JP2022112175A - X-ray diagnostic apparatus and medical image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To reduce erroneous setting of a reconstitution range.SOLUTION: An x-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment comprises a generation unit and a display control unit. On the basis of a reconstitution range of tomosynthesis imaging of an analyte and a setting value concerning the rotation center of the tomosynthesis imaging, the generation unit generates an image schematically expressing the reconstitution range and the rotation center. The display control unit causes the image to be displayed on a display.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The embodiments disclosed in the specification and drawings relate to an X-ray diagnostic apparatus and a medical image processing apparatus.

X-ray diagnostic equipment such as mammography and X-ray television beds can use tomosynthesis imaging to obtain images with reduced subject overlap compared to images obtained by normal imaging. In the X-ray diagnostic apparatus, a numerical value indicating a reconstruction range is set according to a user's operation, the set numerical value is displayed to prompt the user for confirmation, and tomosynthesis imaging is performed according to the user's instruction. After completion of tomosynthesis imaging, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus can generate a tomographic image with reduced overlap of the subject in the reconstruction range. Therefore, in tomosynthesis imaging, it is possible to improve diagnostic accuracy, observe only a desired site, and identify the position of a device such as a catheter.

For example, tomosynthesis imaging in mammography can reduce overlapping of tumors, mammary glands, and fat, so that tumors can be visualized more clearly than images obtained by normal imaging. In addition, tomosynthesis imaging on an X-ray television bed can reduce the overlapping of three-dimensionally distributed bronchi and emphysema, so that emphysema can be visualized more clearly than images obtained by normal imaging. Furthermore, tomosynthesis imaging in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) using an X-ray television bed makes it easier to grasp the course of the biliary tract when inserting and advancing the catheter into the biliary tract. This makes it easier to advance the catheter. Note that tomosynthesis imaging can be performed not only by mammography or X-ray television beds, but also by any X-ray diagnostic apparatus capable of imaging a subject from a plurality of imaging angles.

In the X-ray diagnostic apparatus as described above, according to the study of the present inventor, setting of the reconstruction range is important, so it is preferable to be able to reduce errors in setting the reconstruction range.

JP 2014-155519 A

One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings is to reduce errors in setting the reconstruction range. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings are not limited to the above problems. A problem corresponding to each effect of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can be positioned as another problem.

An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a generator and a display controller. The generation unit generates an image that schematically represents the reconstruction range and the rotation center based on a reconstruction range for tomosynthesis imaging of a subject and a setting value for the rotation center for the tomosynthesis imaging. The display control unit causes the display to display the image.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining tomosynthesis imaging in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining operations in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen used for setting tomosynthesis imaging according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of two display screens used for setting in the comparative example. FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining the operation in the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen used for setting tomosynthesis imaging according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the display screen used for setting tomosynthesis imaging in the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the display screen shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the display screen used for setting tomosynthesis imaging according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the display screen used for setting tomosynthesis imaging in the second embodiment.

An X-ray diagnostic apparatus and a medical image processing apparatus according to each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In order to make the explanation concrete, in the following explanation, the case where the X-ray diagnostic apparatus is an X-ray fluoroscopy bed apparatus will be described as an example. However, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus is not limited to the X-ray fluoroscopic couch apparatus, and may be any X-ray couch apparatus such as a mammography apparatus, an X-ray television couch apparatus, or a C-arm type X-ray couch apparatus. Similarly, in order to make the explanation concrete, it is assumed that the medical image processing apparatus is incorporated in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus in the following explanation. That is, the following description of the medical image processing apparatus also applies to the X-ray diagnostic apparatus. However, the medical image processing apparatus may be used independently without being incorporated into the X-ray diagnostic apparatus.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining tomosynthesis imaging. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a tomosynthesis imaging device 2 and a medical image processing device 3 .

The tomosynthesis imaging apparatus 2 includes an X-ray tube 5 , an X-ray detector 7 , an X-ray tube moving mechanism 9 , a detector moving mechanism 11 , a tomosynthesis control mechanism 13 and a top board 15 .

The X-ray tube 5 is provided in the X-ray tube moving mechanism 9 . The X-ray tube 5 receives a high voltage and a filament current from a high voltage generator (not shown) to generate X-rays.

The X-ray detector 7 is provided in the detector moving mechanism 11 so as to detect X-rays generated from the X-ray tube 5 . The X-ray detector 7 is generated from the X-ray tube 5 and detects X-rays that have passed through the subject P on the top plate 15 and X-rays that have not passed through the subject P, respectively. The X-ray detector 7 is implemented by, for example, a flat panel detector (hereinafter referred to as FPD). The FPD has a plurality of elements arranged two-dimensionally. Each element detects X-rays generated from the X-ray tube 5 and converts the detected X-rays into electrical signals. An electric signal generated in each element is output to an analog to digital converter (hereinafter referred to as an A/D converter, not shown). The A/D converter converts electrical signals into digital data. The A/D converter outputs digital data to a processing circuit 31 which will be described later.

The X-ray tube moving mechanism 9 moves the X-ray tube 5 . Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the X-ray tube moving mechanism 9 supports the X-ray tube 5 so as to be movable around the rotation center C. As shown in FIG. The X-ray tube moving mechanism 9 may rotatably support the X-ray tube 5 along an arc-shaped track, and linearly move the X-ray tube 5 along the longitudinal direction of the top plate 15. Support if possible. The “rotational center” is the position where the center lines of the projected images intersect when projecting from a plurality of angles. In tomosynthesis imaging using an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, the X-ray flat panel detector rotates and slides in addition to the rotation and slide of the X-ray tube. Tomosynthesis imaging can be performed at any height above. Supplementally, the “rotation center” is not displaced even by the movement of the X-ray tube 5 and the X-ray detector 7 in the imaging axis passing through the focal point of the X-ray tube 5 and the detection surface center of the X-ray detector 7. corresponds to a point. In FIG. 2A, the rotation center C is positioned substantially at the center of the subject P, in FIG. 2B the rotation center C is positioned outside the subject P, and in FIG. It is positioned around the boundary between the specimen P and the top plate 15 . From the viewpoint of maximizing the reconstruction range R corresponding to the effective area E within the subject P, the position of the rotation center C is set substantially at the center of the subject P, as shown in FIG. preferably. Moreover, the upper end T of the reconstruction range R may be set to the distance from the table 15 to the upper end of the subject P, and the lower end B of the reconstruction range R may be set to the distance from the table 15 to the lower end of the subject P. should be set to The reconstruction range R corresponds to a range in which a reconstructed image of the subject P can be generated by tomosynthesis imaging. The effective area E is an area projected at all shooting angles. Supplementally, the effective area E corresponds to an area through which the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 5 pass in the range of all imaging angles in tomosynthesis imaging. In other words, the effective area E in FIG. 2 corresponds to an area where three triangles with the X-ray detector 7 as the base and the X-ray tube 5 as the vertex overlap each other. 2, the reconstruction range R corresponds to the area where the effective area E and the subject P overlap.

A detector moving mechanism 11 moves the X-ray detector 7 . Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 2 , the detector moving mechanism 11 supports the X-ray detector 7 so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the top plate 15 . Although the height of the X-ray detector 7 shown in FIG. 2 differs depending on the position, the detector moving mechanism 11 actually moves the X-ray detector 7 without changing its height. The amount of movement of the X-ray detector 7 increases in proportion to the distance between the center of the detection surface and the center of rotation C. Further, the detector moving mechanism 11 may support the X-ray detector 7 so as to be rotatable along an arc-shaped track like a C-arm.

The tomosynthesis control mechanism 13 controls the X-ray tube moving mechanism 9 and the detector moving mechanism 11 so as to move the X-ray tube 5 and the X-ray detector 7 while synchronizing them with the subject P therebetween to perform tomosynthesis imaging. are controlled synchronously. For example, in the tomosynthesis control mechanism 13, the X-ray tube 5 and the X-ray detector 7, which are arranged to face each other with the subject P therebetween, intersect with each other on both sides of the subject P in FIG. The X-ray tube moving mechanism 9 and the detector moving mechanism 11 are synchronously controlled so that one moves from left to right along the longitudinal direction while the other moves from right to left in the opposite direction. During tomosynthesis imaging, the X-ray tube 5 may be moved linearly or may be moved in an arc. The same applies to the X-ray detector 7 as well. As the X-ray diaphragm or the X-ray tube 5 moves, the X-ray detector 7 is moved so that the detection surface is irradiated with X-rays.

A subject P is placed on the top plate 15 . In the case of imaging with the subject in the standing position, the table top 15 supports the subject P in the standing position. In FIG. 1, the subject P is placed on the top plate 15 so that the longitudinal direction of the top plate 15 substantially coincides with the longitudinal direction of the subject P (body axis direction).

The medical image processing apparatus 3 also includes a communication interface 21 , a memory 23 , an input interface 25 , a display 27 , a control circuit 29 and a processing circuit 31 .

The communication interface 21 is a circuit for wired or wireless communication with an external device. The external device is, for example, a tomosynthesis imaging device 2, a server included in a system such as a radiology department information management system (RIS: Radiological Information System), a hospital information system (HIS: Hospital Information System), and a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) , or other workstations.

The memory 23 includes memories for recording electrical information such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), HDD (Hardware Disk Drive) and image memory, and peripherals such as memory controllers and memory interfaces associated with these memories. It consists of circuits. The memory 23 stores numerical values for each setting item set for tomosynthesis imaging. The memory 23 stores a plurality of tomographic images obtained by tomosynthesis imaging. The memory 23 may also store the X-ray image generated by the processing circuitry 31 . The memory 23 may also store various data used for setting tomosynthesis imaging. As various data, for example, background images and rulers can be used as appropriate.

The input interface 25 includes a trackball for inputting various instructions, commands, information, selections, and settings from the operator, a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch pad for performing input operations by touching the operation surface, and a display screen. and a touch pad are integrated into a touch panel display or the like. The input interface 25 is connected to the control circuit 29 and the processing circuit 31 and the like, converts an input operation received from an operator into an electric signal, and outputs the converted electric signal to the control circuit 29 and the processing circuit 31 . It should be noted that the input interface 25 is not limited to having physical operation parts such as a trackball, switch buttons, mouse, and keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs the electrical signal to the control circuit 29, the processing circuit 31, etc. is also an input interface 25. included in the examples of The input interface 25 receives input of X-ray conditions desired by the operator, X-ray imaging positions, and start and end of X-ray imaging.

The display 27 includes a display body that displays medical images, an internal circuit that supplies display signals to the display body, and peripheral circuits such as connectors and cables that connect the display body and the internal circuits. The display 27 displays various data, medical images, etc. under the control of the control circuit 29 and the processing circuit 31 . The display 27 may be, for example, a CRT display (Cathode Ray Tube Display), a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL display (OELD), a plasma display, or others known in the art. can be used as appropriate.

The control circuit 29 includes, as hardware resources, a dedicated or general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a predetermined memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). including. The processor of the control circuit 29 comprehensively controls the operation and processing of each component in the tomosynthesis imaging apparatus 2 according to a control program stored in the memory.

The processing circuit 31 is a circuit for performing predetermined processing on data stored in the memory 23 . The processing circuit 31 includes, as hardware resources, predetermined processors such as CPU and MPU, and predetermined memories such as ROM and RAM. The memory of the processing circuit 31 stores programs. The program is executed by the processor of the processing circuit 31, and by executing the program, the processing circuit 31 functions as a medical image processing function 31a, a setting function 31b, a guide image processing function 31c, and a display control function 31d. Note that the program may be edited as appropriate.

The medical image processing function 31a preprocesses the digital data output from the X-ray detector 7 to generate an X-ray image. The preprocessing includes correction of non-uniform sensitivity between elements in the X-ray detector 7, correction of omission (defect), and the like. The medical image processing function 31 a may temporarily output the generated X-ray image to the memory 23 .

Further, the medical image processing function 31a performs image processing on the generated X-ray image. The medical image processing function 31a performs, for example, correction processing such as scattered radiation correction processing on the generated X-ray image. In addition, the medical image processing function 31a reconstructs volume data based on a plurality of X-ray images generated according to a plurality of positions of the X-ray tube 5 in tomosynthesis imaging. The medical image processing function 31a acquires a plurality of tomographic images by reconstructing volume data based on a plurality of X-ray images subjected to image correction processing. The plurality of tomographic images are, for example, images arranged in a direction orthogonal to the mounting surface of the tabletop 15 .

The setting function 31b sets numerical values relating to geometric conditions including the reconstruction range R for tomosynthesis imaging of the subject P as set values. Specifically, the setting function 31b sets setting values regarding the reconstruction range R for tomosynthesis imaging of the subject and the rotation center C for the tomosynthesis imaging. The setting function 31b moves a part of the guide image and changes the setting value according to the user's operation while the image (guide image) based on the setting value is being displayed. However, this is the case when the guide image is a GUI. The set values may include the positions of the upper end T and the lower end B of the reconstruction range R and the position of the rotation center C in tomosynthesis imaging.

The guide image processing function 31c generates an image (guide image) that schematically represents the reconstruction range R and the rotation center C based on the setting values set by the setting function 31b. The guide image processing function 31c may generate the guide image as a GUI (graphical user interface). The guide image is an image representing the upper end T and lower end B of the reconstruction range R and the rotation center C. FIG. Note that the guide image may be an image representing the upper end T and lower end B of the reconstruction range R and the rotation center C on one axis.

The display control function 31d causes the display 27 to display data such as data during processing and processing results by the medical image processing function 31a, the setting function 31b, and the guide image processing function 31c. For example, the display control function 31d causes the display 27 to display a tomographic image obtained by the medical image processing function 31a. The display control function 31d also causes the display 27 to display a screen used for setting by the setting function 31b. Further, for example, the display control function 31d causes the display 27 to display an image (guide image) generated by the guide image processing function 31c. The display control function 31d controls a first display screen including only the setting value and a second display screen including the setting value and the guide image, among the setting value and the generated guide image, according to the user's operation. It may be displayed on the display 27 by selectively switching according to the above.

Next, operations related to setting for tomosynthesis imaging will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, in step ST10, the processing circuit 31 sets information on acquisition and reconstruction of tomosynthesis according to the operation of the input interface 25 by the user. Information related to acquisition includes, for example, acquisition time, total number of frames, spatial resolution (high definition/standard), field of view (FOV), imaging angle, SID (between X-ray tube 5 and X-ray detector 7 distance between them), etc., and numerical values for each can be appropriately set as set values. As the SID (source image distance), for example, a numerical value is set as a set value when the imaging axis passing through the focus of the X-ray tube 5 and the center of the detection surface of the X-ray detector 7 is in the vertical direction. The imaging axis in this case may be called a center line. For the setting of the shooting angle, the numerical value of the center line ± the shooting angle may be set as a set value. For example, the set value for the imaging angle of 40 degrees may be set to ±20 degrees from the center line. The reconstruction information is numerical values related to geometric conditions including the reconstruction range. Information related to reconstruction includes, for example, numerical values such as the upper end T and lower end B of the reconstruction range R, the rotation center C in tomosynthesis imaging, and the pitch of the tomographic image.

After step ST10, in step ST20, the processing circuit 31 generates a guide image that schematically represents the reconstruction range R and the center of rotation C, for example, based on the set setting values. The guide image is, for example, an image representing the upper end T and lower end B of the reconstruction range R and the rotation center C on one axis.

After step ST20, the processing circuit 31 causes the display 27 to display the generated guide image in step ST30. The processing circuit 31 may cause the display 27 to display a first display screen 27a that does not include the guide image but includes the set values, as shown on the left side of FIG. In this case, when the cursor cs clicks the button 27b according to the user's operation, the processing circuit 31 develops the second display screen 27c including the set values and the guide image gd as shown on the right side of FIG. may be displayed on the display 27. Note that the processing circuit 31 may selectively switch between the first display screen 27a and the second display screen 27c according to the user's operation, and cause the display 27 to display the screen.

The guide image gd is an image representing the upper end T and lower end B of the reconstruction range R and the rotation center C on one axis. Therefore, by visually recognizing the guide image gd, the user can easily grasp whether or not there is a setting error in the reconstruction range. The upper end T, lower end B, and rotation center C of the reconstruction range R indicated by the guide image gd are displayed so that each position can be adjusted. Also, in the guide image gd, the effective area E is represented by a thick green line (thick black line in the drawing). The effective area E includes the positions of the upper end T, the lower end B, and the center of rotation C of the reconstruction range R in the normal case. Therefore, even when the user corrects the setting of the position of the upper end T, the lower end B, or the center of rotation C, it is possible to correct the correct position so that the position after correction is within the effective area E.

After step ST30, the processing circuit 31 determines whether or not a user's operation has been received (step ST40), and if so, changes the settings according to the operation (step ST50). For example, the upper end T, lower end B, and rotation center C of the reconstruction range R are adjusted according to the user's drag-and-drop operation or slide operation. , various setting values corresponding to the reconstruction range shown on the right side of the guide image gd shown in FIG. 4 are changed. In addition to changing the positions of the top end T, the bottom end B, and the center of rotation C of the reconstruction range shown in the guide image gd, the user can set various setting values of the reconstruction range shown on the right side of the guide image gd. may be counted up or counted down in predetermined units. When various setting values of the reconstruction range shown on the right side of the guide image gd are changed according to the user's operation, the positions of the upper end T, the lower end B, and the center of rotation C shown in the guide image gd are also changed. be.

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step ST40 is NO, it is determined whether or not the process is finished (step ST60), and if NO, the process returns to step ST40. On the other hand, if the result of determination in step ST60 is to end, the processing related to setting for tomosynthesis imaging ends. As a result, tomosynthesis imaging can be performed based on the settings.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, an image schematically representing the reconstruction range and the rotation center of the subject based on the set values for the reconstruction range for tomosynthesis imaging of the subject and the rotation center for the tomosynthesis imaging. and display the image on the display. In this manner, by displaying an image based on the setting values, the user can easily grasp whether the setting values are appropriate or not, so that mistakes in setting the reconstruction range can be reduced.

For example, in the case of the comparative example shown in FIG. 5, a medical image processing apparatus 3* for setting information on reconstruction and another operator console 3*-1 for setting information on acquisition of tomosynthesis are connected via a network Nw. ing. In the medical image processing apparatus 3*, an image based on the set values is not displayed, and the first display screen 27a* showing only the set values is displayed on the display 27*. Similarly, an image based on the setting values is not displayed on the console 3*-1, and a display screen 27a*-1 showing only the setting values is displayed on the display 27*-1. In the case of such a comparative example, it is difficult for the user to intuitively grasp the positional relationship between the upper end, the lower end, and the center of rotation of the reconstruction range, so there is a concern that setting the reconstruction range will fail. Further, in the case of the comparative example, if the reconstruction range is set excessively wide in order to prevent setting errors of the reconstruction range, the reconstruction takes extra time. Therefore, it is necessary to set an appropriate reconstruction range. In contrast, according to the first embodiment, as described above, an image based on the set values is displayed, so that the user can intuitively grasp the positional relationship between the upper end, the lower end, and the rotation center of the reconstruction range. , it is possible to reduce errors in setting the reconstruction range.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the image may be generated as a GUI (graphical user interface), and the set value may be changed. In this case, in addition to the effects described above, it is possible to easily change the setting while viewing the image.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the setting values may include the positions of the upper end and the lower end of the reconstruction range and the position of the center of rotation in tomosynthesis imaging, and the image has the upper end, the lower end and An image representing the center of rotation on one axis may be used. In this case, in addition to the effects described above, the user can easily view these settings by displaying simple images that schematically represent the upper end, the lower end, and the center of rotation. For example, the user can see at a glance the center of rotation displayed on one axis and the upper and lower ends of the reconstruction range.

Further, according to the first embodiment, of the set setting values and the generated image, the first display screen containing only the setting values and the second display screen containing both the setting values and the image can be displayed by the user's operation. It is also possible to selectively switch and display on the display according to. In this case, in addition to the effects described above, the user can confirm the first display screen and the second display screen, respectively.

In addition, in the first embodiment, an example in which the guide image gd is displayed before execution of tomosynthesis imaging has been described. (upper end, lower end, etc.) may be set.

<Second embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment will be described, but the same reference numerals will be given to the same parts as the components described above, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Here, mainly the different parts will be described.

The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, and uses a guide image representing more setting contents than the guide image gd described above. For example, if the guide image gd described above is a simple version, the guide image according to the second embodiment may be a graphical version. Along with this, the set values used to generate the guide image and the generated guide image are as follows.

That is, the set value further includes the imaging angle for tomosynthesis imaging. Specifically, the set values include the upper end and lower end of the reconstruction range, the position of the rotation center in tomosynthesis imaging, and the imaging angle of tomosynthesis imaging. The set values may further include a field of view for tomosynthesis imaging and a distance between the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector in tomosynthesis imaging.

Along with this, the guide image processing function 31c of the processing circuit 31 determines the contours of the X-ray beams from each X-ray tube at both ends of the imaging angle and the effective area surrounded by the contours, based on the set values. generates a guide image further including Specifically, the guide image further includes the outline of the X-ray beam and the effective area, in addition to the guide image representing the upper end, lower end, and center of rotation of the reconstruction range described above. Here, of the two ends of the imaging angle, one end corresponds to the start position of tomosynthesis imaging, and the other end corresponds to the end position of tomosynthesis imaging.

Further, the guide image processing function 31c of the processing circuit 31 may superimpose the guide image on the background image representing the reconstruction range from the visible direction. In this case, the display control function 31d of the processing circuit 31 causes the display 27 to display the guide image superimposed on the background image. The background image is stored in the memory 23 in advance. Background images include a camera image of the subject taken from the horizontal direction (the direction in which the reconstruction range can be viewed), a punch image or a CT image drawn from the lateral direction (the direction in which the reconstruction range can be viewed), etc. A 3D model of the subject created based on the virtual image generated from and the information representing the subject's physical characteristics (height, build, gender, nationality, etc.) in the horizontal direction (direction in which the reconstruction range can be viewed) A projected image may also be used. In this case, by automatically changing the position of the background image based on the positional information of the tabletop 15, it becomes easier to grasp the specific situation.

Further, the guide image processing function 31c of the processing circuit 31 may superimpose a ruler on the guide image. In this case, the display control function 31d of the processing circuit 31 causes the display 27 to display the guide image on which the ruler is superimposed. Note that the ruler may be superimposed on the guide image regardless of the presence or absence of the background image.

Further, the guide image processing function 31c of the processing circuit 31 may superimpose the background image, the guide image, and the ruler in order. In this case, the display control function 31d causes the display 27 to display a superimposed image in which the background image, the guide image, and the ruler are superimposed in this order.

Next, operations related to setting for tomosynthesis imaging will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 6 to 11. FIG.

As in the first embodiment, in step ST10, the processing circuit 31 sets information on acquisition and reconstruction of tomosynthesis according to the operation of the input interface 25 by the user. The information to be set includes, for example, the positions of the upper end T and the lower end B of the reconstruction range R, the position of the rotation center C in tomosynthesis imaging, the field of view (FOV) and imaging angle, and the SID (X-ray tube 5 in tomosynthesis imaging). and the distance between X-ray detector 7). Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a setting screen 27a1 may be displayed on the display 27 to enable setting of the background image. In FIG. 7, as for the setting related to the background image (Background), none of the background image (None), the ruler (Ruler), and the bone (Bone) can be selected. However, the background image is not limited to these, and a desired image such as a device image near the top plate 15 can be used.

After step ST10, the processing circuit 31 executes steps ST21 to ST28 shown in FIG. The processing circuit 31 calculates information about the guide image gd1 based on the setting contents, as shown in FIG. 8 (step ST21). For example, the processing circuitry 31 calculates the contours BL of the X-ray beams from each X-ray tube 5 at both ends of the imaging angle based on the imaging angle, field of view (FOV), and SID. The contour BL can be calculated, for example, as the remaining two sides of a triangle with the field of view (FOV) as the base and the X-ray tube 5 at the position obtained from the imaging angle and SID as the vertex. The processing circuit 31 also calculates an effective area E surrounded by the contour BL of the X-ray beam at both ends of the imaging angle. Further, the processing circuit 31 sets the length of the field of view (FOV) to be the upper side and the lower side, arranges the upper side and the lower side to be separated by the distance between the upper end T and the lower end B, and places the ends of the upper side and the lower side to be A rectangular frame F is calculated by connecting the left side and the right side, respectively.

After step ST21, the processing circuit 31 generates a guide image based on the result obtained in step ST21 (step ST22).

After step ST22, the processing circuit 31 determines whether or not to use a background image based on the setting contents of the setting screen 27a1 (step ST23). For example, when the setting content of the setting screen 27a1 is None, it is determined that the background image is not used. When the background image is not used, the process proceeds to step ST30 to display the guide image. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, a guide image gd1 without a background image is displayed. Note that the processing circuit 31 may further display a guide image gd11 obtained by enlarging the frame F surrounding the reconstruction range R, as shown in FIG. The guide image gd11 draws a horizontal dashed line within the frame F based on the pitch of the tomographic image calculated based on the settings in step ST10.

On the other hand, if the background image is used as a result of the determination in step ST23, the processing circuit 31 determines whether or not the background image is the side surface of the 3D image based on the settings on the setting screen 27a1 (step ST24). For example, when the setting content of the setting screen 27a1 is 3D bone (Bone), it is determined that the background image is the side surface of the 3D image. In this case, the processing circuit 31 aligns the 2D fluoroscopic image (X-ray image of the subject P) viewed from above and the 3D image (bone image) viewed from above (step ST25). Further, the processing circuit 31 creates a background image (side view of the bone image) using the side of the 3D image based on the alignment result (step ST26). Thereafter, the processing circuit 31 superimposes the guide image on the background image (step ST27), proceeds to step ST30, and displays the guide image. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, a guide image gd2 having a background image bk1 representing the side of the bone is displayed.

Assume that the background image is not the side surface of the 3D image as a result of the determination in step ST24. For example, if the setting content of the setting screen 27a1 is neither None nor 3D bone, it is determined that the background image is not the side surface of the 3D image. This corresponds to the case where the setting content of the setting screen 27a1 in FIG. 7 is the ruler. However, it is not limited to the ruler, and may be, for example, a setting content of "2D image". In any case, if the background image is not the side surface of the 3D image, the processing circuit 31 aligns the background image from the position of the tabletop 15 (step ST28). Thereafter, the processing circuit 31 superimposes the guide image on the background image (step ST27), proceeds to step ST30, and displays the guide image. In this example, the ruler is further superimposed in step ST27. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, a guide image gd3 having a background image bk2 representing the X-ray diagnostic apparatus from a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the bed and a ruler ru is displayed.

After that, even if any of the guide images gd1 to gd3 shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 is displayed in step ST30, the processes after step ST40 are executed in the same manner as described above.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the setting value further includes the imaging angle for tomosynthesis imaging. Also, based on the set values, an image including the contour of the X-ray beam from each X-ray tube at both ends of the imaging angle, the effective area surrounded by the contour, the reconstruction range, and the position of the rotation center to generate Therefore, compared to the guide image gd according to the first embodiment, an image is generated that further represents the contours of the X-ray beams from each X-ray tube at both ends of the imaging angle and the effective area surrounded by the contours. , it can be expected that mistakes in setting the reconstruction range can be further reduced. Also, since the contour of the X-ray beam is displayed, visual observation of the effective area is facilitated.

Further, according to the second embodiment, even if the generated image is superimposed on the background image representing the reconstruction range from the visible direction, and the image superimposed on the background image is displayed on the display. good. In this case, it can be expected that errors in setting the reconstruction range can be further reduced according to the content of the background image.

Further, according to the second embodiment, a ruler may be superimposed on the image, and the image superimposed with the ruler may be displayed on the display. In this case, it can be expected that mistakes in setting the reconstruction range can be further reduced according to the ruler.

Further, in the second embodiment, an example in which the guide images gd1 and gd2 are displayed before execution of tomosynthesis imaging has been described. upper end, lower end, etc.) of the configuration range may be set.

According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to reduce errors in setting the reconstruction range.

The term "processor" used in the above description is, for example, a CPU (central processing unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., Means circuits such as Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), etc. Processors are stored in memory. The function is realized by reading and executing the stored program.Instead of storing the program in the memory, the program may be configured to be directly embedded in the circuit of the processor.In this case, the processor is in the circuit. The function is realized by reading and executing the program incorporated in. Note that each processor of the present embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, but may be configured by combining a plurality of independent circuits. 1 may be configured as a single processor to implement its functions, or a plurality of components in FIG.

It should be noted that although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

1 X-ray diagnostic apparatus 2 Tomosynthesis imaging apparatus 3 Medical image processing apparatus 5 X-ray tube 7 X-ray detector 9 X-ray tube moving mechanism 11 Detector moving mechanism 13 Tomosynthesis control mechanism 15 Top board 21 Communication interface 23 Memory 25 Input interface 27 Display 27a First display screen 27a1 Setting screen 27b Button 27c Second display screen 29 Control circuit 31 Processing circuit 31a Medical image processing function 31b Setting function 31c Guide image processing function 31d Display control function C Center of rotation cs Cursor E Effective area gd, gd1 ~gd3 Guide image P Subject R Reconstruction range T Upper edge B Lower edge BL Contour

Claims (9)

a generating unit that generates an image that schematically represents the reconstruction range and the rotation center based on the reconstruction range for tomosynthesis imaging of the subject and the set value for the rotation center for the tomosynthesis imaging;
and a display control section for displaying the image on a display. The set values include the positions of the upper and lower ends of the reconstruction range and the position of the center of rotation in the tomosynthesis imaging,
The generation unit generates an image representing the upper end, the lower end, and the rotation center of the reconstruction range based on the setting value.
An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The image expresses the top end, the bottom end, and the center of rotation of the reconstruction range on one axis,
3. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2. The setting value further includes an imaging angle for the tomosynthesis imaging,
The generation unit generates an image further including contours of X-ray beams from each X-ray tube at both ends of the imaging angle and an effective area surrounded by the contours, based on the set values.
3. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2. a superimposing unit that superimposes the image on a background image representing the reconstruction range from a visible direction,
5. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said display control unit displays said image superimposed on said background image on said display. The superimposing unit superimposes a ruler on the image,
6. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said display control unit displays said image on which said ruler is superimposed on said display. The display control unit selects a first display screen including only the setting value and a second display screen including the setting value and the image from the setting value and the image according to a user's operation. dynamically switching to display on the display,
7. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. a setting unit that sets the setting value,
The generation unit generates the image as a GUI (graphical user interface),
The setting unit changes the setting value according to a user's operation to move a part of the image while the image is being displayed.
An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7. a generating unit that generates an image that schematically represents the reconstruction range and the rotation center based on the reconstruction range for tomosynthesis imaging of the subject and the set value for the rotation center for the tomosynthesis imaging;
A medical image processing apparatus comprising: a display control unit that displays the image on a display.

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