storage device 41 of the image processing unit. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of an image processing unit of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus. The storage device 41 includes the transmitting / receiving device 4
0 stores the received signal. The image processing device 42 performs image processing such as enlargement / reduction of an image stored in the storage device 41 and ROI. Display device 4
Reference numeral 3 denotes an image displayed through the image processing device 42. The CPU 45 controls each unit of the image processing unit. The operation unit 46 is an operation panel for performing various operations of the image processing unit. The imager 44
This is a recording device that records an image sent through the image processing device 42 on a film.

Next, the operation of the image processing section will be described.
Data reception is the same as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. The storage device 41 stores image data captured by the imaging device 36. The image processing device 42 reads an image stored in the storage device 41, performs various image processing based on the operation of the operation unit 46, converts the image into a video signal, and sends the video signal to the display device 43. The display device 43 displays this video signal as an image. Thus, the tomographic image obtained from the projection data measured by the scanning unit can be displayed on the display device 43. An arbitrary image displayed by operating the operation unit 46 can be recorded by the imager 44. According to such a configuration, since the X-ray projection image can be captured only by the imaging unit, the size of the apparatus can be reduced. Further, the photographing unit may be mounted on the vehicle as in the first embodiment. In addition, since the imaging unit of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus can be made relatively small, an X-ray projection image can be taken in each hospital room by adopting a configuration that is movable in a hospital. In this case, since communication using radio waves becomes difficult due to obstacles such as walls, a LAN (local area network) using an optical fiber or a coaxial cable is provided in the hospital, and image transmission is performed using this communication line. May be performed.

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The description of the same parts as in the first embodiment is omitted. In the fourth embodiment, information is transmitted using a recording medium instead of a communication device. The transmitting / receiving device 10 in FIG. 1 is a data recording device 47 (not shown) and the transmitting / receiving device 15 in FIG. 2 is a data reading device 48 (not shown). The data recording device 47 has a CPU
The scanner unit 9 records the identification number of the scanning unit, configuration data of the scanning unit, and data such as scan conditions, patient data, examination date and time, examination location, and projection data transmitted from the storage unit 5 from the optical disk. The data reading device 48 reads data recorded on the optical disk and stores the data in the storage device 16. Image reconstruction device 12
Calculates a tomographic image based on the data stored in the storage device 16 and sends it to the image processing device 13. The image processing device 13
The image obtained by the image reconstructing device 12 is subjected to various types of image processing and displayed on the display device 14. According to such a configuration, since the data is stored and moved in the storage medium, it can be used even in a place where communication is difficult due to radio waves being easily disturbed. Further, the method using the storage medium as described above can be used in the second embodiment and the third embodiment.

Next, a fifth embodiment according to the present invention will be described. In the fifth embodiment, a scanning unit and a simple operation unit of an imaging unit according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the simple operation unit. The simple operation unit includes a simple display unit 50, an input key 51, a scan start key 52, and an emergency stop switch 53, and is 18 cm (vertical) ×
The size is about 12 cm (horizontal). Simple display unit 50
Is a liquid crystal panel for displaying photographing conditions and the like input from the input keys 51. The input keys 51 are thirteen push buttons, and are composed of ten keys, a # key, a * key, and an enter key. The scan start key 52 includes two push buttons. The emergency stop switch 53 is composed of a slightly large push button switch so that it can be operated immediately in an emergency, and is arranged on the right side of the simple display unit 50. Next, the operation of each unit will be described. An abbreviated number of a preset scan condition is input from an input key 51. The input abbreviated number is sent to the CPU connected to the simple operation unit. The CPU sets the scan conditions (X-ray intensity, scan speed, scan method, etc.) corresponding to the abbreviated number, and at the same time sends the data of the abbreviated number and the scan condition to the simplified display unit 50. Simple display unit 5
The data of the transmitted scan condition is displayed at 0. For example, if "* 1enter" is input, the input data is sent to the CPU connected to the simple operation unit, scan conditions for head diagnosis are set, and "* 2enter" is input. Scan conditions for abdominal diagnosis are set.

Next, patient data is input from the input keys 51. The patient data at this time is identification data based on a numeral such as a serial number, for example, “# 1 2 3 e
If "enter" is entered, 123 is stored as patient data. Next, in order to instruct the start of scanning, a scan start key 52a provided at the lower part of the simple operation unit is provided.
And simultaneously pressing the scan start key 52b,
The start of the scan operation can be instructed. Thus, by setting the scan start key to a two-button type,
It is possible to prevent the operator from instructing the start of scanning by mistake. If an abnormality occurs during the scanning operation, the scanning operation can be stopped by pressing the emergency stop button 53. By using the simple operation unit of the seventh embodiment, the size of the operation unit of the scanning unit or the imaging unit can be reduced. Further, in the seventh embodiment, numbers are input from the ten keys as patient identification data, but input keys for alphabets and kana are provided.
You may enable it to input a name. Also, in order to input scan conditions and patient data more smoothly,
It is also possible to provide a bar code reader and input data.

It is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. When transmitting data, the data may be compressed using a data compression device or the like before transmission. Further, a configuration in which a plurality of scanning units are provided for one image processing unit may be adopted. Further, the present invention can be used for an MRI apparatus and a SPECT apparatus in addition to the X-ray CT apparatus and the X-ray diagnostic apparatus. Further, the type of the diagnostic device is added to the configuration data of the device, and X-ray C
Different types of diagnostic devices such as a T device, an X-ray diagnostic device, and an MRI device may be processed by one image processing device. Further, in the above embodiment, communication by radio waves was performed, but communication of data and images using communication means using satellites, communication means using telephone lines, and communication lines such as optical fibers and coaxial cables is also possible. good. Further, the identification number of the scanner to be received may be stored in the image processing apparatus in advance, and only the data of the scanner having the same identification number may be received.

[0019]

As described above, according to the present invention, various image processing methods and diagnostic methods can be easily realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a scanner unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an image processing unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a scanner unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an image processing unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an imaging unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an image processing unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a simple operation unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional X-ray CT apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 101 Scanner body 3, 106 Detector 4, 37, 107 DAS 5, 16, 38, 40, 112 Storage device 10, 39, 15, 40 Transceiver device 8, 18, 33, 46, 108 Operation unit 9, 11 , 32, 45, 109 CPU 12, 110 Image reconstruction device 13, 42, 111 Image processing device 36 Imaging device

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An image diagnosis method which is connected to a data collection device for collecting diagnostic data of a subject via a communication unit and is capable of executing a predetermined process of the diagnostic data, wherein the image diagnosis method includes: An image diagnostic method, comprising: receiving the diagnostic data from a data collection device via a communication unit; executing the processing based on the received diagnostic data; 2. A data transmission method performed by a data collection device connected via communication means to an image processing device for performing predetermined processing on a signal related to diagnostic data of a subject, A data transmission method for transmitting a signal relating to the diagnostic data from the data collection device via the communication means. 3. The data transmission method according to claim 2, wherein the signal related to the diagnostic data is compressed by a compression unit. 4. An image diagnosis method which is connected to a data collection device for collecting diagnostic data of a subject via communication means and is capable of executing predetermined processing of the diagnostic data, the image diagnostic method comprising: Or diagnostic data, wherein each diagnostic data from a plurality of types of data collection devices is received via communication means, and the received diagnostic data is subjected to the above-described processing by a common image processing device to be used for diagnosis. Method. 5. The image diagnosis method according to claim 4, wherein each of the diagnostic data is received together with identification information for identifying the data collection device. 6. A data collection device mounted on a vehicle for collecting diagnostic data of a subject is connected via communication means,
An image diagnosis method performed by an image processing device capable of executing predetermined processing of the diagnostic data, wherein the diagnostic data collected in the vehicle by the data collection device is subjected to predetermined processing by the image processing device via communication means. Performing an image diagnosis for diagnosis.