JPH08336525A - Medical inspecting device and moving method for examinee table of the same device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a medical inspecting device capable of scrupulously and quickly relaxing a shock given on an examinee. CONSTITUTION: This device is provided with a medical inspection part 1 for the medical inspection of the examinee, an examinee table 2 on which the examinee 2 is placed and to perform the positioning of the examinee by moving in a first direction L for the medical inspection part 1, and a driving control part 100 which moves the examinee table 2 along a second direction H different from the first direction L for the medical inspection part 1 and controls the speed of an acceleration/deceleration area and accelerating/decelerating time when the examinee table 2 is started up corresponding to information with respect to the examinee when the positioning is performed by moving the examinee table 2 along the second direction H for the medical inspection part 1.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a subject table of a medical examination device, and more particularly to a medical examination device for controlling vertical movement of a subject table of a medical examination device such as an X-ray CT apparatus according to information about the subject. And a method of moving the subject table of the medical inspection apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When a conventional X-ray CT (Computer Tomography) apparatus is used to capture an X-ray CT image of a patient, an operator generally takes the following steps to examine the subject ( Hereafter referred to as a patient) ID (Identificatio)
n: the same, meaning of proof that they are the same) Information is registered, and the patient is positioned and the patient is imaged. (Step 1) The operator registers the patient ID information to be imaged in the X-ray CT apparatus. Patient ID
The information is different depending on the model of the X-ray CT apparatus, but personal information such as patient name, sex, age, etc. and patient insertion direction, hospital name, imaging date, X-ray tube voltage, X-ray tube current, etc. It is a general term for imaging conditions, filter values, image reconstruction conditions such as the number of reconstruction matrices, top position, height position information, etc., and is added to each created CT image to manage image data. Used for. Usually, this patient ID information is
The computer automatically adds to the captured image. (Step 2) The patient is placed on the patient table. Alternatively, in some cases, several operators, x-ray technicians, nurses, etc., load the patient from the stretcher (mobile patient bed) onto the patient table. (Step 3) The operator manually moves the top plate of the patient table upward and horizontally to start moving the patient's scanner gantry inside the opening diameter. (Step 4) When the operator manually operates the patient table, the light source of the localizer (projector for positioning the patient) is turned on in synchronization. (Step 5) The operator operates the patient table (coarse adjustment of patient positioning) to the position where the light line of the localizer is marked on the surface of the patient's body. (Step 6) Further, while the operator looks at the light line of the localizer marked on the surface of the patient's body, X
The start position of the line irradiation is determined (fine adjustment of patient positioning). (Step 7) The operator irradiates X-rays to capture a scanogram image (X-ray transmission image) of the examined region of the patient. (Step 8) The captured scanogram image is displayed on the image monitor of the operation console. The operator uses an X-ray C on the image monitor using a trackball or the like.
The shooting start position and the shooting end position of the T image are set. At the same time, the operator determines the imaging conditions according to the imaging region. At this time, the shooting start position is registered as the original (0: zero) position. The imaging conditions are mainly X-ray generation conditions (X-ray tube voltage, X-ray tube current, scan time, etc.) and image reconstruction conditions (number of display matrices, filter shape, enlargement ratio, reconstruction calculation area, etc.). , A plurality of parameters of device control conditions (top feed amount, etc.). (Step 9) The operator takes an X-ray CT image, reconstructs the image, and then analyzes the X-ray CT image.

The up / down movement of the patient table of the conventional X-ray CT apparatus is performed by controlling a hydraulic circuit composed of a hydraulic pump linked with a pantograph type link mechanism and a plurality of electromagnetic valves. . When the patient table is raised, the rod of the hydraulic cylinder attached to the pantograph type link mechanism is pushed out to expand the link mechanism and raise the patient table. Further, when the patient table is lowered, the hydraulic oil in the hydraulic cylinder is collected in the reserve tank to operate the cylinder in the returning direction, and the pantograph type link mechanism is closed to lower the patient table. The speed control of the up / down movement of the patient table of the conventional X-ray CT apparatus usually has two stages of high speed / low speed, and the computer operates by changing the opening number of the electromagnetic valve in the hydraulic circuit according to the operator's instruction. By changing the oil flow rate, the speed of the ascending / descending operation is switched.

[0004]

The patient table raising and lowering method of such a conventional X-ray CT apparatus has the following problems. As described above, the conventional patient table is started / stopped only by turning on / off the hydraulic pump and opening / closing the lowering valve in the raising / lowering operations.
Therefore, control parameters such as the speed and acceleration / deceleration time of the acceleration / deceleration area at start-up and stop are fixed at a constant operating time of the mechanical system of the hydraulic circuit, and the shock generated due to this is the actuation in the hydraulic circuit. Oil or a pipe (mainly a metal pipe) that constitutes a hydraulic circuit is transmitted and given to a patient. Therefore, it is considered that discomfort and anxiety to the patient are great. Although the discomfort and anxiety depend on the individual difference of the patient, it may be a great pain depending on the patient's symptoms and age.

As described above, since the patient table of the conventional X-ray CT apparatus does not consider the drive of the patient during the ascending / descending operation and the impact at the time of the stop, the above-mentioned control method of only driving the hydraulic circuit is mainly used. Met. Therefore, the current X-ray CT apparatus does not have a patient table having a control method that reduces the impact at the time of starting and stopping.

As a simple method for alleviating the impact in a hydraulic circuit that does not perform digital control, there is a method of changing the flow rate of hydraulic oil by a manual valve. However, this method is not sufficient to reduce the shock at the time of starting and stopping. This is because the manual method cannot finely and quickly perform the speed adjustment in the start and stop of the patient table, acceleration and deceleration regions. Further, the speeds in the acceleration and deceleration regions at the time of starting and stopping are fixed numerical values that are physically determined, and cannot be flexibly changed for each patient who has a sensory individual difference. Naturally, depending on the symptom and age of each patient, it is considered that the patient is more sensitive to shock than a healthy person, and in some cases, the patient may suffer great physical pain.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention controls the control parameters for starting and stopping the subject table, such as the patient table, when the subject table moves up and down according to the information relating to the subject. An object of the present invention is to provide a medical examination apparatus and a method of moving a subject table of the medical examination apparatus, which can finely and quickly reduce the impact given to the subject.

[0008]

The above object is, in the invention of claim 1, a medical examination unit for performing a medical examination of a subject and a medical examination unit on which the subject is placed. An object table for moving and positioning in a first direction, and an object table that moves the object table along a second direction different from the first direction with respect to the medical examination unit, Drive control for controlling control parameters at the time of starting and stopping the subject table when the table is moved and positioned with respect to the medical examination unit along the second direction according to information about the subject. And a medical examination apparatus including the section. In the invention of claim 2, the first direction, which is preferably the moving direction of the subject table, is the horizontal direction, and the second direction is the vertical direction. In the invention of claim 3, preferably, the drive control unit controls the subject table by driving means for moving the subject table in the second direction, and the operation of the drive means. Control means for controlling the speed of the acceleration / deceleration area and the acceleration / deceleration time, which are parameters, are provided. In the invention of claim 4, preferably, the drive means is a hydraulic circuit, and the hydraulic circuit is configured to raise the subject table along the second direction in response to a command from the control means. A hydraulic pump that controls the flow rate of the hydraulic oil by controlling the rotation is provided. In the invention of claim 5, preferably, the drive means is a hydraulic circuit, and the hydraulic circuit is configured to move the subject table downward along the second direction in response to a command from the control means. An electromagnetic proportional control valve for controlling the flow rate of hydraulic oil is provided. In the invention of claim 6, preferably, the medical inspection section is a scanner gantry of an X-ray computer tomography apparatus. In the invention of claim 7, preferably, an input device for inputting information about the subject is provided in order to manage the image data. In the invention of claim 8, preferably, the information about the subject is image management data including a name, sex, and age. According to the invention of claim 9, the above object is to provide a first object to the medical examination unit by mounting the subject.
When moving and positioning the subject table for moving and positioning in the direction of, relative to the medical examination unit, the subject table of the subject table is moved along a second direction different from the first direction. A method of moving a subject table of a medical inspection apparatus, characterized in that control parameters of a speed of an acceleration / deceleration region and an acceleration / deceleration time at the time of starting and stopping movement in the second direction are controlled according to information about a subject. Due to
Achieved.

[0009]

According to the above structure, in the invention of claim 1, the drive control unit moves the subject table along the second direction different from the first direction with respect to the medical examination unit, and the subject is examined. When the table is moved and positioned along the second direction with respect to the medical examination unit, the drive control unit controls the control parameter of the subject table according to the information regarding the subject. This activates / stops the subject table according to the state of the subject, and reduces the impact at the time of start / stop. According to the second aspect of the invention, since the second direction is the vertical direction, the impact at the time of starting / stopping the vertical movement of the subject table is reduced. In the invention of claim 3, the driving means moves the subject table in the second direction. The control means controls the acceleration / deceleration and the acceleration / deceleration time of the subject table caused by the operation of the driving means. According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the rotation of the hydraulic pump of the hydraulic circuit is controlled by a command from the control means when the subject is raised along the second direction. Thereby, the flow rate of the hydraulic oil is controlled, and the impulse at the time of starting / stopping the subject table is reduced. According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the electromagnetic control valve of the hydraulic circuit controls the flow rate of the hydraulic oil when the subject table is lowered along the second direction according to a command from the control means. This reduces the impact when the subject table is started / stopped. According to the invention of claim 6, in the X-ray computer tomography apparatus, the impact at the time of starting / stopping the subject table is reduced. In the inventions of claims 7 and 8, the information about the subject input by the input device is used. In the invention of claim 9, the subject table is moved and positioned with respect to the medical examination unit along a second direction different from the first direction. At this time, the acceleration / deceleration and the acceleration / deceleration time of the subject table are controlled. This reduces the impact when the subject table is started / stopped.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The examples described below are
Since it is a preferred specific example of the present invention, various technically preferable limitations are attached, but the scope of the present invention is, unless otherwise stated to limit the present invention, in the following description.
It is not limited to these modes.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the system of an X-ray CT apparatus which is a preferred embodiment of the medical examination apparatus of the present invention. In FIG. 1, an X-ray CT apparatus system includes units such as a scanner / gantry 1, a patient table 2 as a subject table, an X-ray generator 3, an operation console 4, an image processing apparatus 5, and a central control computer 6. Has been done. This scanner gantry 1 is a medical examination unit. The scanner / gantry 1, the X-ray generator 3, and the operation console 4 have control computers 11, 12, and 14 for controlling each. The scanner / gantry control computer 11 controls the mechanism inside the scanner / gantry 1, and controls the horizontal movement (L direction in FIG. 2) and upward movement (H direction in FIG. 2) of the top plate 16 of the patient table 2. . Further, the scanner / gantry control computer 11 monitors the input of an operation panel (not shown) installed on the scanner / gantry 1 or the patient table 2, position information and height information of the top 16 of the patient table 2, or , Outputs the tilt angle of the scanner gantry 1. The control computer 12 for the X-ray generator 3 controls the output of the generated X-rays and monitors its abnormality.

Further, the operation console control computer 14 monitors inputs of switches on the operation console 4 and
Display is performed by a display device such as an LED (light emitting diode). In the scanner / gantry 1, an X-ray tube 7 and an X-ray detector 8 are arranged opposite to each other, and each is arranged on the same rotary plate (not shown).

The scanner gantry 1 which is the medical examination unit of FIG. 2 is used for medical examination of the patient PA who is the subject of FIG.
This is for obtaining a line CT image. The patient PA is placed on the top plate 16 of the patient table 2, and X is applied to the patient PA.
A line irradiation area and an image reconstruction area are set. The X-ray irradiation region is a region where the patient PA placed on the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 is irradiated with X-rays when the patient PA is sent into the opening diameter 1a of the scanner gantry 1. . The image reconstruction area is an area where the patient PA is irradiated with X-rays, the X-ray detector detects the X-rays transmitted, and geometrically determines the range of the detected data. This is an area for reconstructing an image using only the detected data. X
The line-illuminated area is geometrically larger or the same as the image reconstruction area. After the patient PA is moved into the opening diameter 1a also called the opening of the scanner / gantry and positioned at the first X-ray CT image capturing position, the X-ray tube 7 and the X-ray detector 8 are placed around the patient PA. The mounted rotating plate rotates. As a result, the X-ray is exposed to the patient PA, and the data of the patient PA is collected.

Data from the X-ray detector 8 shown in FIG. 1 is converted from an analog signal into a digital signal and sequentially sent to the measurement data buffer 13, where the image processing device 5 performs preprocessing such as image data compression. Data is stored in the external storage device 15. The data stored here is raw data (R
AW DATA). When the data acquisition of the raw data is completed, the raw data is transferred through the image processing device 5 and an X-ray CT image is formed by the reconstruction calculation process.
Simultaneously with the formation of this X-ray CT image, the X-ray CT image is displayed on the image monitor 10, and the X-ray CT image is stored in the external storage device 15.

The operation monitor 9 displays information to the diagnostician or operator that the central control computer 6 guides and supports the operation, and at the same time,
It is for displaying the operating status of the system. The image monitor 10 is for displaying an X-ray CT image and an X-ray transmission image and performing image analysis.

Next, the method of photographing the X-ray CT image of the X-ray CT apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail. In FIG. 1, a diagnostician or an operator puts the patient PA on the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 in advance and the height of the top plate 16 is adjusted. The operator sends the patient PA into the opening 1a of the scanner / gantry 1 by using the area setting display means (localizer, etc.) for medical examination shown in FIG. Set the irradiation area. The area setting position set here is successively transmitted to the scanner / gantry control computer 11. Scanner
When the positioning of the patient PA with respect to the gantry 1 is completed,
The operator uses the operation console 4 and the operator monitor 9 in FIG. 1 to select and set the patient ID information input, X-ray CT image capturing conditions, and the like. This patient ID information is
It is registered as one of the image management data for each photographing. The patient ID information is, in addition to personal information such as patient name, age, sex, etc., patient insertion direction, hospital name, imaging date, imaging conditions such as X-ray tube voltage and X-ray tube current, filter value, number of reconstruction matrices. It is a general term for image reconstruction conditions such as, top plate position, and height position information. The patient ID information may be input by the operator using an input device (for example, the operation console 4) for each CT imaging, or may be automatically created by the central control computer 6. The patient name, sex, etc. of the patient ID information is created by the operator
You have to enter each image. The imaging date, time, etc. added to the image data are one of the patient ID information, and such information is automatically input by the central control computer 6. The imaging conditions differ depending on the imaging part of the patient PA, and the imaging conditions corresponding to the imaging part of the patient PA are previously displayed as preset information on the operation console 4 and the operation monitor 9 of FIG. The operator can also change a part of the preset information.

Immediately after the photographing conditions are determined, the central control computer 6 of FIG. 1 reads the photographing conditions from the control computer 14 for the operation console, changes the photographing conditions into a predetermined format, and then the scanner / gantry control computer 11 And the scanner gantry 1 together with the command for "imaging preparation" to the control computer 12 for the X-ray generator.
Issue a "message" composed of the rotation speed of the patient, the feed amount of the patient table for each X-ray CT image acquisition, the X-ray generation condition, and the like.
In the X-ray generator 3, the X-ray generation power supply circuit is turned on,
The waiting time such as the time from the activation of the rotor (target rotating anode) in the X-ray tube 7 to the constant speed rotation or the cooling time of the X-ray tube 7 is required. When these X-ray generation enabling conditions are met, the X-ray generation device control computer 12 of FIG. 1 gives a command of “preparation for X-ray generation” to the central control computer 6.

When the X-ray generator 3 of FIG. 1 is preparing, the scanner gantry 1 confirms the initial positions of the X-ray tube 7 and the X-ray detector 8 when receiving the command of "preparation for imaging".
If each is not in the initial position (eg, the X-ray tube is at the top and the X-ray detector is at the bottom), the rotating plate of the scanner gantry 1 is rotated so that each is in the initial position. When all the units are in the "ready state" and the central control computer recognizes the "ready state" of each unit, the "X-ray irradiation command, X-ray exposure command, X-ray command" is given to each control computer 11, 12, 14. Command for data acquisition and image processing device activation standby ". The X-ray CT image is photographed by rotating the X-ray tube 7 and the X-ray detector 8 shown in FIG. 1 around the patient PA transferred to the inside of the opening diameter 1a of the scanner gantry 1 and simultaneously measuring the X-ray CT image.
It is carried out by the irradiation of rays. The rotary plate on which the X-ray tube 7 and the X-ray detector 8 are mounted in the scanner / gantry 1 rotates at a rotation angle of 360 ° or more including the acceleration / deceleration region and the constant speed rotation region. Usually, X-ray irradiation is performed in a constant speed rotation region of the rotating plate.

The X-ray generation method includes a pulse generation method and a continuous generation method. The former is 1 VIEW (PROJ) with 1 pulse.
ECTION) data is obtained, and the latter obtains 1 VIEW data with one sampling. As the number of VIEWs increases, the amount of data information increases, leading to an improvement in image quality. However, an image processing apparatus capable of processing a large amount of data at high speed is required.

Since the data output by the X-ray detector 8 in FIG. 1 is an analog signal, the measurement data buffer 1
Analog-to-digital conversion is performed at the stage when the data is transferred to No. 3.
Thereafter, the output digital data signal is subjected to preprocessing such as image data compression by the image processing device 5, and is stored in the external storage device 15 as raw data (RAW DATA). X-ray irradiation is completed, measurement data buffer 1
When all the data is transferred to 3, the image processing device 5
Upon receipt of a command of "image reconstruction calculation" from the central control computer 6, an X-ray CT image is created and displayed on the image monitor 10 by using raw data (RAW DATA) based on the image reconstruction conditions described above. At the same time, the image data to which the patient ID information is added is stored in the external storage device 15. In order to reduce the time from data acquisition to X-ray CT image display as much as possible, an ordinary X-ray CT apparatus executes image reconstruction operations in parallel while performing data acquisition, and performs mechanical operations of the apparatus, such as a patient. At the same time as feeding the top plate 16 of the table 2, data storage and the like are executed.

In the patient table 16 shown in FIG. 1, the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 is fed at the end of each measurement into a message transferred from the central control computer 6 in advance for each X-ray CT image acquisition. If the amount is set, the scanner / gantry control computer 11
The top plate 16 of the patient table 2 is moved inside or outside the scanner gantry 1.

Referring now to FIG. Figure 2 shows the scanner
1 shows a part of the gantry 1, a patient PA placed on the top plate 16 of the patient table 2, an ascending / descending mechanism section 21 installed on the patient table 2, and a drive control section 100 thereof. The drive control unit 100 is provided with the hydraulic circuit shown in FIG. The drive control unit 100 uses the patient table 2
Is moved with respect to the scanner gantry 1 along a vertical direction H which is a second direction different from the horizontal direction L which is the first direction, and when positioning with respect to the scanner gantry 1, This is for controlling control parameters such as acceleration / deceleration and acceleration / deceleration time in Table 2. The drive control unit 100 includes a control unit 150 and a drive unit 180. The drive means 180 is a hydraulic circuit, and the hydraulic circuit is adapted to position the patient table 2 by moving up or down along the second direction H in response to a command from the control means 150. The drive means 180 is the drive cylinder 2
2, an electromagnetically driven valve 23, a hydraulic pump 24, a hydraulic oil reserve tank 25, an electromagnetically driven valve 26, and an electromagnetic proportional control valve 28. Rod 22a of drive cylinder 22
Is the link member 2 of the pantograph type link mechanism unit 21.
It is connected to 1a. The drive cylinder 22 is hydraulically connected to the hydraulic oil reserve tank 25 via an electromagnetic valve 23 and a hydraulic pump 24. Further, the electromagnetic valve 23 includes another electromagnetic valve 26 and an electromagnetic proportional control valve 28.
Is connected to the hydraulic oil reserve tank 25 via a hydraulic circuit.

The control means 150 is electrically connected to the hydraulic pump 24 of the drive means 180 and the electromagnetic proportional control valve 28. The D / A converter 29 of the control means 150, another D / A converter 30 and an input / output device (I / O
Device 31 is a scanner / gantry control computer 1
Connected to 1. The D / A converter 29 is electrically connected to the hydraulic pump 24 via the inverter 27. The D / A converter 30 is electrically connected to the electromagnetic proportional control valve 28. The input / output device 31 is
It is electrically connected to the electromagnetically driven valves 23 and 26.
Mechanism part 21 for raising / lowering the top plate 16 of the patient table 2.
Preferably uses a pantograph type link mechanism. When the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 is lifted, the electromagnetically driven valve 23 is opened and the hydraulic pump 24 is driven to send the hydraulic oil from the hydraulic oil reserve tank 25 to the drive cylinder 22. Raise. The electromagnetically driven valves 23 and 26 are switched and opened when energized (ON state) by a command from the input / output device 31, and the hydraulic oil flows only in a fixed direction. Further, the electromagnetically driven valves 23 and 26 are not in the energized state (OFF state), but the check valves (check valves) 23 a and 26
It is possible to flow hydraulic oil in a fixed direction via a.

The electromagnetic proportional control valve 28 outputs (pressure) in proportion to the input signal SC inputted through the D / A converter 30.
It is a valve that can control. The electromagnetic proportional control valve 28 includes a command unit that outputs a command signal, an amplifier unit that amplifies the signal,
And it is comprised from the proportional control valve which changes hydraulic pressure.
Furthermore, in order to perform highly accurate control, the electromagnetic proportional control valve 2
Reference numeral 8 includes a portion that detects a control amount (pressure) and outputs a feedback signal. FIG. 5 shows that the patient table 2 is moved up / down from a part of the patient ID information described above.
It is a schematic diagram of an example of setting the speed region of the speed control parameter at the time of descending. Patient table 2 felt by patient PA
It is thought that the impact of is greatly affected by the symptoms of the disease and age. Therefore, the impact of the patient table 2 is set on a graph in which the vertical axis represents the degree of symptoms and the horizontal axis represents age. If the symptom is heavy, the speed is slow, if the symptom is light, the speed is medium, if the age is high, the speed is low, and the low age group such as infants is also slow. When the patient table 2 is operated in the state where the patient ID information is not set, for example, when the system is started up after the power of the X-ray CT apparatus is turned on, the speed control parameter when the patient table 2 is moved up / down. Initial data is registered as the speed and the acceleration / deceleration time in the acceleration / deceleration area. Further, when it is necessary to take an image of an urgent patient, it is possible to determine the speed and the acceleration / deceleration time in the speed control parameter acceleration / deceleration region without depending on the patient ID information.

Next, the vertical movement operation of the patient table will be described. First, the patient table raising operation will be described. The path of the hydraulic oil when rising is shown as path A. The inverter 27 controls the rotation frequency of the hydraulic pump 24. Also,
The acceleration time is preset in the inverter 27. The scanner / gantry control computer 11 is the top plate 1 of the patient table 2 sent from the central control computer 6.
Based on the information (patient ID information) of the set rising speed of 6,
The control signal SR is transmitted to the inverter 27 via the digital-analog converter (D / A converter) 30. The inverter 27 drives the hydraulic pump 24 at an output frequency according to the control signal SR to control the flow rate of the hydraulic oil on the path A. At the same time, the scanner / gantry control computer 11
Uses the input / output device 31 to turn on the electromagnetically driven valve 23.
The FF state (check valve 23a side) is set, and the hydraulic oil is sent from the reserve tank 25 to the drive cylinder 22. The drive cylinder 22 is driven by the drive cylinder 2 when hydraulic oil is fed.
The rod 22a of No. 2 is pushed out, the pantograph type link mechanism 21 is opened, and the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 is raised based on the patient ID information. At this time, the electromagnetically driven valve 2
Since the position of 3 is on the side of the check valve 23a in the closed state of the valve, the hydraulic oil flows from the bottom to the top of the electromagnetically driven valve 23 (from the reserve tank 25 side to the drive cylinder 22 side) as shown in FIG. However, it cannot flow from top to bottom (from the drive cylinder side to the reserve tank side). Therefore, unless the electromagnetically driven valve 23 is opened,
Since the hydraulic oil is not collected from the drive cylinder 22, the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 cannot be lowered. Patient table 2
When the top plate 16 of the scanner reaches a predetermined position PP, the scanner / gantry control computer 11 causes the D / A converter 30
The control signal SR to the inverter 27 is set to zero via. As a result, the inverter 27 lowers the output frequency in the deceleration time based on the patient ID information provided from the central control computer 6, stops the hydraulic pump 24, and stops the flow rate of the hydraulic oil. Therefore, the impact is not applied to the patient PA even when the patient table 2 reaches the upper limit position. In this way, the drive control unit 100 controls the control parameters of the speed and the acceleration / deceleration time of the acceleration / deceleration region of the patient table 2 according to the patient ID information when the patient table 2 is started and stopped when the patient table 2 is raised.

Next, the patient table lowering will be described. The path of the hydraulic oil when descending is indicated by path B. The electromagnetic proportional control valve 23 controls the flow rate of hydraulic oil passing through the path B. The scanner / gantry control computer 11 sets D / F in order to set the flow rate of the hydraulic oil according to the information (patient ID information) of the set lowering speed of the top 16 of the patient table 2 sent from the central control computer 6. A converter 3
The control signal SR is transmitted to the electromagnetic proportional control valve 28 via 0. As a result, the electromagnetic proportional control valve 28 sends the hydraulic oil to the reserve tank 25 at a flow rate according to the control signal SR.
At the same time, the scanner / gantry control computer 11
Using the input / output device 31, the electromagnetically driven valves 23 and 2
6 is turned on (flow path side), and hydraulic oil is supplied to the drive cylinder 2
2 to the electromagnetic proportional control valve 28. As a result, the hydraulic oil in the drive cylinder 22 is collected in the reservoir tank 25. Therefore, the rod 22a of the drive cylinder 22 is retracted, the pantograph type link mechanism portion 21 is closed, and the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 is lowered according to the patient ID information. When the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 reaches a predetermined position, the scanner / gantry control computer 11 sets D /
The control signal SC to the inverter 27 is set to zero via the A converter 29. That is, the inverter 27 uses the deceleration time based on the set patient ID information to drive the inverter 2
The output frequency of 7 is decreased to stop the flow rate of hydraulic oil. In this way, the drive control unit 100 controls the speed and acceleration / deceleration time control parameters of the acceleration / deceleration area of the patient table 2 according to the patient ID information when the patient table 2 is started and stopped when the patient table 2 is lowered.

Next, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a speed pattern of the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 during the ascent and descent. The vertical axis of FIG. 3 represents the speed V of the top 16 of the patient table 2, and the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time T. The speed V1 represents the rising start speed of the hydraulic pump 24 with respect to the rising start rotation frequency and the falling start speed of the electromagnetic proportional control valve 23 corresponding to the falling start flow rate. The speed V2 is a moving speed during rising / falling, and is also a maximum speed during rising / falling.
The speed V3 is the speed of the constant speed moving unit when the vehicle is stopped during the ascent / descent. This constant-velocity moving unit is set to reduce the vibration of the pantograph-type link mechanism unit 21 at the time of stopping and to alleviate the impact of the patient PA.

The time T1 is the acceleration time until the vehicle accelerates to the set speed during rising / falling. The time T2 is the first deceleration time from the set speed to the speed of the constant speed moving unit. Time T3
Is the constant speed time when stopped. Time T4 is the second deceleration time from the speed of the constant speed moving unit to the stop. The parameters of the speeds V1 to V3 and the times T1 to T4 can be set independently and fixed, but the internal memory of the scanner / gantry control computer 11 corresponds to the maximum speed of rising / falling. It is also possible to have a control parameter table that has been set.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of registration of normal patient ID information and an ascending sequence SQ1 and a descending sequence SQ2 of the top 16 of the patient table 2 according to the present invention. (Step ST1) First, the operator inputs the patient ID information to the central control computer 6 using the operation console 4 which is an input device. As the patient ID information at this time, only newly registered or existing patient ID information to be imaged can be used. (Step ST2) The central control computer 6 determines the speed control parameters (speed in the acceleration / deceleration area and acceleration / deceleration time) when the patient table 2 is moved up / down based on the set patient ID information. (Step ST3) The central control computer 6 transfers the speed control parameters (speed in the acceleration / deceleration area and acceleration / deceleration time) when the patient table 2 is moved up / down to the scanner / gantry control computer 1. (Step ST4) Next, the patient is placed on the patient table.
Next, the operation of the patient table 2 is performed. In the ascending sequence SQ1, the operator first presses the ascending switch (step S1). The top 16 of the patient table 2 is raised only when the operator presses the raising switch, which is a so-called deadman method (Deadma).
n's handle) is adopted. When the scanner / gantry control computer 11 of FIG. 2 recognizes the input of the switch, the electromagnetically driven valve 23 is closed (step S
2). Then, the inverter 27 is activated (step S
3), the control signal SR corresponding to the rising speed based on the patient ID information is transmitted via the D / A converter 29 to the inverter 27.
(Step S4). With this, the inverter 2
7 drives the hydraulic pump 24 so as to raise the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 at a set speed. During the ascending, whether the ascending limit sensor of the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 inputs,
Depending on whether the operator releases the lift switch (step S5), the scanner / gantry control computer 11
Recognizes that the control signal S
R is turned off (step S6). Then, the inverter 27 is stopped to end the rising (step S
7). On the other hand, in the descending sequence SQ2,
First, the operator presses the lowering switch (step S
8). The lowering of the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 also employs a so-called deadman method, which is executed only when the operator presses the lowering switch. When the scanner / gantry control computer 11 recognizes the input of the switch,
The electromagnetically driven valve 23 is opened (step S9). continue,
The electromagnetic proportional control valve 28 is activated (step S10), and the control signal SC corresponding to the descending speed based on the patient ID information is
It is given to the electromagnetic proportional control valve 28 via the D / A converter 30 (step S11). With this, the electromagnetic proportional control valve 28 controls the flow rate of the hydraulic oil collected in the reserve tank 25 to lower the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 at a set speed. During the descent, depending on whether the descent limit sensor (not shown) of the patient table 2 inputs or the operator releases the descent switch (step S12), the scanner / gantry control computer 11 recognizes the descent speed to zero. In order to turn on, the control signal SC is turned off (step S13). Then, the electromagnetic proportional control valve 28 is closed to stop the lowering of the patient table 2 (step S1).
4).

In the vertical movement control device of the above-mentioned embodiment, the speed of the acceleration and deceleration regions when the patient table is moved up and down and when it is stopped can be controlled by the computer based on the patient ID information, and the shock given to the patient is given. Can be quickly relieved, and the anxiety and discomfort of the patient can be reduced. Further, the vertical movement control device according to the embodiment of the present invention,
Since it is not a mechanical control method, it can be flexibly controlled according to the symptoms and age of the patient.

The X-ray CT apparatus of the present invention is provided with a patient table 2
When the top plate 16 is raised, the rotation frequency of the hydraulic pump at startup is controlled, and when it is lowered, the flow rate of the hydraulic oil is computer controlled by the electromagnetic proportional control valve. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the shock and vibration when the patient table 2 is started and stopped and is activated and stopped, and it is possible to reduce the discomfort given to the patient. The patient table up / down drive device of the X-ray CT apparatus uses the patient ID information registered for each imaging as one of the image management data, and shocks and vibrations at the time of start and stop that occur when the patient table moves up and down. By reducing, the discomfort given to the patient is reduced according to the patient's symptoms and age. The patient ID information is registered in a state of being added to the image data, but it is also possible to register the patient ID information in the external storage device in a data format in which all or part of the patient ID information is independent. As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, an inverter and an electromagnetic proportional control valve are used as a drive device for raising / lowering a patient table, and these are controlled by a computer to control acceleration / deceleration time and speed in an acceleration / deceleration region. By controlling such control parameters and the like, it is possible to reduce the impact at the time of starting / stopping, and to reduce the discomfort and anxiety felt by the patient. Further, by using the patient ID information in which various conditions such as the symptom and age of the patient are recorded, it is possible to finely control the speed when the patient table moves up and down, which is suitable for each patient.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the medical examination apparatus of the present invention uses an X-ray C
The present invention is not limited to the T-apparatus, and the present invention is applicable to other types including a medical examination section and a patient table, or other medical examination apparatuses such as MRI (Magnetic Res.) Of a magnetic resonance apparatus.
PET (Positron Emis), which is a nuclear medicine diagnostic system.
sion CT), SPECT (Single Pho)
It is also applicable to a patient table of a medical examination system other than an X-ray CT apparatus such as a ton ECT). Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the control system of the scanner / gantry control computer, the inverter and the electromagnetic proportional control valve is described only by using the D / A converter. However, for example, another interface (RS-232C) is used. It is possible to use an inverter or a solenoid proportional control valve having a communication system) function. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the drive device 100 used for raising / lowering the top plate of the patient table uses hydraulic pressure as the working fluid, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other types of working fluid may be used. For example, air or an inert gas can be used as the working fluid.

[0033]

As described above, according to the present invention,
By controlling the control parameters when starting and stopping a vertical movement of a subject table such as a patient table according to the information about the subject, the impact on the subject such as a patient can be delicately and quickly alleviated. it can.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an X-ray CT apparatus which is a preferred embodiment of a medical examination apparatus of the present invention.

2 is a patient table in the X-ray CT apparatus shown in FIG.
The figure which shows the mechanism for vertical movement and control structure.

FIG. 3 is a patient table in the X-ray CT apparatus of FIG.
The figure which shows an example of the typical speed control pattern at the time of the operation.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a flowchart of normal patient ID information registration and vertical movement operation of a patient table in the X-ray CT apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a velocity region setting of a velocity control parameter when a patient table is moved up / down based on a part of patient ID information.

[Explanation of Codes] 1 Scanner / Gantry (Medical Examining Section) 1a Scanner / Gantry Opening Diameter (Opening) 2 Patient Table (Subject Table) 3 X-ray Generator 4 Operation Console (Patient ID Information Input Device) 6 Central control computer 7 X-ray tube 8 X-ray detector 9 Operation monitor 10 Image display monitor 16 Patient table top 21 Pantograph type link mechanism 22 Drive cylinder 23 Electromagnetic drive valve 24 Hydraulic pump 25 Hydraulic oil reserve tank 26 Electromagnetic drive valve 27 Inverter 28 Electromagnetic proportional control valve 29 Inverter D / A converter 30 Electromagnetic proportional control valve D / A converter 31 Input / output device (I / O device) 100 Drive control unit 150 Control means 180 Drive means A Patient table Path of hydraulic oil when rising B Hydraulic oil when descending patient table Path V1 Start-up speed when rising / falling V2 Set speed when rising / falling V3 Constant speed part speed when stopping when rising / falling T1 Acceleration time T2 First deceleration time T3 Constant speed time at stop T4 Second deceleration time L 1st direction (horizontal direction) H 2nd direction (vertical direction)

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A medical examination unit for performing a medical examination on a subject, a subject table for mounting the subject and moving and positioning the subject in the first direction with respect to the medical examination unit, The subject table is the first with respect to the medical examination unit.
When moving the object table along a second direction different from the direction to move and position the object table with respect to the medical examination unit along the second direction, when the object table is activated and A medical inspection apparatus comprising: a drive control unit that controls a control parameter at the time of stop according to information about a subject. 2. The medical examination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first direction is a horizontal direction and the second direction is a vertical direction. 3. The drive control unit includes a drive unit for moving the subject table in the second direction, and an acceleration / deceleration region which is a control parameter of the subject table generated by the operation of the drive unit. The medical inspection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls a speed and an acceleration / deceleration time. 4. The drive means is a hydraulic circuit, and the hydraulic circuit controls rotation when the subject table is raised along the second direction according to a command from the control means. The medical inspection apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a hydraulic pump that controls a flow rate of the hydraulic oil. 5. The drive means is a hydraulic circuit, and the hydraulic circuit controls the flow rate of hydraulic oil when descending the subject table along the second direction according to a command from the control means. The medical inspection apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising an electromagnetic proportional control valve. 6. The medical inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the medical inspection unit is a scanner gantry of an X-ray computer tomography apparatus. 7. An input device for inputting information about a subject for managing image data.
The medical inspection apparatus according to. 8. The medical examination apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the information regarding the subject is image management data including a name, sex, age, and information. 9. A medical examination unit is placed on a first side with a subject placed thereon.
When moving and positioning the subject table for moving and positioning in the direction of, relative to the medical examination unit, the subject table of the subject table is moved along a second direction different from the first direction. A method of moving a subject table of a medical examination apparatus, characterized in that the speed of the acceleration / deceleration region and the acceleration / deceleration time at the time of starting and stopping the movement in the second direction are controlled according to information about the subject.