JP7665388B2 - Medical image diagnostic device and control method - Google Patents

Description

The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to a medical image diagnostic device and a control method.

In recent years, interest in infection prevention measures has increased due to the global spread of various infectious diseases. In particular, it is necessary to take infection prevention measures for medical imaging diagnostic equipment, which is used for the examination of various patients. A technology has been proposed as an infection prevention measure for medical imaging diagnostic equipment, in which parts that come into direct contact with patients are disinfected with ultraviolet light after each patient diagnosis.

However, with conventional technology, if there are patients or medical staff such as doctors, nurses, or technicians near the medical imaging diagnostic device, there is a risk that the patients or medical staff may be exposed to ultraviolet light.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-313561

One of the problems that the embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings attempt to solve is to sterilize a medical imaging diagnostic device without affecting patients or medical staff. However, the problems that the embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings attempt to solve are not limited to the above problem. Problems that correspond to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems.

The medical image diagnostic device according to the embodiment includes an imaging unit, a sterilization unit, a first detection unit, a second detection unit, and a sterilization control unit. The imaging unit images a subject. The sterilization unit is provided at a position where it can sterilize an area that the subject comes into contact with. The first detection unit detects the presence of a person in the examination room where the subject is imaged. The second detection unit detects the state of the sterilization unit. When the first detection unit detects the presence of a person in the examination room, the sterilization control unit prohibits the operation of the sterilization unit depending on the state of the sterilization unit detected by the second detection unit.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a hospital information processing system including a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a warning message screen according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a warning message screen according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a selection message screen according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the first modified example.

The medical image diagnostic device according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. To make the description more specific, a medical image diagnostic device according to this embodiment will be described as an example in which the medical image diagnostic device is an X-ray computed tomography imaging device (hereinafter referred to as an "X-ray CT device"). In the following embodiments, parts with the same reference numerals perform similar operations, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

Figure 1 shows a medical information processing system S that includes an X-ray CT scanner 1 with a built-in sterilization device 2, a medical interview terminal 6, and a radiology department information server device 7.

The devices included in the medical information processing system S can communicate with each other via a network N. The network N may be a wired communication network, a wireless communication network, or a network that combines wired and wireless communication.

The X-ray CT scanner 1 is installed, for example, in an examination room in a hospital. Here, the examination room is a space (room) where examinations are performed using the X-ray CT scanner 1, and is sometimes called an imaging room. A human presence sensor 21 is also provided in the examination room. The human presence sensor 21 is electrically connected to the X-ray CT scanner 1. The interviewing doctor terminal 6 is installed in a space (typically a diagnosis room) where an interviewing doctor interviews patients. The radiology department information server device 7 is typically installed in a hospital.

For example, the radiology department information server device 7 can be installed outside the hospital as long as it is in an environment where it can communicate with each device included in the medical information processing system S via the network N.

The X-ray CT device 1 acquires information about the examination from the radiology department information server device 7, and performs imaging of a subject such as a patient in response to an operation by an operator such as a technician. By performing imaging, the X-ray CT device 1 collects projection data about the subject.

The X-ray CT device 1 generates a reconstructed image as a medical image based on the projection data, and transmits the generated medical image together with examination order information to a server device of a medical image management system (not shown) (also called Picture Archiving and Communication Systems: PACS). The configuration and operation of the X-ray CT device 1 will be described in detail later.

The sterilization device 2 sterilizes the X-ray CT scanner 1 under the control of the X-ray CT scanner 1. The sterilization device 2 is, for example, an ultraviolet irradiator that irradiates an object to be sterilized with ultraviolet light. The sterilization device 2 is, for example, provided on a mount device 10 of the X-ray CT scanner 1, which will be described later. Details of sterilization will be described later.

In this specification, sterilization refers to reducing the number of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms present in an object. Furthermore, sterilization can be interpreted as disinfection, sterilization, or disinfection. Sterilization refers to killing (inactivating) bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms present in an object.

Sterilization means killing all bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms present in an object, regardless of whether they are harmful or not. Disinfection means killing (or removing) pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms present in an object so that they are no longer harmful.

In the X-ray CT scanner 1 of this embodiment, the sterilization device 2 is used to execute sterilization-related processing that is carried out before and after an examination. The sterilization device 2 starts the sterilization processing according to instructions from an operator. Note that the operator's instructions are input, for example, by pressing a sterilization start button provided on a console device 40 described later.

In this embodiment, the sterilization device 2 sterilizes the X-ray CT device 1 under the control of the X-ray CT device 1, but the sterilization device 2 may also sterilize the X-ray CT device 1 under the control of a sterilization control device separate from the control device 15 of the X-ray CT device 1.

The human presence sensor 21 detects the presence of a person in the examination room. The human presence sensor 21 is, for example, an infrared sensor that detects the presence of a person from the state of infrared rays. Note that the human presence sensor 21 is not limited to an infrared sensor.

For example, the human presence sensor 21 may be a thermograph that analyzes infrared rays emitted from an object and displays the heat distribution as a diagram. The human presence sensor 21 may also be, for example, one or more cameras that can capture an image of the entire examination room. In this case, the human presence sensor 21 detects the presence of a person by analyzing the captured image and recognizing human movement. The medical information processing system S may be configured without the human presence sensor 21.

The interviewing doctor terminal 6 is, for example, a computer installed in a consultation room, and creates examination order information for examining the subject using the X-ray CT scanner 1 according to input operations by the interviewing doctor. The interviewing doctor terminal 6 transmits the created examination order information to the radiology department information server device 7 via the network N.

Here, the examination order information includes information that identifies the subject (patient ID information), examination reservation information (examination date and time, etc.), as well as at least one of the following: examination purpose (examination type), information that identifies the medical imaging diagnostic device to be used, imaging conditions (tube voltage, tube current), imaging site (diagnostic site), imaging method (presence or absence of contrast agent, etc.), subject's posture during imaging, reconstruction conditions, etc.

The interviewing doctor terminal 6 can be realized, for example, as a mobile terminal (such as a notebook computer or tablet computer).

The radiology department information server device 7 is a computer device that executes processes related to information management in radiology department information systems (also called "RIS"). Here, a RIS is an information system that manages information in the radiology department of a hospital. The radiology department information server device 7 is sometimes called a RIS server.

The radiology department information server device 7 receives examination order information, for example, from the interviewing doctor terminal 6 via the network N. The radiology department information server device 7 transmits the examination order information to the X-ray CT device 1 identified by the examination order information.

When the examination order information is sent to the X-ray CT device 1, the radiology department information server device 7 may add patient ID information and examination reservation information to a DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) tag, etc.

Next, the configuration of the X-ray CT device 1 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the X-ray CT device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the X-ray CT device 1 has a gantry device 10, a bed device 30, and a console device 40.

In FIG. 1, the rotation axis of the rotating frame 13 in the non-tilted state or the longitudinal direction of the tabletop 33 of the bed device 30 is defined as the Z-axis direction, the axis direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and horizontal to the floor surface is defined as the X-axis direction, and the axis direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and perpendicular to the floor surface is defined as the Y-axis direction.

The gantry 10 has an imaging system 19 for capturing medical images used in diagnosis. The imaging system 19 is composed of, for example, an X-ray tube 11, an X-ray detector 12, a wedge 16, and a collimator 17. In other words, the gantry 10 is an apparatus having an imaging system 19 that irradiates the subject P with X-rays and collects projection data from detection data of the X-rays that have passed through the subject P. Therefore, the imaging system 19 of the gantry 10 can be said to be an example of an imaging unit.

The gantry device 10 also has an opening for accommodating the subject P. The tabletop 33 on which the subject P is placed is accommodated in the opening, with the side on which the bed device 30 is provided serving as the entrance. A sterilization device 2 is attached above the entrance of the opening. The sterilization device 2 is an example of a sterilization section. The sterilization device 2 performs sterilization by irradiating ultraviolet light.

By providing the sterilization device 2 above the entrance of the gantry device 10, ultraviolet light can be irradiated onto the upper surface of the tabletop 33 of the bed device 30. In other words, it becomes possible to sterilize areas that may come into contact with the subject P.

The installation position of the sterilization device 2 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1, as long as it is a position that can sterilize the area that the subject P comes into contact with.

For example, all or part of the rotating frame 13 may be made of a material that transmits ultraviolet light, and the sterilization device 2 may be provided inside the rotating frame 13. By providing the sterilization device 2 inside the rotating frame 13, it becomes possible to irradiate ultraviolet light while rotating the rotating frame 13. In other words, ultraviolet light can be irradiated to areas other than the top surface of the table top 33 of the bed device 30.

The gantry device 10 has an X-ray tube 11, a wedge 16, a collimator 17, an X-ray detector 12, an X-ray high voltage device 14, a DAS (Data Acquisition System) 18, a rotating frame 13, a control device 15, and a bed device 30.

The X-ray tube 11 is a vacuum tube that irradiates thermoelectrons from the cathode (filament) to the anode (target) by applying high voltage from the X-ray high voltage device 14.

The wedge 16 is a filter for adjusting the amount of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 11. Specifically, the wedge 16 is a filter that transmits and attenuates the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 11 so that the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11 to the subject P have a predetermined distribution.

The wedge 16 is, for example, a wedge filter or a bow-tie filter, which is a filter made of processed aluminum to have a specified target angle and a specified thickness.

The collimator 17 is a lead plate or the like that is used to narrow the irradiation range of the X-rays that have passed through the wedge 16, and a slit is formed by combining multiple lead plates or the like.

The X-ray detector 12 detects the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 11 and passing through the subject P, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of X-rays to the data acquisition device (DAS 18). The X-ray detector 12 has, for example, multiple X-ray detection element rows in which multiple X-ray detection elements are arranged in the channel direction along a single arc centered on the focal point of the X-ray tube 11.

The X-ray detector 12 has, for example, multiple X-ray detection element rows in which multiple X-ray detection elements are arranged in the channel direction along one arc centered on the focal point of the X-ray tube 11. The X-ray detector 12 has a structure in which, for example, multiple X-ray detection element rows in which multiple X-ray detection elements are arranged in the channel direction are arranged in the slice direction (also called the body axis direction or row direction).

The X-ray detector 12 is, for example, an indirect conversion type detector having a grid, a scintillator array, and a photosensor array. The scintillator array has multiple scintillators, and the scintillators have scintillator crystals that output light with a photon amount corresponding to the amount of incident X-rays. The grid is arranged on the X-ray incident side of the scintillator array, and has an X-ray shielding plate that has the function of absorbing scattered X-rays.

The optical sensor array has a function of converting the amount of light from the scintillator into an electrical signal according to the amount of light, and has an optical sensor such as a photomultiplier tube (PMT). Note that the X-ray detector 12 may be a direct conversion type detector having a semiconductor element that converts the incident X-rays into an electrical signal.

The X-ray high voltage device 14 has electrical circuits such as a transformer and a rectifier, and includes a high voltage generator that generates a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube 11, and an X-ray control device that controls the output voltage according to the X-rays emitted by the X-ray tube 11. The high voltage generator may be of a transformer type or an inverter type.

The X-ray high voltage device 14 may be provided on the rotating frame 13 or on the fixed frame (not shown) side of the gantry device 10. The fixed frame is a frame that supports the rotating frame 13 so that it can rotate.

The DAS 18 has an amplifier that performs an amplification process on the electrical signals output from each X-ray detection element of the X-ray detector 12, and an A/D converter that converts the electrical signals into digital signals, and generates detection data. The detection data generated by the DAS 18 is transferred to the console device 40.

The rotating frame 13 is an annular frame that supports the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 in opposing positions and rotates the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 using a control device 15. In addition to the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12, the rotating frame 13 may also support an X-ray high voltage device 14 and a DAS 18.

The detection data generated by the DAS 18 is, for example, transmitted by optical communication from a transmitter having a light-emitting diode mounted on the rotating frame 13 to a receiver having a photodiode mounted on a non-rotating part of the mounting device 10, such as a fixed frame, and then transferred to the console device 40.

The method of transmitting the detection data from the rotating frame 13 to the non-rotating part of the gantry 10 is not limited to optical communication, and other non-contact data transmission methods may be used.

The control device 15 has a processing circuit with a CPU and the like, and a driving mechanism such as a motor and an actuator. The control device 15 has a function of receiving an input signal from an input interface 43 attached to the console device 40 or an input interface attached to the gantry device 10, and controlling the operation of the gantry device 10 and the bed device 30.

In addition, the control device 15 receives input signals and controls the rotation of the rotating frame 13, as well as the operation of the gantry device 10 and bed device 30.

The control device 15 tilts the mounting device 10 by rotating the rotating frame 13 around an axis parallel to the X-axis direction, for example, based on inclination angle (tilt angle) information input by an input interface attached to the mounting device 10.

The bed device 30 is a device on which the subject P to be scanned is placed and moved, and includes a base 31, a bed driving device 32, a top plate 33, and a support frame 34. The base 31 is a housing that supports the support frame 34 so that it can move in the vertical direction. The bed driving device 32 is a motor or actuator that moves the top plate 33, on which the subject P is placed, in its longitudinal direction (the Z-axis direction in FIG. 1).

The tabletop 33 provided on the upper surface of the support frame 34 is a plate on which the subject P is placed. The bed driving device 32 may move the support frame 34 in the longitudinal direction of the tabletop 33 in addition to the tabletop 33.

The bed driving device 32 moves the base 31 in the vertical direction according to a control signal from the control device 15. The bed driving device 32 moves the tabletop 33 in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) according to a control signal from the control device 15.

The bed device 30 also includes a weight sensor (not shown). The weight sensor is a sensor that detects the weight of an object (mainly the subject P) placed on the tabletop 33. The weight sensor is an example of a weight detection unit.

The console device 40 is a device that accepts operations of the X-ray CT device 1 by an operator and reconstructs X-ray CT image data from the X-ray detection data collected by the gantry device 10. The console device 40 is provided outside the examination room. The console device 40 includes a memory 41, a display 42, an input interface 43, and a processing circuit 45.

The memory 41 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like. The memory 41 stores, for example, projection data and reconstructed image data. The memory 41 also stores, for example, examination order information or examination processes based on the examination order information in the order in which they are scheduled to be performed.

The memory 41 also stores dedicated programs for implementing the operation control function 45a, preprocessing function 45b, reconstruction processing function 45c, first detection function 45d, second detection function 45e, setting function 45f, display control function 45g, and sterilization control function 45h, which will be described later.

The display 42 is a monitor that the operator refers to and displays various information. The display 42 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display.

The display 42 outputs medical images (CT images) generated by the processing circuit 45, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various operations from the operator, and the like. The display 42 displays, for example, a sterilization start button for receiving a sterilization start instruction from the operator.

The input interface 43 accepts various input operations from the operator, converts the accepted input operations into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuit 45. For example, the input interface 43 accepts from the operator the collection conditions when collecting projection data, the reconstruction conditions when reconstructing CT images, the image processing conditions when generating post-processed images from CT images, and instructions for the termination process of the X-ray CT device 1.

The input interface 43 may also receive an instruction to start sterilization from an operator. The input interface 43 may be realized, for example, by a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, a switch, a button, a joystick, etc.

The processing circuitry 45 controls the operation of the entire X-ray CT device 1. The processing circuitry 45 has, for example, an operation control function 45a, a preprocessing function 45b, a reconstruction processing function 45c, a first detection function 45d, a second detection function 45e, a setting function 45f, a display control function 45g, and a sterilization control function 45h.

In the embodiment, each processing function performed by the components of the operation control function 45a, the preprocessing function 45b, the reconstruction processing function 45c, the first detection function 45d, the second detection function 45e, the setting function 45f, the display control function 45g, and the sterilization control function 45h is stored in the memory 41 in the form of a program executable by a computer. The processing circuitry 45 is a processor that reads out the programs from the memory 41 and executes them to realize the functions corresponding to each program.

In other words, when each program is loaded, the processing circuit 45 has each of the functions shown in the processing circuit 45 in FIG. 1.

In FIG. 1, the processing functions performed by the operation control function 45a, pre-processing function 45b, reconstruction processing function 45c, first detection function 45d, second detection function 45e, setting function 45f, display control function 45g, and sterilization control function 45h are realized by a single processing circuit 45. However, the processing circuit 45 may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may execute a program to realize the functions.

In other words, each of the above functions may be configured as a program and one processing circuit may execute each program, or specific functions may be implemented in a dedicated, independent program execution circuit.

The term "processor" used in the above description refers to circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphical processing unit), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)).

The processor realizes its functions by reading and executing the programs stored in the memory 41. Note that instead of storing the programs in the memory 41, the processor may be configured to directly incorporate the programs into its circuits. In this case, the processor realizes its functions by reading and executing the programs incorporated into the circuits.

The operation control function 45a controls various functions of the processing circuit 45 based on input operations received from the operator via the input interface 43. For example, the operation control function 45a receives input of user information for logging in (e.g., a user ID, etc.), subject information, etc. via the input interface 43. The operation control function 45a also receives input of an imaging protocol via the input interface 43.

The operation control function 45a also controls positioning imaging, main imaging, etc.

The pre-processing function 45b generates data by performing pre-processing such as logarithmic conversion processing, offset processing, inter-channel sensitivity correction processing, and beam hardening correction on the detection data output from the DAS 18. Note that the data before pre-processing (detection data) and the data after pre-processing are sometimes collectively referred to as projection data.

The reconstruction processing function 45c performs reconstruction processing using a filtered backprojection method, an iterative reconstruction method, or the like, according to the reconstruction conditions on the projection data generated by the preprocessing function 45b to generate CT image data.

The reconstruction processing function 45c also converts the reconstructed CT image data into tomographic image data of any cross section or three-dimensional image data using a known method based on input operations received from the operator via the input interface 43.

The first detection function 45d detects the presence or absence of a person in the examination room where imaging of the subject P is performed. The first detection function 45d is an example of a first detection unit. The first detection function 45d detects the presence of a person in the examination room, for example, based on the detection result of a human presence sensor 21 installed in the examination room.

The first detection function 45d also detects the presence of a person in the examination room, for example, based on information obtained from the X-ray CT device 1. Specifically, the first detection function 45d detects the presence of a person in the examination room when an input signal is received from an input interface attached to the gantry device 10.

The first detection function 45d also detects the presence of a person in the examination room based on the detection result of a weight sensor provided on the bed device 30. Because the weight sensor is provided on the bed device 30, the detection result of the weight sensor can be said to be an example of information obtained from the X-ray CT device 1. Specifically, the first detection function 45d detects the presence of a person in the examination room when the weight sensor detects weight.

In this way, by detecting the presence of a person in the examination room based on information from the X-ray CT device 1, it is possible to detect the presence of a person in the examination room even if the human presence sensor 21 breaks down. Also, even if the X-ray CT device 1 is configured without the human presence sensor 21, it is possible to detect the presence of a person in the examination room.

The second detection function 45e detects the operating state of the sterilization device 2. The second detection function 45e detects, for example, that the sterilization device 2 is in a sterilization-stopped state in which sterilization is not being performed. Specifically, if the first detection function 45d detects the presence of a person in the examination room and the sterilization device 2 is not operating, the second detection function 45e detects that the sterilization device 2 is in a sterilization-stopped state.

The second detection function 45e also detects that the sterilization device 2 is in a sterilization operation state in which sterilization is being performed. Specifically, the second detection function 45e detects that the sterilization device 2 is in a sterilization operation state if the first detection function 45d detects the presence of a person in the examination room and the sterilization device 2 is performing an operation related to a sterilization process.

The setting function 45f performs various settings. For example, the setting function 45f performs settings related to sterilization. Specifically, the setting function 45f performs settings for processing when the first detection function 45d detects the presence of a person in the examination room according to the operator's instructions.

The setting function 45f can be set, for example, so that if it detects that a person is present in the examination room, it will perform a process to stop the sterilization device 2 after issuing a warning. Also, the setting function 45f can be set, for example, so that if it detects that a person is present in the examination room, it will perform a process to immediately stop the sterilization device 2.

The display control function 45g controls the display of various information on the display 42. The display control function 45g causes a message announcing a warning to be displayed on the display 42 in accordance with the detection results of the first detection function 45d and the second detection function 45e.

For example, when the display control function 45g receives an instruction to start sterilization from an operator in a state where the first detection function 45d detects the presence of a person in the examination room and the second detection function 45e detects that the sterilization device 2 is in a sterilization stopped state, the display control function 45g controls the display of a message indicating that sterilization cannot be started because a person is present in the examination room.

Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a warning message screen. When the display control function 45g receives a sterilization start instruction from the operator in a state where the first detection function 45d detects the presence of a person in the examination room and the second detection function 45e detects that sterilization has been stopped, the display control function 45g displays a warning message screen 42a on the display 42.

The warning message screen 42a is composed of, for example, a message m1 and an OK button b1. The message m1 is a message indicating that the sterilization process cannot be started because someone is in the examination room. The OK button b1 is a button for accepting input from the operator that the message has been confirmed. When the display control function 45g accepts input of the OK button b1 from the operator, it erases the warning message screen 42a.

The display control function 45g also controls the display of a message that warns that a person is present in the examination room when, for example, the first detection function 45d detects that a person is present in the examination room and the second detection function 45e detects that the sterilization device 2 is in a sterilization operation state. In this case, the display control function 45g is an example of a notification control unit.

Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a warning message screen. When the first detection function 45d detects the presence of a person in the examination room and the second detection function 45e detects that the sterilization device 2 is in operation, the display control function 45g displays the warning message screen 42b on the display 42.

The warning message screen 42b is composed of, for example, a message m2 and an OK button b2. The message m2 is a message indicating that the presence of a person in the examination room has been detected during the sterilization process. The OK button b2 is a button for accepting input from the operator indicating that the message has been confirmed. When the display control function 45g accepts input of the OK button b2 from the operator, it erases the warning message screen 42b.

The means for notifying the warning is not limited to display. For example, instead of displaying a message to notify the warning, or in addition to displaying the message, a warning sound may be sounded.

The sterilization control function 45h controls the operation of the sterilization device 2 based on the detection results of the first detection function 45d and the second detection function 45e. Specifically, when the first detection function 45d detects the presence of a person in the examination room, the sterilization control function 45h performs control to prohibit the sterilization operation of the sterilization device 2 based on the operating state of the sterilization device 2 detected by the second detection function 45e.

For example, when the first detection function 45d detects the presence of a person in the examination room and the second detection function 45e detects that the sterilization device 2 is in a sterilization stopped state, the sterilization control function 45h performs control to inhibit operation and suppress the start of the sterilization process by the sterilization device 2.

Specifically, when the first detection function 45d detects the presence of a person in the examination room and the second detection function 45e detects that the sterilization device 2 is in a sterilization stopped state, the sterilization control function 45h performs control such that the sterilization process cannot be started by disabling the sterilization start button. In addition, the sterilization control function 45h also performs similar processing when the imaging process or sterilization process of the subject P is being performed.

Disabling the sterilization start button means, for example, disabling the operation of the sterilization start button displayed on the display 42 by graying it out, or hiding the sterilization start button itself. Note that control to suppress the operation to start the sterilization process by the sterilization device 2 also includes preventing the sterilization process by the sterilization device 2 from starting by displaying a warning message such as that shown in FIG. 3.

The sterilization control function 45h performs control to stop the sterilization device 2 as a control to prohibit operation when the second detection function 45e detects that the first detection function 45d detects the presence of a person in the examination room and that the sterilization device 2 is in a sterilization operation state.

For example, if the setting function 45f is set to perform processing to stop the sterilization device 2 after a warning is issued, the sterilization control function 45h stops the operation of the sterilization device 2 a certain time after the display control function 45g displays a warning message such as that shown in FIG. 4.

In addition, the sterilization control function 45h performs control to immediately stop the sterilization device 2 when, for example, the setting function 45f is set to perform processing to immediately stop the sterilization device 2.

Next, we will explain the sterilization process performed by the X-ray CT scanner 1 configured as described above.

Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the X-ray CT device 1 of this embodiment. It is assumed that at the start, the X-ray CT device 1 is not executing either the imaging process or the sterilization process, and the setting function 45f is set to perform processing to immediately stop the sterilization device 2 when it detects the presence of a person in the examination room. Figure 5 shows an example of processing that is started when a person enters the examination room based on the above assumptions.

First, when a person enters the examination room, the first detection function 45d detects the presence of a person in the examination room (step S11).

If the sterilization device 2 is not performing a sterilization process at this time, the second detection function 45e detects that the sterilization device 2 is in a sterilization stopped state (step S12).

In this case, the sterilization control function 45h performs control to suppress the start operation of the sterilization process by the sterilization device 2 based on the detection results of steps S11 and S12 (step S13).

Then, the first detection function 45d detects whether or not a person is present in the examination room (step S14). If the first detection function 45d detects in step S14 that no person is present in the examination room (step S14: Yes), the process proceeds to step S15, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the first detection function 45d detects in step S14 that a person is present in the examination room (step S14: No), the process continues with step S13.

The sterilization control function 45h cancels the control that inhibits the start of the sterilization process by the sterilization device 2, and accepts the sterilization start instruction if the operator inputs the instruction (step S15).

The sterilization control function 45h controls the sterilization device 2 and executes the sterilization process (step S16).

The first detection function 45d detects whether or not a person is present in the examination room (step S17). If the first detection function 45d does not detect the presence of a person in the examination room in step S3 (step S17: No), the process continues with S16.

On the other hand, if the first detection function 45d detects that a person is present in the examination room (step S17: Yes), the second detection function 45e detects that the sterilization device 2 is operating (step S18).

Then, the sterilization control function 45h controls to stop the sterilization device 2 and ends this process (step S19).

According to the X-ray CT device 1 according to the embodiment described above, the imaging system 19 of the gantry device 10 as an imaging unit images the subject P, the sterilization device 2 as a sterilization unit is provided at a sterilizable position of the part that the subject P comes into contact with, the first detection function 45d as a first detection unit detects the presence of a person in the examination room where the subject P is imaged, the second detection function 45e as a second detection unit detects the operating state of the sterilization device 2, and the sterilization control function 45h as a sterilization control unit performs control to prohibit the operation of the sterilization device 2 based on the detection result of the second detection function 45e when the first detection function 45d detects the presence of a person in the examination room.

As a result, when the presence of a person in the examination room is detected, control can be performed to prohibit the sterilization process depending on the operating state of the sterilization device 2. For example, if the sterilization device 2 is in a state where it can start sterilization, the start of sterilization can be prohibited, and if the sterilization device 2 is operating, control can be performed to stop sterilization.

Therefore, the X-ray CT device 1 according to this embodiment can prevent sterilization processing from being performed on people present in the examination room. In other words, the medical image diagnostic device can be sterilized without affecting patients or medical staff.

The display control function 45g, which serves as a notification control unit, controls to issue a warning that a person is present in the examination room when the second detection function 45e detects that the sterilization device 2 is operating and the first detection function 45d detects that a person is present in the examination room.

This allows the operator to know if there are people in the examination room even though the sterilization process is in progress.

The sterilization control function 45h also controls the sterilization device 2 to stop after a warning is issued. This allows the operator to understand the reason why the sterilization process was stopped before stopping the sterilization process.

The first detection function 45d also detects the presence of a person in the examination room based on information from the X-ray CT device 1. For example, when there is an input from an input interface provided on the gantry device 10, the first detection function 45d detects the presence of a person in the examination room. This is because the input interface is located in the examination room, and therefore no operational input is made from the interface unless there is a person in the examination room.

The first detection function 45d also detects the presence of a person in the examination room based on the detection results of a weight sensor provided on the top board 33 of the bed device 30. This is because if there is no person in the examination room, it is considered that the weight sensor will not detect the weight.

In this way, by detecting the presence of a person in the examination room based on information from the X-ray CT device 1, it is possible to detect the presence of a person in the examination room without installing a motion sensor. Even if a motion sensor is installed, it may malfunction for some reason. With the X-ray CT device of this embodiment, it is possible to detect the presence of a person in the examination room even in such cases.

The above-described embodiment can be modified as appropriate by changing a portion of the configuration or function of each device. Therefore, some modified examples of the above-described embodiment will be described below as other embodiments. Note that the following will mainly describe the differences from the above-described embodiment, and detailed descriptions of the points in common with the contents already described will be omitted. The modified examples described below may be implemented individually or in appropriate combination.

(First Modification)
In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which, when the first detection function 45d detects a person in the examination room, the sterilization apparatus 2 is stopped. However, when the first detection function 45d detects a person in the examination room, the operator may be able to select whether to stop or continue the sterilization process.

The setting function 45f in this modified example is set to perform a process to receive an instruction from the operator to stop or continue sterilization after a warning is issued, for example, when the first detection function 45d detects the presence of a person in the examination room.

For example, if the setting function 45f is set to perform processing to receive instructions from the operator as to whether to stop or continue sterilization after a warning is issued, the display control function 45g controls the display of a screen for receiving instructions from the operator after displaying a message notifying the warning.

Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a selection message screen. After accepting input of the OK button b2 on the warning message screen 42b in Figure 5, the display control function 45g displays the selection message screen 42c on the display 42.

The selection message screen 42c is composed of, for example, a message m3, a continue button b3, and a stop button b4. The message m3 is a message that asks the operator whether to continue or stop the sterilization process. The continue button b3 is a button for accepting input from the operator to continue the sterilization process. The stop button b4 is a button for accepting input from the operator to stop the sterilization process.

When the display control function 45g receives input of the continue button b3 or the stop button b4 from the operator, it erases the selection message screen 42c.

For example, if the setting function 45f is set to perform processing to receive instructions from the operator as to whether to stop or continue sterilization after a warning is issued, the sterilization control function 45h controls the sterilization device 2 according to the operator's instructions.

For example, in the example of FIG. 6, when the sterilization control function 45h receives input of the stop button b4 from the operator, it performs control to stop the sterilization device 2. On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 6, when the sterilization control function 45h receives input of the continue button b3 from the operator, it performs control to continue the operation of the sterilization device 2.

Next, the processing of the X-ray CT device 1 according to this modification will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing executed by the X-ray CT device 1 according to the first modification.

As a premise, at the start, the X-ray CT scanner 1 is not performing imaging processing or sterilization processing, and the setting function 45f is set to perform processing to receive instructions from the operator to stop or continue sterilization after issuing a warning when it detects the presence of a person in the examination room. Figure 7 shows an example of processing that is started when a person enters the examination room based on the above premise.

First, when a person enters the examination room, the first detection function 45d detects the presence of a person in the examination room (step S31).

If the sterilization device 2 is not performing sterilization processing at this time, the second detection function 45e detects that the sterilization device 2 is in a sterilization stopped state (step S32).

In this case, the sterilization control function 45h performs control to suppress the start operation of the sterilization process by the sterilization device 2 based on the detection results of steps S11 and S12 (step S33).

Then, the first detection function 45d detects whether or not a person is present in the examination room (step S34). If the first detection function 45d detects in step S34 that no person is present in the examination room (step S34: Yes), the process proceeds to step S35, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the first detection function 45d detects in step S34 that a person is present in the examination room (step S34: No), the process continues with step S33.

The sterilization control function 45h cancels the control that inhibits the start of the sterilization process by the sterilization device 2, and accepts the sterilization start instruction if the operator inputs the instruction (step S35).

The sterilization control function 45h controls the sterilization device 2 and executes the sterilization process (step S36).

The first detection function 45d detects whether or not a person is present in the examination room (step S37). If the first detection function 45d does not detect the presence of a person in the examination room in step S37 (step S37: No), the process proceeds to step S42, which will be described later.

On the other hand, if the first detection function 45d detects that a person is present in the examination room (step S37: Yes), the second detection function 45e detects that the sterilization device 2 is operating (step S38).

The display control function 45g controls the display of a message to warn that a person is present in the examination room (step S39).

The display control function 45g displays a screen that accepts an instruction to stop or continue sterilization. The sterilization control function 45h then accepts an instruction from the operator via the screen to stop or continue sterilization (step S40).

If an instruction to stop sterilization is received (step S40: Yes), the sterilization control function 45h controls to stop the sterilization device 2 and ends this process (step S41).

On the other hand, if an instruction to continue sterilization is received (step S40: No), the sterilization control function 45h controls the sterilization device 2 to continue operating (step S42).

The sterilization control function 45h then checks whether the sterilization process has ended each time a sterilization process is completed (step S43). If the sterilization process has ended (step S43: Yes), this process ends. On the other hand, if the sterilization process has not ended (step S43: No), the process proceeds to step S36.

The X-ray CT device of this modified example allows the operator to decide whether to continue the sterilization process if someone immediately leaves the examination room, for example, so that the sterilization process can be carried out efficiently.

(Second Modification)
In the above embodiment, the second detection function 45e detects the state of the sterilization apparatus 2 when the first detection function 45d detects a person. However, the second detection function 45e may be configured to constantly detect the state of the sterilization apparatus 2.

In this modified example, the first detection function 45d detects the presence or absence of a person in the examination room only when the second detection function 45e detects that the sterilization device 2 is in a sterilization operation state. In other words, in this modified example, the sterilization control function 45h does not perform control to suppress the start of the sterilization process by the sterilization device 2, but only performs processing when the sterilization device 2 is in an operating state.

The first detection function 45d may constantly detect the presence or absence of a person in the examination room. In this case, when the first detection function 45d detects the presence of a person, the sterilization control function 45h refers to the detection result of the second detection function 45e and controls the sterilization device 2 based on the detection result.

(Third Modification)
In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which an ultraviolet irradiator is used as the sterilization device 2 to sterilize an object. However, an object may be sterilized using the X-ray tube 11 of the X-ray CT scanner 1. In this case, the X-ray tube 11 is an example of a sterilization unit. The X-ray CT scanner 1 of this modified example does not need to be equipped with the sterilization device 2.

Specifically, the sterilization control function 45h controls the X-ray tube 11 (gantry device 10) and the bed device 30 to irradiate the tabletop 33 with X-rays while moving the tabletop 33 in and out of the gantry device 10.

(Fourth Modification)
In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which an ultraviolet irradiating device is used as the sterilization device 2 to sterilize an object. In contrast, an object may be sterilized by using a liquid spraying device as the sterilization device 2. The liquid spraying device is a device that sprays an agent having a sterilizing effect, such as ethanol or hypochlorous acid water, onto an object.

The liquid spraying device is provided, for example, above the entrance of the gantry device 10. This allows a disinfectant agent to be sprayed onto the top plate 33 of the bed device 20. In other words, it is possible to disinfect parts that the subject P may touch. The liquid spraying device may also be provided on the ceiling of the examination room. This allows the disinfectant agent to be sprayed over a wide area.

Specifically, the sterilization control function 45h controls the liquid spraying device and the bed device 30 to spray the drug onto the tabletop 33 while moving the tabletop 33 in and out of the gantry device 10.

(Fifth Modification)
In the above embodiment, the medical image diagnostic device is an X-ray CT device, but is not limited to this. The medical image diagnostic device may be, for example, an X-ray diagnostic device, a PET-CT system, an angio-CT system, a magnetic resonance imaging device, a nuclear medicine diagnostic device, etc.

For example, if the medical image diagnostic device is a magnetic resonance imaging device, the sterilization control function 45h monitors the connection status of the receiving coils in the magnetic resonance imaging device, and performs control to suppress the start of the sterilization process by the sterilization device 2 until a certain time has elapsed since all receiving coils are disconnected.

(Sixth Modification)
In the above embodiment, the console device 40 is a part of the X-ray CT scanner 1. However, the console device 40 may be configured as a device (e.g., a control device) separate from the X-ray CT scanner 1. In this case, the console device 40 controls the operation of the gantry device 10, which is an example of an imaging section, and the sterilization device 2, which is an example of a sterilization section, to execute the various processes described above. The bed device 30 may be included in the imaging section together with the gantry device 10, or may be configured as a device separate from the imaging section or associated with the imaging section.

According to at least the embodiment and modified examples described above, it is possible to sterilize a medical imaging diagnostic device without affecting the patient or medical staff.

Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims, as well as the scope and spirit of the invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 X-ray CT device 2 Sterilization device 6 Interview doctor terminal 7 Radiology department information server device 10 Stand device 11 X-ray tube 12 X-ray detector 13 Rotating frame 14 X-ray high voltage device 15 Control device 16 Wedge 17 Collimator 18 DAS (Data Acquisition System)
19 Imaging system 21 Human sensor 30 Bed device 31 Base 32 Bed driving device 33 Top plate 34 Support frame 40 Console device 41 Memory 42 Display 43 Input interface 45 Processing circuit 45a Operation control function 45b Pre-processing function 45c Reconstruction processing function 45d First detection function 45e Second detection function 45f Setting function 45g Display control function 45h Sterilization control function

Claims (6)

an imaging unit that images a subject;
a sterilization unit provided at a position capable of sterilizing a site that comes into contact with the subject;
an infrared sensor that detects the state of infrared rays in an examination room where the subject is imaged; a thermograph that analyzes infrared rays emitted from objects in the examination room and displays a heat distribution as a diagram; and a human presence sensor that is at least one of one or more cameras that image the inside of the examination room;
a first detection unit that detects the presence of a person in the examination room based on at least one of a state of the infrared rays in the examination room, a heat distribution in the examination room, and an image captured inside the examination room, which are detection results of the human presence sensor; and
A second detection unit that detects whether the state of the sterilization unit is a stopped state in which the sterilization process is stopped or an operating state in which the sterilization process is being performed;
a sterilization control unit that, when the first detection unit detects the presence of a person in the examination room, performs control to suppress start of a sterilization process by the sterilization unit if the state of the sterilization unit detected by the second detection unit is the stopped state, and performs control to stop the sterilization process of the sterilization unit if the state is the operating state;
a notification control unit that notifies the user that a person is present in the examination room when the first detection unit detects that a person is present in the examination room based on a detection result of the human presence sensor and the second detection unit detects that the state of the sterilization unit is in the operating state; and
a setting unit that sets, when the presence of a person in the examination room is detected , control to stop the sterilization process of the sterilization unit after the notification control unit issues a notification; and
Equipped with
the sterilization control unit is set to perform control to stop the sterilization process of the sterilization unit after a notification by the notification control unit, and when the state of the sterilization unit is in the operating state, the sterilization control unit performs control to stop the sterilization process of the sterilization unit after a notification by the notification control unit .
Medical imaging diagnostic equipment. an imaging unit that images a subject;
a sterilization unit provided at a position capable of sterilizing a site that comes into contact with the subject;
an infrared sensor that detects the state of infrared rays in an examination room where the subject is imaged; a thermograph that analyzes infrared rays emitted from objects in the examination room and displays a heat distribution as a diagram; and a human presence sensor that is at least one of one or more cameras that image the inside of the examination room;
a first detection unit that detects the presence of a person in the examination room based on at least one of a state of the infrared rays in the examination room, a heat distribution in the examination room, and an image captured inside the examination room, which are detection results of the human presence sensor; and
A second detection unit that detects whether the state of the sterilization unit is a stopped state in which the sterilization process is stopped or an operating state in which the sterilization process is being performed;
a sterilization control unit that, when the first detection unit detects the presence of a person in the examination room, performs control to suppress start of a sterilization process by the sterilization unit if the state of the sterilization unit detected by the second detection unit is the stopped state, and performs control to stop the sterilization process of the sterilization unit if the state is the operating state;
a notification control unit that notifies the user that a person is present in the examination room when the first detection unit detects that a person is present in the examination room based on a detection result of the human presence sensor and the second detection unit detects that the state of the sterilization unit is in the operating state; and
A setting unit that sets control to immediately stop the sterilization process of the sterilization unit when the presence of a person in the examination room is detected;
Equipped with
The sterilization control unit is set to immediately perform control to stop the sterilization process of the sterilization unit, and when the state of the sterilization unit is in the operating state, the sterilization control unit immediately performs control to stop the sterilization process of the sterilization unit.
Medical imaging diagnostic equipment. The first detection unit detects the presence of a person in the examination room when there is an input from an operation unit that operates a medical image diagnostic device provided in the examination room, even if the human presence sensor breaks down .
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 . a bed on which the subject is placed;
A weight detection unit that detects a weight of an object placed on the bed,
The first detection unit detects that a person is present in the inspection room when the weight detection unit detects a weight even if the human presence sensor fails .
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 . A control method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus including an imaging unit that images a subject, a sterilization unit provided at a position capable of sterilizing a site that comes into contact with the subject, an infrared sensor that detects the state of infrared rays in an examination room where the subject is imaged, a thermograph that analyzes infrared rays emitted from an object and represents a heat distribution as a diagram, and a human presence sensor that is at least one of one or a plurality of cameras that image the inside of the examination room,
a first detection step of detecting the presence of a person in the examination room based on at least one of the detection results of the human presence sensor, which are a state of the infrared rays in the examination room, a heat distribution in the examination room, and an image captured inside the examination room;
a second detection step of detecting whether the state of the sterilization unit is in a stopped state in which the sterilization process is stopped or in an operating state in which the sterilization process is being performed;
a sterilization control step of performing control to inhibit start of a sterilization process by the sterilization unit if the state of the sterilization unit detected in the second detection step is the stopped state when the first detection step detects the presence of a person in the examination room, and performing control to stop the sterilization process of the sterilization unit if the state of the sterilization unit is the operating state;
a notification control step of detecting the presence of a person in the examination room based on a detection result of the human presence sensor in the first detection step and notifying the presence of a person in the examination room when the state of the sterilization unit is detected to be the operating state in the second detection step;
a setting step of setting a control to stop the sterilization process of the sterilization unit after the notification by the notification control step when the presence of a person in the examination room is detected ;
Including,
The sterilization control step is set to perform control to stop the sterilization process of the sterilization unit after the notification by the notification control step, and when the state of the sterilization unit is in the operating state, the sterilization control step performs control to stop the sterilization process of the sterilization unit after the notification by the notification control step .
Control methods. A control method for a medical image diagnostic apparatus including an imaging unit that images a subject, a sterilization unit provided at a position capable of sterilizing a site that comes into contact with the subject, an infrared sensor that detects the state of infrared rays in an examination room where the subject is imaged, a thermograph that analyzes infrared rays emitted from an object and represents a heat distribution as a diagram, and a human presence sensor that is at least one of one or a plurality of cameras that image the inside of the examination room,
a first detection step of detecting the presence of a person in the examination room based on at least one of the detection results of the human presence sensor, which are a state of the infrared rays in the examination room, a heat distribution in the examination room, and an image captured inside the examination room;
a second detection step of detecting whether the state of the sterilization unit is in a stopped state in which the sterilization process is stopped or in an operating state in which the sterilization process is being performed;
a sterilization control step of performing control to inhibit start of a sterilization process by the sterilization unit if the state of the sterilization unit detected in the second detection step is the stopped state when the first detection step detects the presence of a person in the examination room, and performing control to stop the sterilization process of the sterilization unit if the state of the sterilization unit is the operating state;
a notification control step of detecting the presence of a person in the examination room based on a detection result of the human presence sensor in the first detection step and notifying the presence of a person in the examination room when the state of the sterilization unit is detected to be the operating state in the second detection step;
A setting step of setting control to immediately stop the sterilization process when the presence of a person in the examination room is detected;
Including,
The sterilization control step is set to immediately perform control to stop the sterilization process of the sterilization unit, and when the state of the sterilization unit is in the operating state, the sterilization control step immediately performs control to stop the sterilization process of the sterilization unit.
Control methods.

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