JP7210133B2 - X-ray CT device - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an X-ray CT apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art In some X-ray CT apparatuses, a lamp (area lamp) that projects light onto a top plate is used to confirm an imaging range. By confirming the range indicated by the light projected onto the tabletop by the area lamp light device, which corresponds to the imaging range of the main imaging, the user can avoid exposing the subject during positioning imaging, The imaging range of the main X-ray imaging can be confirmed.

When confirming the imaging range using the area lamp, lighting of the area lamp is usually performed before detailed setting of inspection conditions. Therefore, when the user starts using the area lamp, the area lamp does not hold information on inspection conditions such as the imaging range. In such a case, the operability of the area lamp may deteriorate.

JP 2016-13303 A

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to improve the operability of an area lamp.

An X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment includes a controller. Based on at least one of information indicating the state of the couch device and information indicating information about the gantry device, the control unit determines the range in the channel direction indicated by the light from the area lamp and the light from the area lamp. and the range in the slice direction indicated by , and controlling the area lamp based on the obtained at least one range.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart explaining the flow of processing performed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram explaining an example of imaging performed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram explaining an example of imaging performed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram explaining an example of imaging performed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram explaining an example of imaging performed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram explaining an example of processing performed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiment.

An embodiment of an X-ray CT apparatus will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(embodiment)
First, the outline of each part of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiment has a gantry device 10, a bed device 30, and a console device 40. As shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the rotating frame 13 in the non-tilt state or the longitudinal direction of the top plate 33 of the bed apparatus 30 is the Z-axis direction, and the axis that is perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and horizontal to the floor surface The direction is defined as the X-axis direction, and the axial direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and perpendicular to the floor surface is defined as the Y-axis direction.

The gantry device 10 is a device that irradiates the subject P with X-rays and collects projection data from the detection data of the X-rays that have passed through the subject P. The gantry device 10 includes an X-ray tube 11, a wedge 16, a collimator 17, It has 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 emits thermal electrons from a cathode (filament) toward an anode (target) by applying a high voltage from an X-ray high voltage device 14 .

The wedge 16 is a filter for adjusting the X-ray dose emitted from the X-ray tube 11 . Specifically, the wedge 16 transmits and attenuates the X-rays irradiated 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. It is a filter that

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

The collimator 17 is a lead plate or the like for narrowing down the irradiation range of the X-rays transmitted through the wedge 16, and a slit is formed by combining a plurality of lead plates or the like.

The X-ray detector 12 detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 11 and passing through the subject P, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the X-ray dose to the data acquisition device (DAS 18). The X-ray detector 12 has, for example, a plurality of X-ray detection element arrays in which a plurality of X-ray detection elements are arranged in the channel direction along one circular arc centering on the focal point of the X-ray tube 11 . The X-ray detector 12 has, for example, a plurality of X-ray detection element arrays in which a plurality of X-ray detection elements are arranged in the channel direction along one circular arc centering on the focal point of the X-ray tube. The X-ray detector 12 has, for example, a structure in which a plurality of X-ray detection element arrays each having a plurality of X-ray detection elements arranged in the channel direction are arranged in the slice direction (also called body axis direction or row direction).

Also, 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 a plurality of scintillators, and each scintillator has a scintillator crystal that outputs a photon amount of light corresponding to the amount of incident X-rays. The grid is arranged on the surface of the scintillator array on the X-ray incident side and has an X-ray shielding plate having a function of absorbing scattered X-rays. The photosensor array has a function of converting the amount of light from the scintillator into an electrical signal, and has photosensors such as photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). The X-ray detector 12 may be a direct conversion type detector having a semiconductor element that converts incident X-rays into electrical signals.

The X-ray high-voltage device 14 has an electric circuit such as a transformer and a rectifier, and has a high-voltage generator function to generate a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube 11. and an X-ray control device for controlling an output voltage according to the X-rays. 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 may be provided on the fixed frame (not shown) side of the gantry device 10 . Note that the fixed frame is a frame that rotatably supports the rotating frame 13 .

The DAS 18 (Data Acquisition System) includes an amplifier that amplifies an electric signal output from each X-ray detection element of the X-ray detector 12, and an A/D converter that converts the electric signal into a digital signal. and generate detection data. 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 so as to face each other and rotates the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 by the control device 15 . In addition to the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12, the rotating frame 13 may further support the X-ray high voltage device 14 and the DAS 18. Incidentally, the detection data generated by the DAS 18 is, for example, transmitted by optical communication from a transmitter having a light-emitting diode provided on the rotating frame 13 via a photodiode provided on a non-rotating portion of the gantry 10 such as a fixed frame. It is sent to the receiver and forwarded to the console device 40 . The method of transmitting the detection data from the rotating frame 13 to the non-rotating portion of the gantry device 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 having 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 operations of the gantry device 10 and the bed device 30 . For example, the control device 15 receives an input signal and performs control to rotate the rotating frame 13 , control to tilt the gantry device 10 , and control to operate the bed device 30 and the tabletop 33 . The control for tilting the gantry device 10 is performed by the control device 15 rotating the frame about an axis parallel to the X-axis direction, for example, based on inclination angle (tilt angle) information input through an input interface attached to the gantry device 10 . It is realized by rotating 13. The control device 15 also performs light projection control of the area lamp light device 1, which will be described later. Note that the control device 15 may be provided in the gantry device 10 or may be provided in the console device 40 . The control function 150a of the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 is an example of a control section.

The bed device 30 is a device for placing and moving a subject P to be scanned, and includes a base 31 , a bed driving device 32 , a top board 33 and a support frame 34 . The base 31 is a housing that supports the support frame 34 so as to be vertically movable. The bed driving device 32 is a motor or actuator that moves the table 33 on which the subject P is placed in the longitudinal direction of the table 33 . A top plate 33 provided on the upper surface of the support frame 34 is a plate on which the subject P is placed. Note that the bed driving device 32 may move the support frame 34 in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 33 in addition to the top plate 33 .

The console device 40 is a device that receives user's operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 100 and reconstructs X-ray CT image data from the X-ray detection data acquired by the gantry device 10 . The console device 40 has a memory 41 , a display 42 , an input interface 43 and a processing circuit 150 .

The memory 41 is implemented by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a semiconductor memory device such as a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like. The memory 41 stores projection data and reconstructed image data, for example. The memory 41 is an example of a storage unit.

The display 42 is a monitor that the user refers to and displays various information. For example, the display 42 outputs a medical image (CT image) generated by the processing circuit 150, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for accepting various operations from the user, and the like. For example, the display 42 is a liquid crystal display or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display. The display 42 is an example of a display section.

The input interface 43 receives various input operations from the user, converts the received input operations into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuit 150 . For example, the input interface 43 receives from the user acquisition conditions for acquiring projection data, reconstruction conditions for reconstructing CT images, image processing conditions for generating post-processed images from CT images, and the like. For example, the input interface 43 is implemented by a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, and the like. The input interface 43 is an example of an input unit.

Processing circuitry 150 controls the operation of the entire X-ray CT apparatus 100 . The processing circuit 150 has, for example, a control function 150a, a preprocessing function 150b, an image reconstruction function 150c, and an image generation function 150d. In the embodiment, each processing function performed by the control function 150a, the preprocessing function 150b, the image reconstruction function 150c, and the image generation function 150d, which are the constituent elements, is stored in the memory 41 in the form of a computer-executable program. ing. The processing circuit 150 is a processor that reads a program from the memory 41 and executes it to realize a function corresponding to each program. In other words, the processing circuit 150 with each program loaded has each function shown in the processing circuit 150 of FIG. In FIG. 1, the processing functions performed by the control function 150a, the preprocessing function 150b, the image reconstruction function 150c, and the image generation function 150d are realized by the single processing circuit 150. A plurality of independent processors may be combined to form the processing circuit 150, and each processor may implement a function by executing a program. The control function 150a, the preprocessing function 150b, the image reconstruction function 150c, and the image generation function 150d are examples of the control unit, preprocessing unit, reconstruction processing unit, and image generation unit, respectively.

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

The term "processor" used in the above description includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (for example, a simple Circuits such as a Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The processor implements functions by reading and executing programs stored in the memory 41 . Instead of storing the program in the memory 41, the program may be directly incorporated into the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor implements its functions by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit.

The processing circuit 150 controls various functions of the processing circuit 150 based on the input operation received from the user via the input interface 43 by the control function 150a. The processing circuit 150 performs preprocessing 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 using a preprocessing function 150b to generate data. . Data before preprocessing (detection data) and data after preprocessing may be collectively referred to as projection data. The processing circuit 150 uses a reconstruction processing function 150c to perform reconstruction processing using a filtered back projection method, an iterative reconstruction method, or the like on the projection data generated by the preprocessing function 150b to obtain CT image data. to generate The processing circuit 150 converts the CT image data generated by the image reconstruction processing function 150c by the image generation function 150d based on the input operation received from the user via the input interface 43 to a tomogram of an arbitrary cross section by a known method. Convert to image data or 3D image data.

The area lamp 1 (area finder) emits light toward the tabletop 33 or the subject P so that the X-ray CT apparatus 100 can confirm the imaging range for CT imaging. It is a floodlight for Specifically, based on the range in the channel direction (FOV direction) or the range in the slice direction (body axis direction) indicated by the area lamp 1, the user confirms the imaging range in which the X-ray CT apparatus 100 performs CT imaging. can do. Examples of the area lamp 1 include laser projectors, LED projectors, mercury lamp projectors, halogen lamps, and other projectors. Since confirmation of the imaging range by the area lamp 1 can be performed without X-ray irradiation, for example, compared to imaging the subject P by acquiring a scanogram/scout image by positioning imaging. to reduce exposure to radiation.

In addition to this, the X-ray CT apparatus 100 includes an X-ray path projector that displays the X-ray path, which is a straight line that passes through the center of the table 33 in the short direction and is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the table 33. A median line projector or the like for displaying the median line may be provided.

The user may directly obtain the range indicated by the light from the area lamp 1 to obtain the imaging range for CT imaging, or based on the range indicated by the light from the area lamp 1, obtain the CT The imaging range for imaging may be obtained manually or automatically. In other words, the range indicated by the light from the area lamp 1 and the imaging range for CT imaging may be the same or different.

Next, the background of the embodiment will be briefly described.

When performing imaging using the area lamp 1, lighting of the area lamp 1 is normally performed before detailed setting of inspection conditions in many cases. For example, the inspection conditions for each part of the body are set in advance, and before selecting any plan from among the preset inspection conditions, the subject P is placed on the top plate 33, and the area lamp is 1 may be used.

In such a case, when the area lamp 1 starts lighting, the area lamp 1 cannot recognize the body part to be imaged. It does not reflect the imaging range for CT imaging. For example, in the initial state, the area lamp 1 projects light onto the top plate 33 using a predetermined set value or a set value at the time of use as an initial value. Therefore, the user manually adjusts the display range of the area lamp 1, for example, to a gantry device, so that the range indicated on the tabletop 33 by the light of the area lamp 1 is equal to the imaging range for CT imaging. It was necessary to correct it with the touch panel etc. provided on the 10 side, and the operability was degraded.

As an example, area lamps are provided on both the front side of the gantry device 10 (the side where the top plate 33 is inserted) and the rear side of the gantry device 10 (the side opposite to the side where the top plate 33 is inserted in the gantry device 10). Although there is a button for turning on the lamp 1, a touch panel or the like for changing the display range of the area lamp 1 is provided only on the front side of the gantry device 10, and is provided on the rear side of the gantry device 10. For example, the case is not specified. Here, for example, in order to perform photographing on the rear side of the gantry device 10, a case is considered in which the area lamp 1 is turned on using the rear side button for turning on the area lamp 1. FIG. In such a case, since there is no touch panel on the rear side for changing the display range, the user needs to go around to the front side and use the touch panel on the front side to change the display range of the area lamp 1, resulting in improved operability. was declining.

In view of this background, the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150a controls the area lamp based on at least one of information indicating the state of the bed device 30 and information indicating the state of the gantry device 10. At least one of the range in the channel direction (X direction) indicated by the light from the area lamp 1 and the range in the slice direction (Z direction) indicated by the light from the area lamp light device 1 is acquired, and based on the acquired range to control the area lamp 1.

As a result, the shooting range can be automatically set without the user having to manually set it, and the operability is improved.

Details of such processing will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a flow chart describing the flow of processing performed by the X-ray CT apparatus 100 according to the embodiment.

First, before setting the subject P in step S100, patient information is registered in the examination reservation list and detailed input is performed. Subsequently, in steps S100 to S170, various settings and information acquisition are performed. The details of the processing in steps S100 to S170 differ depending on the body part to be imaged. Below, if the imaging region (imaging target) is “swallowing”, if the imaging region is “hands”, if the imaging region is “legs”, if the imaging region is “head”, then the imaging region is “head” The processing of steps S100 to S170 when the subject P is a "child" will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6. FIG. 3 shows imaging when the imaging region is "swallowing", FIG. 4 shows imaging when the imaging region is "hand", FIG. 5 shows imaging when the imaging region is "leg", and FIG. This represents imaging when the imaging region is "head".

A case where the imaging region is "swallowing" will be described with reference to FIG.

When the part to be imaged is "swallowing", the subject P is placed, for example, on the rear side of the gantry device 10 (on the side opposite to the direction in which the top plate 33 is inserted into the gantry device 10), and imaging is performed. When the part to be imaged is "swallowing", for example, the subject P is seated on a chair 54, and the head 50 is inserted into the bore of the gantry device 10 to perform imaging.

The gantry center height 2 represents the height of the center of the gantry 10 when the gantry 10 does not tilt. The gantry center height 2 is a height that serves as a reference for the position of the bed device 30 in the vertical direction. Here, the bed vertical position 52 represents the vertical position of the bed device 30 , and specifically means the vertical position of the top plate 33 . A width 53 represents the difference between the gantry center height 2 and the bed vertical position 52 . When the part to be imaged is "swallowing", the width 53 is, for example, 100 mm or less. Therefore, when the imaging region is "swallowing", the bed vertical position 52 is -100 mm or less with reference to the gantry center height 2, for example.

When the imaging site is "swallowing", the top plate 33 is not used, so the top plate slide position, which is the position in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 33 at the start of imaging, is "0 mm". When the part to be imaged is "swallowing", the subject P sits on the chair 54 and is imaged, so the top board 33 does not bear any weight, and the weight on the top board is "0 kg". In addition, since the subject holder is not particularly used for imaging, the subject holder/accessory is "none in particular". Regarding the determination of the presence or absence of attachment of the subject holder and accessories and the type thereof, for example, the shape of a part of the fitting between the top plate 33 and the accessory is determined so as to be identifiable for each type of accessory. There is a method of identifying by changing it and detecting the type with an optical sensor or by embedding an IC chip or the like in an accessory.

Further, when the part to be imaged is “swallowing”, the control device 15 tilts the gantry device 10 rearward by a tilt angle 51 to perform imaging. When the imaging region is "swallowing", the control device 15 sets the tilt angle 51 of the gantry 10 to 20 degrees or more, tilts the gantry 10 in the direction of the axis 3, and performs imaging of the subject P. . Therefore, when the imaging region is "swallowing", the tilt angle is, for example, "+20 degrees or more".

The processing of steps S100 to S170 when the imaging region is "swallowing" will be described. In step S100, setting is performed so that the position of the subject P is at a predetermined position. Specifically, the user prepares a chair 54 for the subject P and places it on the rear side of the gantry device 10 . In step S110, the control device 15 controls the vertical position of the table top 33 so that the vertical position of the bed is, for example, "the height of the center of the gantry - 100 mm or less". In step S120, the control device 15 acquires information about the vertical position of the bed device 30 by collecting information using, for example, an encoder.

If the imaging site is "swallowing", the top plate 33 is not used for imaging, and therefore the top plate 33 is not moved in the longitudinal direction shown in step S130. In step S140, the control device 15 acquires information related to the sliding position in the longitudinal direction of the couch device 30 by collecting information, for example, using an encoder. Since it is not set, the top board slide position is, for example, "0 mm".

Subsequently, the control device 15 tilts the gantry device 10 backward in step S150. Here, "tilting backward" means tilting so that the rear side of the gantry device 10 faces downward in the vertical direction. Subsequently, in step S160, the control device 15 acquires the tilt angle of the gantry device 10 by collecting information using, for example, an encoder or an angle sensor. Here, the tilt angle is a negative tilt angle when the gantry 10 is tilted forward, and the tilt angle is a positive tilt angle when the gantry 10 is tilted backward. When the imaging region is "swallowing", the tilt angle acquired by the control device 15 in step S160 is +20 degrees or more, for example.

In step S170, the control device 15 acquires information about the load on the bed device 30. If the imaging region is "swallowing", the top plate 33 is not used, so the weight on the top plate is 0 kg. Here, as a method of acquiring information related to the load on the bed device 30, for example, there is a method of incorporating a weight sensor, a strain gauge, or the like under the tabletop or bed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a case where the body part to be imaged is a "hand" will be described.

When the part to be imaged is the "hand", imaging is performed with the subject P placed on the rear side of the gantry device 10, for example, as in the case of "swallowing". When the part to be imaged is a "hand", the subject P is seated on a chair 54 or is standing, and the hand 60 is inserted into the bore of the gantry device 10 for imaging. When the part to be imaged is a “hand”, imaging is performed by sliding the top plate 33 and placing the hand 60 of the subject P on the top plate 33 that has been slid.

When the part to be imaged is the "hand", the vertical position of the bed is equal to the height 2 of the center of the gantry. Since the top plate slide position is to slide the top plate 33 in the longitudinal direction, for example, it is set to "400 to 600 mm", and the tip of the top plate 33 is about 200 mm to 300 mm from the center of the scan plane so that the hand 60 of the subject P can be placed. The control device 15 moves the top plate 33 to the entered position.

Further, since the weight of the hand is placed on the top plate 33, the weight on the top plate is, for example, "3 to 10 kg". In addition, since the subject holder is not particularly used for imaging, the subject holder/accessory is "none in particular". Alternatively, if an extension table is used, the subject holder/accessory becomes an "extension table". Also, when the body part to be imaged is a "hand", the tilt angle of the gantry device 10 is "0 degree" because it is not particularly necessary.

The processing of steps S100 to S170 when the body part to be imaged is "hand" will be described. In step S100, setting is performed so that the position of the subject P is at a predetermined position. Specifically, the user prepares a chair 54 for the subject P and places it on the rear side of the gantry device 10 . In step S110, when the body part to be imaged is a "hand", the control device 15 moves the top board 33 in the vertical direction. Alternatively, if the top plate 33 does not need to be moved in the vertical direction, the control device 15 does not have to move the top plate 33 vertically. In step S120, the control device 15 acquires information about the position of the bed device 30 in the vertical direction.

In step S130, the control device 15 moves the top plate 33 in the longitudinal direction. In step S140, the control device 15 acquires information about the slide position of the couch device 30 in the longitudinal direction. When the body part to be imaged is the "hand", the control device 15 does not tilt the gantry device 10 in step S150. Therefore, when the body part to be imaged is the "hand", the tilt angle acquired by the control device 15 in step S160 is 0 degrees. In step S<b>170 , the control device 15 acquires information regarding the load on the bed device 30 .

A case in which the body part to be imaged is a "leg" will be described with reference to FIG. When the part to be imaged is the “foot”, the subject P lies on the top plate 33 and the foot 70 is put into the bore of the gantry device 10 for imaging. The bed vertical position 71 is located at a width 72 below the gantry center height 2 . Here, the width 72 is 50 mm, for example. Further, the top plate 33 is slid, and the weight on the top plate becomes the weight of the subject P. In addition, since the subject holder is not particularly used except for the extension top plate, the subject holder/accessory is "no special or extension top plate". Further, since tilting of the gantry device 10 is not particularly required, the tilt angle is "0 degree".

The processing of steps S100 to S170 when the body part to be imaged is "foot" will be described. In step S100, setting is performed so that the position of the subject P is at a predetermined position. Specifically, setting is performed so that the subject P is positioned at a predetermined position on the top plate 33 . In step S110, the control device 15 moves the top plate 33 vertically. In step S120, the control device 15 acquires information about the position of the bed device 30 in the vertical direction. In step S130, the control device 15 moves the top plate 33 in the longitudinal direction. In step S140, the control device 15 acquires information about the slide position of the couch device 30 in the longitudinal direction. Further, since the control device 15 does not tilt the gantry device 10 in step S150, the tilt angle acquired by the control device 15 in step S160 is 0 degree. In step S<b>170 , the control device 15 acquires information regarding the load on the bed device 30 .

A case where the imaged part is the "head" will be described with reference to FIG. When the part to be imaged is the "head", the subject P lies down on the tabletop 33 and puts the head 81 into the bore of the gantry device 10, as in the case when the part to be imaged is the "leg". done. When the part to be imaged is the "head", the headrest 90 is used for imaging. The bed vertical position 8 is positioned below the gantry center height 2 by a width 83 . Here, the width 83 is 100 mm, for example. Further, the top plate 33 is slid, and the weight on the top plate becomes the weight of the subject P. Further, the control device 15 tilts the gantry device 10 forward by a tilt angle of 80 in the direction of the axis 4 to perform photographing. The tilt angle is, for example, 0 degrees to 15 degrees.

The processing of steps S100 to S170 when the body part to be imaged is "head" will be described. In step S100, setting is performed so that the position of the subject P is at a predetermined position. In step S110, the control device 15 moves the top plate 33 vertically. In step S120, the control device 15 acquires information about the position of the bed device 30 in the vertical direction. In step S130, the control device 15 moves the top plate 33 in the longitudinal direction. In step S140, the control device 15 acquires information about the slide position of the couch device 30 in the longitudinal direction. In step S<b>150 , the control device 15 tilts the gantry device 10 . In step S<b>160 , the control device 15 acquires the tilt angle of the gantry device 10 . In step S<b>170 , the control device 15 acquires information regarding the load on the bed device 30 .

Next, a case where the imaging region is the "head" and the subject P is a "child" will be described. In such a case, the imaging part is the "head" and the subject P is basically the same as the case where the subject P is an adult, but a "crib" is additionally used as a subject holder/accessory. . In addition, the weight on the top plate is smaller than when the subject P is an adult, and the vertical position of the bed may be different from that when the subject P is an adult. .

Next, the processing of step S180 will be described using FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram explaining an example of imaging performed by the X-ray CT apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. In step S180, the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150a controls the lighting of the area lighting device 1 based on at least one of the information indicating the state of the bed device 30 and the information indicating the state of the gantry device 10. and at least one of the range in the channel direction (X-axis direction) indicated by the light from the area lamp 1 and the range in the slice direction (Z-axis direction) indicated by the light from the area lamp 1, Controls the lamp 1. As an example, the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150a estimates an imaging region based on at least one of information indicating the state of the couch device 30 and information about the gantry device 10, and estimates the estimated imaging region. , the range in the channel direction indicated by the light from the area lamp 1 and the range in the slice direction indicated by the light from the area lamp 1 are obtained, and the area lamp 1 is controlled based on the obtained ranges. . Here, information on the vertical position of the bed device 30, information on the sliding position of the tabletop 33 of the bed device 30 in the longitudinal direction, information on the subject holder, and information on the load on the bed device 30 are included. , are examples of information indicating the state of the bed device 30. FIG. Further, information relating to the tilt angle of the gantry device 10 is an example of information indicating the state of the gantry device 10 .

As an example, the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150a estimates an imaging region based on at least one of information indicating the state of the couch device 30 and information about the gantry device 10, and estimates the estimated imaging region. , the range in the channel direction indicated by the light from the area lamp 1 and the range in the slice direction indicated by the light from the area lamp 1 are calculated, and the area lamp 1 is adjusted based on the calculated ranges Control.

The acquisition of the range in the channel direction and the range in the slice direction described above can be performed by calculating the range in the channel direction and the range in the slice direction as in the above example, or by obtaining data from a table stored in the memory 41, for example. is read to acquire data on the range in the channel direction and the range in the slice direction. In the latter case, the memory 41 stores information indicating the state of the bed device 30, information indicating the state of the gantry device 10, and initial setting values of the range in the channel direction and the range in the slice direction indicated by the light from the area lamp 1. are associated and stored in the form of a table, for example.

If the information acquired by the control device 15 can be represented in the first column of FIG. 7A, that is, the bed vertical position acquired by the control device 15 in step S120 is "center height of the gantry -100 mm or less", The top plate slide position acquired by the control device 15 in step S140 is "0 mm", the weight on the top board acquired by the control device 15 in step S170 is "0 kg", and the subject holder/accessory is " Consider a case where the tilt angle obtained by the control device 15 in step S160 is "+20 degrees or more". In this case, the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150a is configured as shown in FIG. Assume that the imaging site is "swallowing" as described. Subsequently, the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150a, based on the estimated imaging region "swallowing", as shown in FIG. Information is obtained that the range in the channel direction (FOV) is "M" and the range in the slice direction (body axis direction) indicated by the light from the area lamp 1 is "160 mm". More specifically, the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150a adjusts the channel direction (FOV) range indicated by the light from the area lighting device 1 based on, for example, the estimated imaging region “swallowing”. , “M”, and the range in the slice direction (body axis direction) indicated by the light from the area lamp 1 is “160 mm”. As another example, the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150a stores, for example, the channel direction (FOV) range and slice direction (body axis direction) corresponding to the imaging region "swallowing" from the memory 41. ), the channel direction (FOV) range indicated by the light from the area lamp 1 is "M", and the slice direction (body axis direction) is 160 mm. Further, as another example, the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150a, for example, from the memory 41, based on the information representing the state of the couch device 30 and the information representing the state of the gantry device 10, the channel direction (FOV) range and slice direction (body axis direction) data of initial setting values may be directly read out.

Further, when the information acquired by the control device 15 can be expressed in the second column of FIG. The top plate slide position acquired by the control device 15 in S140 is "400 to 600 mm", the weight on the top board acquired by the control device 15 in step S170 is "3 kg to 10 kg", and the subject holder/accessory is "none" or "extended top plate", and the tilt angle acquired by the control device 15 in step S160 is "0 degree". In such a case, the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150a should ensure that the weight on the top plate is 3 kg to 10 kg and not the entire weight, and that the crib is not attached as the subject holder. Therefore, taking into consideration the fact that it is unlikely that the radiography is for a child and the vertical position of the bed, etc., it is estimated that the radiographed part is the "hand" as shown in FIG. 7(b). Subsequently, the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150a uses the light of the area lamp 1 as shown in FIG. Information is acquired that the range in the channel direction (FOV) is "S" and the range in the slice direction (body axis direction) indicated by the light from the area lamp 1 is "80 mm".

Further, when the information acquired by the control device 15 can be expressed in the third column of FIG. , that there is no subject holder, that the tilt angle is 0, the vertical position of the bed, the weight on the tabletop, etc. are all taken into consideration, and the imaging region is determined as shown in FIG. 7(b). is the "foot". Subsequently, the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150a uses the light of the area lamp 1 as shown in FIG. Information is acquired that the range in the channel direction (FOV) is "S" and the range in the slice direction (body axis direction) indicated by the light from the area lamp 1 is "160 mm".

Further, when the information acquired by the control device 15 can be expressed in the fourth column of FIG. In consideration of the above, as shown in FIG. 7B, it is estimated that the imaging region is the "head". Subsequently, the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150a determines the channel direction (FOV) range and the slice direction (body direction) indicated by the light from the area lamp 1 based on the estimated imaging part “head”. axial) range.

Further, when the information acquired by the control device 15 can be expressed in the fifth column of FIG. In consideration of the presence of the child, as shown in FIG. Subsequently, the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150a determines the range of the channel direction (FOV) and the slice direction (body axis direction) indicated by the light from the area lamp 1 based on the estimated imaging part and the like. Get the range of

In summary, the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150a estimates the imaging region and imaging target based on the information related to the subject holder (accessory), and estimates the imaging target and imaging region. At least one of the range in the channel direction indicated by the light from the area lamp 1 and the range in the slice direction indicated by the light from the area lamp 1 is obtained. As an example, the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150a estimates that the object to be imaged is a child when the subject holder (accessory) is a "crib", If the object is a "headrest", the body part to be imaged is assumed to be the head. and obtain the range based on those estimation results.

In addition, the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150a estimates the imaging region and the imaging target based on the information related to the load on the couch device 30, and based on the estimated imaging target and imaging region, the area At least one of the range in the channel direction indicated by the light from the lamp 1 and the range in the slice direction indicated by the light from the area lamp 1 is acquired. As an example, the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150a determines that when the load on the bed device 30 is a load that is judged to be the total weight of an adult, the object to be imaged is other than a child, and If the body part to be imaged is estimated to be the head or feet and the load on the couch device 30 is about 3 to 10 kg, then the body part to be imaged is estimated to be the hand or the subject to be imaged is a child. When the load on 30 is 0, it is estimated that the imaging target is swallowing, and the relevant range is acquired based on those estimation results.

In addition, the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150a estimates the imaging region and the imaging target based on the information related to the tilt angle of the gantry device 10, and based on the estimated imaging target and imaging region, determines the area At least one of the range in the channel direction indicated by the light from the lamp 1 and the range in the slice direction indicated by the light from the area lamp 1 is acquired. As an example, the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150a, when the gantry device 10 is tilted in the positive angular direction, estimates that the imaging site is swallowing or the head, and the estimation result Get the range based on

In addition, the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150a estimates the imaging site and the imaging target based on the information regarding the sliding position in the longitudinal direction of the tabletop 33 of the couch device 30, and estimates the imaging target and the imaging target. At least one of the range in the channel direction indicated by the light from the area lamp 1 and the range in the slice direction indicated by the light from the area lamp 1 is obtained based on the imaging region. As an example, the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150a estimates that the imaging site is swallowing when the tabletop 33 is not slid in the longitudinal direction, and determines the range based on the estimation results. get.

In addition, the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150a estimates the imaging region and the imaging target based on the information regarding the vertical position of the couch device 30, and based on the estimated imaging target and the imaging region. , at least one of the range in the channel direction indicated by the light from the area lamp 1 and the range in the slice direction indicated by the light from the area lamp 1 is obtained. As an example, the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150a estimates that the body to be imaged is the hand when the bed vertical position is approximately the same as the height of the center of the gantry, and the vertical position of the bed is below the height of the center of the gantry. If it is about 50 mm, it is assumed that the imaged part is the foot or the child's head. Acquire the range based on the estimation result.

Returning to FIG. 2, the control device 15 outputs acquisition results such as the imaging region estimated in step S180 and the acquired imaging range to an input/output interface (not shown). Accepts corrective input if For example, the control device 15 outputs information related to the estimated imaging region and the acquired imaging range to an input/output interface provided on the front side of the gantry device 10, and receives correction input from the user. For example, if the control device 15 estimates that the body part to be imaged is the "head", but actually the body part to be imaged is the "leg", the control device 15 determines that the body part to be imaged is the "leg" from the input/output interface. A correction input to the effect that is is accepted. Further, for example, when the control device 15 acquires information indicating that the imaging range is "S", but in reality it is appropriate for the imaging range to be "M", the control device 15 Through the input interface, a correction input indicating that the shooting range is "M" is accepted from the user.

Subsequently, in step S190, the control device 15 acquires the range indicated by the light from the area lamp 1 based on the range acquired by the control device 15 in step S180 or the correction input received from the user in step S185. The area lighting device 1 is controlled to light up within the specified range.

Subsequently, in step S200, the control device 15 acquires an imaging range for CT imaging based on the range acquired by the control device 15 in step S180. As an example, the control device 15 uses the range in the channel direction indicated by the light from the area lamp 1 and the range in the slice direction indicated by the light from the area lamp as the imaging range for CT imaging. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the range indicated by the light from the area projector 1 may be different from the range in which CT imaging is performed. As another example, the control device 15 transmits information on the imaging site estimated by the control device 15 in step S180 from the gantry device 10 to the console 40, and causes the processing circuit 150 to automatically set an imaging plan. good too. The processing circuit 150 that automatically sets the imaging plan acquires the imaging range for CT imaging based on the selected imaging plan. Since the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 automatically acquires the imaging range for CT imaging, the user can automatically determine the imaging range for CT imaging at the same time when the area lamp 1 is turned on without inputting patient information. Setting becomes possible, and the user's workability can be improved.

In addition, the control device 15 acquires the DAS (Data Acquisition System) may be set. As a result, the DAS gain can be automatically set, further improving the operability.

Further, the control device 15 may acquire the recommended values of the X-ray exposure conditions, etc., based on the range acquired by the control device 15 in step S180. For example, the control device 15 may acquire the recommended values of the tube voltage, the tube current, the X-ray irradiation time, etc. based on the range acquired by the control device 15 in step S180.

Subsequently, in step S210, the X-ray CT apparatus 100 performs CT imaging based on the conditions acquired in step S200.

Note that the embodiments are not limited to the above examples.

As described above, in the embodiment, when the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150a acquires various information, the information may be calculated by calculation, or the information may be calculated. It may be the case that the information is read from the memory 41, for example. In the latter case, the memory 41 stores, for example, information related to the subject holder, information related to the object to be imaged and the site to be imaged, information related to the tilt angle, information related to the slide position in the longitudinal direction of the tabletop 33, and information related to the couch device. 30, information on the range in the channel direction indicated by the light from the area lamp 1, information on the range in the slice direction indicated by the light from the area lamp 1, and CT imaging. A table is stored as data representing the relationship among information on the imaging range, information on DAS gain settings, information on recommended values of X-ray exposure conditions, and the like. The control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150a acquires the various information by reading the table from the memory 41. FIG.

Although the embodiment has been described in the case of the single-tube type and Rotate/Rotate type X-ray CT apparatus 100, the embodiment is not limited to this. The X-ray CT apparatus is a Rotate/Rotate type in which an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector are integrally rotated around a subject P, and a large number of X-ray detection elements arrayed in a ring are fixed. Although there are various types such as a Stationary/Rotate type in which only the tube rotates around the subject P, the present embodiment is applicable to any type. Furthermore, in recent years, so-called multi-tube type X-ray CT apparatuses, in which a plurality of pairs of X-ray tubes and X-ray detectors are mounted on a rotating frame, have been commercialized, and the development of related technologies has progressed. This embodiment can be applied to either a conventional single-tube type X-ray CT apparatus or a multi-tube type X-ray CT apparatus.

Also, hardware for generating X-rays is not limited to the X-ray tube 11 . For example, in place of the X-ray tube 11, a focus coil for converging an electron beam generated from an electron gun, a deflection coil for electromagnetic deflection, and an electron beam that surrounds half the circumference of the subject P collide with each other to emit X-rays. X-rays may be generated using a fifth generation system including a target ring to be generated.

In addition, the X-ray CT apparatus 100 may perform imaging by a so-called dual energy scanning method in which imaging is performed with two different types of X-ray energy, or a so-called multi-energy scanning method in which imaging is performed with three or more different types of X-ray energy. You can shoot with the method. In such a case, the method of material discrimination may be a method of performing material discrimination using projection data, or a method of performing material discrimination using image data. Further, the imaging method may be any of the Kv switching method, dual source method, and laminated detector method.

Moreover, as a method of moving the top plate 33 , only the top plate 33 may be moved, or a method of moving the whole support frame 34 of the bed device 30 may be used. When the embodiment is applied to standing CT, a method of moving a patient support mechanism corresponding to the top plate 33 may be used.

Further, when performing a scan, such as a helical scan or a positioning scan, that involves a relative change in the positional relationship of the top plate 33 of the gantry device 10 , the relative change in the positional relationship may be performed by driving the top plate 33 . Alternatively, it may be performed by running the gantry device 10, or may be performed by a combination thereof.

Further, the processing by the processing circuit 150 described in the embodiment may be executed by either the console device 40 or an external workstation (image processing device). Moreover, the processing by the processing circuit 150 may be performed simultaneously by both the console device 40 and an external image processing device.

The storage of projection data and image reconstruction data is not limited to the memory 41 of the console device 40. The cloud server connectable to the X-ray CT apparatus 100 via a communication network such as the Internet stores the X-ray CT apparatus. The projection data and reconstructed image data may be stored in response to a storage request from 100 .

Moreover, the processing circuit 150 is not limited to being included in the console device 40, and may be included in an integrated server that collectively processes detection data acquired by a plurality of medical image diagnostic apparatuses.

The X-ray CT apparatus 100 according to the embodiment may use a full scan method that collects data for 360 degrees around the subject, or a half scan method that collects data for 180 degrees + fan angle. may be used.

Embodiments are also applicable to dental CT.

As described above, according to the X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiment, it is possible to improve the operability of the area lamp.

While several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented 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.

15 control device 150a control function

Claims (8)

Based on information indicating the state of the couch device and information indicating the state of the tilt angle of the gantry device, an area to be imaged for CT (Computed Tomography) imaging is estimated, and area lighting is performed based on the estimated imaging region. acquiring at least one of a range in the channel direction indicated by the light from the area lamp and a range in the slice direction indicated by the light from the area lamp, and based on the at least one of the obtained ranges, the area lamp An X-ray CT apparatus comprising a control unit that controls the The control unit calculates at least one of the range in the channel direction and the range in the slice direction based on information indicating the state of the couch device and information about the tilt angle of the gantry device, 2. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said area lamp is controlled based on said at least one calculated range. 2. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said controller further sets a gain of a DAS (Data Acquisition System) related to said detector based on said at least one range. 2. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control unit further acquires a recommended value for X-ray exposure conditions based on said at least one range. The control unit estimates an imaging region based on information indicating the state of the couch device and information indicating the tilt angle of the gantry device, and determines the at least one range based on the estimated imaging region. 2. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, which acquires 2. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information indicating the state of said bed device is information relating to the vertical position of said bed device. 2. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information indicating the state of said bed device is information relating to a slide position of a table top of said bed device in the longitudinal direction. 2. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information indicating the state of said bed device is information relating to the load on said bed device.

Images