WO2013114728A1

WO2013114728A1 - X-ray ct device

Info

Publication number: WO2013114728A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/081684
Authority: WO
Inventors: 豪椋本
Original assignee: 株式会社東芝; 東芝メディカルシステムズ株式会社
Priority date: 2012-02-02
Filing date: 2012-12-06
Publication date: 2013-08-08

Abstract

Provided is an X-ray CT device that makes it possible to facilitate the work of arranging a subject to be tested in a scan position and to reduce the time used for said work. The X-ray CT device according to an embodiment of the present invention has a bed device, a frame device, a forming unit, a drive unit, a storage unit, and a drive control unit. The bed device has a top plate on which the subject to be tested is arranged. The frame device carries out a scan of the subject to be tested by rotating an X-ray tube and a detection unit comprising an X-ray detector that are arranged so as to face each other. The forming unit forms image data of the subject to be tested on the basis of data obtained from the scan. The drive unit changes the relative positions of the top plate and the detection unit. The storage unit stores relative position information indicating the relative positions at the time the scan was performed. The drive control unit controls the drive unit when a new scan is carried out and arranges the top plate and the detection unit in the relative positions indicated by the stored relative position information.

Description

X-ray CT system

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an X-ray CT apparatus.

An X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus is an apparatus that scans a subject with X-rays, collects data, and processes the collected data with a computer, thereby imaging the inside of the subject.

Specifically, the X-ray CT apparatus emits X-rays to a subject a plurality of times from different directions, detects X-rays transmitted through the subject with an X-ray detector, and generates a plurality of detection data. collect. The collected detection data is A / D converted by the data collection unit and then transmitted to the data processing system. The data processing system forms projection data by pre-processing the detection data. Subsequently, the data processing system executes a reconstruction process based on the projection data to form tomographic image data. The data processing system forms volume data based on a plurality of tomographic image data as further reconstruction processing. The volume data is a data set representing a three-dimensional distribution of CT values corresponding to a three-dimensional region of the subject.

The X-ray CT apparatus can perform MPR (Multi Planar Reconstruction) display by rendering volume data in an arbitrary direction. The cross-sectional image (MPR image) displayed in MPR includes an orthogonal three-axis image and an oblique image. An orthogonal triaxial image is an axial image showing a cross section orthogonal to the body axis, a sagittal image showing a cross section of the subject along the body axis, and a coronal showing a cross section of the subject along the body axis. Show the image. The oblique image is an image showing a cross section other than the orthogonal three-axis image. Further, the X-ray CT apparatus renders volume data by setting an arbitrary line of sight, thereby forming a pseudo 3D image when the 3D region of the subject is viewed from this line of sight.

There is an imaging method called CT fluoroscopy (CTF: Computed Tomography Fluoroscopy). CT fluoroscopy is an imaging method that obtains an image of a region of interest of a subject in real time by irradiating the subject with X-rays continuously or intermittently. In CT fluoroscopy, images are created in real time by reducing the detection data collection rate and reducing the time required for reconstruction processing. CT fluoroscopy is used, for example, when confirming the positional relationship between the tip of a puncture needle and a part from which a specimen is collected in a biopsy, or when confirming the position of a tube in the drainage method. The drainage method is a method of discharging body fluid accumulated in the body cavity with a tube or the like.

In CT fluoroscopy, scanning and prescribed medical practice may be performed alternately. For example, when performing a biopsy while referring to an MPR image based on volume data obtained by CT fluoroscopy, scanning and puncturing are alternately performed. Specifically, first, an MPR image of the subject is obtained by placing the subject at a predetermined scan position and performing CT fluoroscopy. Next, the subject is moved from the scan position to a predetermined treatment position, and puncture is performed while referring to the MPR image. When the puncture needle is inserted to some extent, the subject is again placed at the scan position and CT fluoroscopy is performed to obtain a new MPR image. Further, the subject is placed again at the treatment position, and the puncture is advanced while referring to the new MPR image. This operation is repeated until the biopsy is completed. In addition, a puncture plan for determining the insertion path of the puncture needle may be implemented before puncturing. Scans are also performed in the puncture plan.

JP 2011-4980 A JP 2007-000408 A

In this way, when the scan and the predetermined medical practice are repeatedly performed, the operation of placing the subject at the scan position and the action of placing the subject at the implementation position of the medical practice are alternately performed. In a conventional X-ray CT apparatus, the position of the subject is adjusted each time the subject is placed at a scan position or a medical practice position. However, since this operation is complicated and takes time, it is a heavy burden on the operator and the patient.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an X-ray CT apparatus capable of facilitating the work of arranging a subject at a desired position and reducing the time.

The X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiment includes a couch device, a gantry device, a forming unit, a drive unit, a storage unit, and a drive control unit. The bed apparatus has a top plate on which a subject is placed. The gantry device scans the subject by rotating a detection unit including an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector arranged to face each other. The forming unit forms image data of the subject based on the data obtained by scanning. A drive part changes the relative position between a top plate and a detection part. The storage unit stores relative position information indicating a relative position when scanning is performed. The drive control unit controls the drive unit when a new scan is performed, and arranges the top plate and the detection unit at the relative positions indicated by the stored relative position information.

It is a block diagram showing the structure of the X-ray CT apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the X-ray CT apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the operation example of the X-ray CT apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the X-ray CT apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the X-ray CT apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the operation example of the X-ray CT apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the operation example of the X-ray CT apparatus which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the X-ray CT apparatus concerning 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the setting part concerning 3rd Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the respiratory waveform concerning 3rd Embodiment, and an example of the timing of a scan. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of operation | movement of the X-ray CT apparatus concerning 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of operation | movement of the X-ray CT apparatus concerning 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the setting part concerning 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of operation | movement of the X-ray CT apparatus concerning 5th Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the outline of the X-ray CT apparatus concerning 6th Embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
The X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Constitution]
A configuration example of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Note that “image” and “image data” may be identified with each other.

The X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes a gantry device 10, a couch device 30, and a console device 40.

(Mounting device)
The gantry device 10 is an apparatus that irradiates the subject E with X-rays and collects X-ray detection data transmitted through the subject E. The gantry device 10 includes an X-ray generator 11, an X-ray detector 12, a rotating body 13, a high voltage generator 14, a gantry driver 15, an X-ray diaphragm 16, and a diaphragm driver 17, And a data collection unit 18.

The X-ray generator 11 includes an X-ray tube that generates X-rays (for example, a vacuum tube that generates a conical or pyramidal beam, not shown). The generated X-rays are exposed to the subject E.

The X-ray detector 12 includes a plurality of X-ray detection elements (not shown). The X-ray detector 12 detects X-ray intensity distribution data (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “detection data”) indicating the intensity distribution of X-rays transmitted through the subject E with an X-ray detection element. Output as a current signal.

As the X-ray detector 12, for example, a two-dimensional X-ray detector (surface detector) in which a plurality of detection elements are arranged in two directions (slice direction and channel direction) orthogonal to each other is used. The plurality of X-ray detection elements are provided, for example, in 320 rows along the slice direction. By using a multi-row X-ray detector in this way, a three-dimensional region having a width in the slice direction can be imaged with one scan (volume scan). The slice direction corresponds to the body axis direction of the subject E, and the channel direction corresponds to the rotation direction of the X-ray generation unit 11.

2 is a component for detecting X-rays, and includes at least an X-ray generation unit 11 and an X-ray detector 12.

The rotating body 13 is a member that supports the X-ray generation unit 11 and the X-ray detector 12 at positions facing each other with the subject E interposed therebetween. The rotating body 13 has an opening that penetrates in the slice direction. A top plate on which the subject E is placed is inserted into the opening. The rotating body 13 is rotated along a circular orbit centered on the subject E by the gantry driving unit 15. As a result, the subject E is scanned.

The gantry driving unit 15 has a mechanism for rotating the detection unit 101 for scanning and a mechanism for moving the detection unit 101. The latter mechanism is the detection drive unit 102 shown in FIG. The detection drive unit 102 translates and tilts (tilts) the detection unit 101.

This parallel movement is a displacement in an arbitrary direction. For example, this parallel movement includes one or more of a movement in the up-down direction, a movement in the left-right direction, and a movement in the front-rear direction. Here, the left-right direction indicates the short direction of the top plate 31 described later, that is, the body width direction of the subject E placed on the top plate 31. The front-rear direction indicates the longitudinal direction of the top plate 31, that is, the body axis direction of the subject E placed on the top plate 31. The up-down direction is a direction orthogonal to both the left-right direction and the front-rear direction. When the movement in two or more directions among these three directions is possible, the detection drive unit 102 moves the detection unit 101 in an arbitrary direction by combining the movement operations in these two or more directions. be able to.

Tilt is an operation for changing the tilt angle between the top plate 31 and the detection unit 101. This inclination angle is defined as, for example, an angle formed by the normal direction of the upper surface of the top plate 31 and the normal direction of the surface on which the detection unit 101 is rotated during scanning (that is, the rotation surface of the rotating body 13). Can do.

The high voltage generator 14 applies a high voltage to the X-ray generator 11. The X-ray generator 11 generates X-rays based on this high voltage. The X-ray diaphragm unit 16 forms a slit (opening), and changes the size and shape of the slit so that the X-ray fan angle (divergence angle in the channel direction) output from the X-ray generation unit 11 and the X-rays are changed. Adjust the cone angle (spreading angle in the slice direction). The diaphragm drive unit 17 drives the X-ray diaphragm unit 16 to change the size and shape of the slit.

The data collection unit 18 (DAS: Data Acquisition System) collects detection data from the X-ray detector 12 (each X-ray detection element). Further, the data collection unit 18 converts the collected detection data (current signal) into a voltage signal, periodically integrates and amplifies the voltage signal, and converts it into a digital signal. Then, the data collecting unit 18 transmits the detection data converted into the digital signal to the console device 40.

(Bed apparatus)
The subject E is placed on the top 31 (see FIG. 2) of the bed apparatus 30. The couch device 30 is provided with a couchtop drive unit 32 for moving the subject E placed on the couchtop 31. For example, the top plate drive unit 32 can move the top plate 31 in the above-described vertical direction, left-right direction, and front-back direction. Moreover, the top-plate drive part 32 may be comprised so that the top-plate 31 can incline.

The detection drive unit 102 and the top plate drive unit 32 function as an example of a “drive unit” that changes the relative position between the top plate 31 and the detection unit 101. In this embodiment, both the mechanism (first drive unit) for moving the top plate 31 and the mechanism (second drive unit) for moving the detection unit 101 are provided, but only one of these mechanisms is provided. It is also possible to adopt a different configuration.

(Console device)
The console device 40 is used for operation input to the X-ray CT apparatus 1. Further, the console device 40 reconstructs CT image data (tomographic image data and volume data) representing the internal form of the subject E from the detection data input from the gantry device 10. The console device 40 includes a control unit 41, a scan control unit 42, a processing unit 43, a storage unit 44, a display unit 45, and an operation unit 46.

The control unit 41, the scan control unit 42, and the processing unit 43 include, for example, a processing device and a storage device. As the processing device, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) is used. The storage device includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The storage device stores a computer program for executing the function of each unit of the X-ray CT apparatus 1. The processing device implements the above functions by executing these computer programs. The control unit 41 controls each unit of the apparatus. The internal configuration of the control unit 41 shown in FIG. 2 will be described later.

The scan control unit 42 integrally controls operations related to scanning with X-rays. This integrated control includes control of the high voltage generation unit 14, control of the gantry driving unit 15, control of the aperture driving unit 17, and control of the bed apparatus 30. The control of the high voltage generator 14 is to control the high voltage generator 14 so that a predetermined high voltage is applied to the X-ray generator 11 at a predetermined timing. The control of the gantry driving unit 15 controls the gantry driving unit 15 so as to rotationally drive the rotating body 13 at a predetermined timing and a predetermined speed. The control of the diaphragm control unit 17 controls the diaphragm driving unit 17 so that the X-ray diaphragm unit 16 forms a slit having a predetermined size and shape. The control of the couch device 30 is to control the couch device 30 so that the top plate is moved to a predetermined position at a predetermined timing. In the volume scan, the scan is executed with the position of the top plate fixed. In the helical scan, the scan is executed while moving the top plate.

The processing unit 43 performs various processes on the detection data transmitted from the gantry device 10 (data collection unit 18). The processing unit 43 includes a preprocessing unit 431, a reconstruction processing unit 432, a rendering processing unit 433, and a cross-sectional position determination unit 434.

The pre-processing unit 431 performs pre-processing including logarithmic conversion processing, offset correction, sensitivity correction, beam hardening correction, and the like on the detection data from the gantry device 10 to generate projection data.

The reconstruction processing unit 432 generates CT image data (tomographic image data or volume data) based on the projection data generated by the preprocessing unit 431. As the reconstruction processing of the tomographic image data, for example, any method such as a two-dimensional Fourier transform method or a convolution / back projection method can be applied. The volume data is generated by interpolating a plurality of reconstructed tomographic image data. As volume data reconstruction processing, for example, an arbitrary method such as a cone beam reconstruction method, a multi-slice reconstruction method, an enlargement reconstruction method, or the like can be applied. In the volume scan using the multi-row X-ray detector described above, a wide range of volume data can be reconstructed.

The rendering processing unit 433 can execute, for example, MPR processing and volume rendering. The MPR process is an image process for generating MPR image data representing a section by setting an arbitrary section to the volume data generated by the reconstruction processing unit 432 and performing a rendering process. Volume rendering generates pseudo three-dimensional image data representing the three-dimensional region of the subject E by sampling volume data along an arbitrary line of sight (ray) and adding the values (CT values). Image processing.

The image forming unit 435 shown in FIG. 2 includes a preprocessing unit 431, a reconstruction processing unit 432, and a rendering processing unit 433. The image forming unit 435 functions as an example of a “forming unit” that forms image data of the subject E based on data obtained by scanning.

The cross-section position determination unit 434 compares two image data obtained by scans performed at different timings, and determines whether or not the position of the cross-section of the subject E drawn by these image data is substantially the same. To do. The cross-section position determination unit 434 functions as an example of a “determination unit”.

An example of processing executed by the cross-section position determination unit 434 will be described. When the position of the cross section is substantially the same, the two image data present substantially the same image. For example, the cross-sectional position determination unit 434 obtains a difference image (subtraction image) between two pieces of image data, and determines whether or not the difference image substantially depicts anything. When it is determined that substantially nothing is depicted in the difference image, the cross-sectional position determination unit 434 determines that the cross-sectional positions rendered by these image data are substantially the same.

As another processing example, the cross-sectional position determination unit 434 extracts feature parts (organ, blood vessel, etc.) from each image data, and determines whether the shape and / or position of these feature parts are substantially the same. When it is determined that the shape and / or position of the characteristic portion is substantially the same, the cross-sectional position determination unit 434 determines that the cross-sectional positions drawn by these image data are substantially the same. Note that the process of determining the identity of the cross-sectional positions is not limited to these, and any image processing technique can be applied.

“The cross-sectional position is“ substantially the same ”indicates that not only the case where the cross section is completely the same but also the case where a predetermined tolerance exists is included. As an example of the case where this allowable error exists, when the number of pixels of the image depicted by the difference image is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold, when the shape and / or position error of the characteristic part is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold, There may be a case where an error in the position or orientation of an object (such as a puncture needle) depicted with the subject E is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

The storage unit 44 stores detection data, projection data, image data after reconstruction processing, and the like. The display unit 45 includes a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The operation unit 46 is used for inputting various instructions and information to the X-ray CT apparatus 1. The operation unit 46 includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a joystick, a foot switch, and the like. The operation unit 46 may include a GUI (Graphical User Interface) displayed on the display unit 45.

The control unit 41 will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 41 includes an information storage unit 411, an information selection unit 412, a drive control unit 413, and a notification control unit 414.

The information storage unit 411 causes the storage unit 44 to store relative position information indicating the relative position between the top 31 and the detection unit 101 when the scan is performed. This relative position is obtained by the control contents of the drive control unit 413 with respect to the top plate drive unit 32 and the detection drive unit 102.

A specific example of this process will be described. The drive control unit 413 moves the top plate 31 by transmitting a control signal to the top plate drive unit 32. The drive control unit 413 moves the detection unit 101 by transmitting a control signal to the detection drive unit 102. These control signals include information indicating the direction of movement and information indicating the amount of movement as the contents of the control. A predetermined reference position is set in advance for each movement of the object by the top board driving unit 32 and the detection driving unit 102. The information storage unit 411 stores a relative position between the reference position of the top plate 31 and the reference position of the detection unit 101 in advance. The relative position is expressed, for example, as coordinates in a preset three-dimensional coordinate system. This three-dimensional coordinate system represents a position in a space where the gantry device 10 and the couch device 30 are installed, for example. The drive control unit 413 sends the control content to the information storage unit 411 every time a control signal is transmitted. The information storage unit 411 records the control content related to the movement of the top plate 31 and the control content related to the movement of the detection unit 101. Thereby, the information storage unit 411 can grasp the control history related to the movement of the top 31 and the control history related to the movement of the detection unit 101. Each control history starts from the corresponding reference position. The information storage unit 411 can obtain the current positions of the top board 31 and the detection unit 101 as the coordinates by referring to these control histories. When the scan is executed, the information storage unit 411 obtains the coordinates of the top plate 31 and the detection unit 101 at that time, and obtains the displacement between these coordinates. This displacement is a relative position between the top plate 31 and the detection unit 101. The information storage unit 411 stores relative position information indicating the relative position in the storage unit 44. In addition, the process which the information storage part 411 performs is not limited to this, The arbitrary techniques which can obtain | require the relative position of the top plate 31 and the detection part 101 may be used.

The information selection unit 412 will be described. The information selection unit 412 selects one of the relative position information when the relative position information of two or more scans is stored in the storage unit 44 when the scan is executed a plurality of times. The drive control unit 413 controls the top plate drive unit 32 and / or the detection drive unit 102 based on the relative position information selected by the information selection unit 412. The information selection unit 412 functions as an example of a “selection unit”. An example of the operation of the information selection unit 412 will be described below.

A first operation example will be described. In the first operation example, the selection unit includes a display unit 45 and an operation unit 46 in addition to the information selection unit 412. The display unit 45 displays two or more relative positions indicated in the two or more relative position information stored in the storage unit 44. These relative positions are presented as character information or image information, for example. Examples of character information include identification information for each scan (for example, the name, number, etc. given to the scan, or the name of the target organ for the scan, etc.), information indicating the relative position (for example, numerical values indicating the displacement, top plate 31 and detection The coordinates indicating the position of the part 101). Examples of image information include an icon indicating each scan, an icon indicating a target organ to be scanned, and an icon indicating a relative position. The user designates a desired one of two or more relative positions displayed on the display unit 45 using the operation unit 46. The information selection unit 412 reads relative position information corresponding to the designated relative position from the storage unit 44. Furthermore, the information selection unit 412 uses the current relative position as a starting point based on the read relative position information and the current positions of the table 31 and the detection unit 101, and / or the detection unit 101. Is moved to the relative position indicated by the relative position information, and the movement direction and the movement amount of the top 31 and / or the detection unit 101 are calculated. This calculation process is performed, for example, by obtaining a displacement between the coordinates of these relative positions in the three-dimensional coordinate system. The information selection unit 412 sends information indicating the calculated movement direction and movement amount to the drive control unit 413. The drive control unit 413 generates a control signal based on the information input from the information selection unit 412 and sends the control signal to the top plate drive unit 32 and / or the detection drive unit 102. The top plate driving unit 32 and / or the detection driving unit 102 moves the top plate 31 and / or the detection unit 101 based on this control signal. Thereby, the top plate 31 and the detection unit 101 are arranged at the relative positions indicated by the relative position information selected by the information selection unit 412.

A second operation example will be described. In the second operation example, the selection unit includes an operation unit 46 in addition to the information selection unit 412. The user performs a predetermined operation using the operation unit 46 in response to the scan. “Corresponding to scan” includes before, during, and after the scan. The term “before scan” includes an arbitrary timing from the previous scan to the current scan. Further, when the current scan is the first scan, it literally means before the current scan. After the scan includes an arbitrary timing between the current scan and the next scan. The information selection unit 412 gives identification information to the relative position information stored in the storage unit 44 corresponding to the scan in which the predetermined operation is performed. This identification information is, for example, a flag. Before a scan (sometimes referred to as a new scan) is performed after the current scan, the information selection unit 412 performs a predetermined operation from two or more pieces of relative position information stored in the storage unit 44. Relative position information (relative position information to which identification information is added) in the performed scan is selectively read from the storage unit 44. The subsequent processing is the same as in the first operation example. Here, only one piece of relative position information is given identification information. When the predetermined operation is newly performed when there is relative position information to which identification information has already been added, the information selection unit 412 deletes the identification information that has already been assigned, and the relative operation corresponding to the new predetermined operation is performed. Identification information is given to position information. It is also possible to configure so that identification information can be given to two or more pieces of relative position information. In that case, it is possible to display the relative positions shown in the two or more pieces of relative position information to which the identification information is given in a manner that can be specified by the user as in the first operation example.

The notification control unit 414 will be described. The notification control unit 414 performs notification when it is determined by the cross-sectional position determination unit 434 that the positions of the cross sections of the subject E depicted by the two image data are not substantially the same. The notification control unit 414 functions as an example of a “notification unit”. As an example of the notification process, predetermined notification information can be displayed on the display unit 45. This notification information is character information such as a warning message or image information indicating a warning. Further, a predetermined warning window may be displayed in a pop-up manner. In these cases, the notification unit includes a display unit 45 in addition to the notification control unit 414. Further, a warning sound or a warning message may be output by controlling a voice output unit (not shown). In this case, the notification unit includes an audio output unit in addition to the notification control unit 414.

[Operation]
The operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The flowchart shown in FIG. 3 shows an operation example in the case of puncturing.

(S1: Perform scanning)
First, the subject E is placed on the top 31 of the bed apparatus 30 and inserted into the opening of the gantry apparatus 10. When a predetermined scan start operation is performed, the control unit 41 sends a control signal to the scan control unit 42. Upon receiving this control signal, the scan control unit 42 controls the high voltage generation unit 14, the gantry drive unit 15, and the aperture drive unit 17 to scan the subject E with X-rays. The X-ray detector 12 detects X-rays that have passed through the subject E. The data collection unit 18 collects detection data sequentially generated from the X-ray detector 12 along with the scan. The data collection unit 18 sends the collected detection data to the preprocessing unit 431.

(S2: Store relative position information)
The information storage unit 411 stores the relative position information in the scan of step 1 in the storage unit 44 by performing, for example, any of the above-described operation examples.

(S3: Form image data)
The preprocessing unit 431 performs the above-described preprocessing on the detection data from the data collection unit 18 to generate projection data. The reconstruction processing unit 432 generates volume data by subjecting the projection data to reconstruction processing based on preset reconstruction conditions. The rendering processing unit 433 generates MPR image data based on the volume data. The MPR image data may be any image data of orthogonal three-axis images, or may be image data of oblique images based on arbitrarily set cross sections.

(S4: display an image)
The control unit 41 causes the display unit 45 to display an image based on the image data formed in step 3.

(S5, S6: Puncture work is performed)
The surgeon moves the subject E to a predetermined puncture work position by performing a predetermined operation to relatively move the gantry device 10 and the top plate 31. Then, the surgeon performs a puncturing operation on the subject E while referring to the image displayed in step 4. Puncturing in this embodiment is gradually advanced while alternately performing scanning and puncturing work.

(S7: Instruct scanning)
When the puncture operation is completed, the surgeon performs a predetermined operation and instructs another scan.

(S8: Move the top / detector to the scan position)
The control unit 41 that has received the scan instruction moves the top 31 and / or the detection unit 101 based on the relative position information stored in step 2 according to, for example, any of the above-described operation examples. Thereby, the top plate 31 and the detection unit 101 are arranged at the same relative position as the scan in Step 1. Returning to step 1, another scan is executed. When the processing from step 1 is repeated, the relative position information in step 2 may be stored at least once.

The above process is repeated until the end of puncture (step 5: YES).

[Action / Effect]
The operation and effect of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

The X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes a couch device 30, a gantry device 10, an image forming unit 435, a top plate driving unit 32 and / or a detection driving unit 102 (sometimes collectively referred to as a driving unit), and a storage unit. 44 and a drive control unit 413. The bed apparatus 30 includes a top plate 31 on which the subject E is placed. The gantry device 10 scans the subject E by rotating the detection unit 101 including the X-ray tube (X-ray generation unit 11) and the X-ray detector 12 that are arranged to face each other. The image forming unit 435 forms image data of the subject E based on the data obtained by scanning. The drive unit changes the relative position between the top plate 31 and the detection unit 101. The storage unit 44 stores relative position information indicating a relative position when scanning is performed. The drive control unit 413 controls the drive unit when a new scan is performed, and arranges the top plate 31 and the detection unit 101 at the relative positions indicated by the relative position information stored in the storage unit 44.

According to the X-ray CT apparatus 1, when a new scan is performed, the relative position between the top 31 and the detection unit 101 when the scan has been performed in the past can be automatically reproduced. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the work of arranging the subject E at the scan position and reduce the time.

The relative position may include any one or more of the following three: (1) a first relative position in the longitudinal direction (the front-rear direction) of the top plate 31; (2) the top plate 31 Second relative position in the lateral direction (the left-right direction); (3) Third relative position (the up-down direction) in a direction orthogonal to both the first relative position and the second relative position. Further, the relative position may include an inclination angle between the top plate 31 and the detection unit 101.

The X-ray CT apparatus 1 may be configured to store relative position information in one or more of the multiple scans when the scan is performed multiple times. Further, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 selects one of the two or more relative position information when storing the relative position information in two or more scans of the plurality of scans. And the drive control unit 413 may be configured to control the drive unit based on the selected relative position information. Thereby, two or more pieces of relative position information can be stored, and a desired relative position can be reproduced.

The selection unit may include a display unit 45 and an operation unit 46. The display unit 45 displays two or more relative positions indicated by two or more relative position information. The operation unit 46 is used to designate one of the two or more displayed relative positions. The drive control unit 413 controls the drive unit based on relative position information corresponding to the designated relative position. Thereby, the user can selectively reproduce a desired relative position. An example of the usage pattern will be described. In puncture for lung cancer, puncture work is individually performed for a plurality of tumors. Relative position information can be stored for each of these tumors. Then, when performing a puncturing operation on a certain tumor, the scan position corresponding to this tumor can be automatically reproduced by selectively applying the relative position information corresponding to this tumor.

The selection unit may include an operation unit 46. When a predetermined operation is performed by the operation unit 46 in response to a scan, the selection unit performs a predetermined operation from two or more pieces of relative position information stored in the storage unit 44 before a new scan is performed. Select relative position information in the scan made. The drive control unit 413 controls the drive unit based on the selected relative position information. Thereby, when the user wants to reproduce the scan position in the future, the user can perform a predetermined operation corresponding to the scan. This operation can be said to lock the scan position in a future scan. That is, the scan position is automatically reproduced in future scans.

The X-ray CT apparatus 1 may include a cross-sectional position determination unit 434 and a notification unit. The cross-section position determination unit 434 compares the image data formed based on the data obtained by the past scan with the image data formed based on the data obtained by the new scan, and compares the two image data. To determine whether the positions of the cross-sections of the subject E drawn are substantially the same. The notification unit notifies when the cross-section position determination unit 434 determines that the cross-section positions are not substantially the same. An alerting | reporting part contains the alerting | reporting control part 414 and the display part 45 (or audio | voice output part), for example. Even when the scan position is reproduced, a cross-sectional image different from the previous one may be obtained due to the body movement of the subject E or the like. It is possible that a puncture needle, a puncture target, and the like are not properly depicted in this image. Then, the puncture operation cannot be performed accurately and smoothly. According to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 having this configuration, it is possible to notify an operator or the like of the occurrence of such a situation.

<Second Embodiment>
An X-ray CT apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a configuration capable of facilitating the work of arranging the subject E at an implementation position for performing a medical action on the subject E and shortening the time will be described. The medical practice refers to, for example, treatment for inserting a puncture needle into the subject E with reference to an MPR image. Note that detailed description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment is omitted.

[Constitution]
A configuration example of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

The processing unit 43 in the present embodiment includes a preprocessing unit 431, a reconstruction processing unit 432, and a rendering processing unit 433.

Further, the control unit 41 includes an information storage unit 411, an information selection unit 412, and a drive control unit 413.

The information storage unit 411 causes the storage unit 44 to store relative position information indicating the relative position between the top 31 and the detection unit 101 when the medical action is performed on the subject E. This relative position is obtained, for example, by the control content of the drive control unit 413 with respect to the top plate drive unit 32 and the detection drive unit 102.

When the top 31 (subject E) is at the medical practice position, the information storage unit 411 determines the coordinates of the top 31 and the detection unit 101 at that time based on an instruction input from the operation unit 46 or the like. Obtain the displacement between these coordinates. This displacement is a relative position between the top plate 31 and the detection unit 101. The information storage unit 411 stores relative position information indicating the relative position in the storage unit 44.

It should be noted that the relative position information may be a value set in advance by the user (for example, the distance of the top 31 to the detection unit 101 is 600 mm). Alternatively, as relative position information, position information of the top plate 31 and the detection unit 101 when the same subject was previously punctured to the same subject, and an initial position in the operating room where the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is disposed It is also possible to use the position information of the top plate 31 and the detection unit 101 in FIG. In these cases, the information storage unit 411 does not need to obtain the displacement of the coordinates of the top plate 31 and the detection unit 101.

The information selection unit 412 will be described. When the medical action for the subject E is executed a plurality of times and the relative position information for two or more medical actions is stored in the storage unit 44, the information selection unit 412 Select one. The drive control unit 413 controls the top plate drive unit 32 and / or the detection drive unit 102 based on the relative position information selected by the information selection unit 412. The operation of the information selection unit 412 in the present embodiment can be shown as a first operation example and a second operation example, as in the first embodiment. Since the first operation example is the same as that of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.

A second operation example in this embodiment will be described. In the second operation example, the selection unit includes an operation unit 46 in addition to the information selection unit 412. The user performs a predetermined operation using the operation unit 46 in response to the medical practice. “Corresponding to medical practice” includes before the medical practice, during the medical practice, and after the medical practice. Before a medical practice includes any timing between the previous medical practice and the current medical practice. In addition, when the current medical practice is the first medical practice, it literally means before the current medical practice. After the medical practice includes any timing between the current medical practice and the next medical practice. The information selection unit 412 gives identification information to the relative position information stored in the storage unit 44 in response to the medical practice for which a predetermined operation has been performed. This identification information is, for example, a flag. Before a medical practice (sometimes referred to as a new medical practice) is performed after the current medical practice, the information selection unit 412 may select from the two or more pieces of relative position information stored in the storage unit 44. Relative position information (relative position information with identification information) in a medical practice for which a predetermined operation has been performed is selectively read from the storage unit 44. The subsequent processing is the same as that of the first operation example (see the first embodiment). Here, only one piece of relative position information is given identification information. When the predetermined operation is newly performed when there is relative position information to which identification information has already been added, the information selection unit 412 deletes the identification information that has already been assigned, and the relative operation corresponding to the new predetermined operation is performed. Identification information is given to position information. It is also possible to configure so that identification information can be given to two or more pieces of relative position information. In that case, it is possible to display the relative positions shown in the two or more pieces of relative position information to which the identification information is given in a manner that can be specified by the user as in the first operation example.

[Operation]
The operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The flowchart shown in FIG. 6 shows an operation example when puncturing is performed as a medical practice.

(S10: scan)
First, the subject E is placed on the top 31 of the bed apparatus 30 and inserted into the opening of the gantry apparatus 10. When a predetermined scan start operation is performed, the control unit 41 sends a control signal to the scan control unit 42. Upon receiving this control signal, the scan control unit 42 controls the high voltage generation unit 14, the gantry drive unit 15, and the aperture drive unit 17 to scan the subject E with X-rays. The X-ray detector 12 detects X-rays that have passed through the subject E. The data collection unit 18 collects detection data sequentially generated from the X-ray detector 12 along with the scan. The data collection unit 18 sends the collected detection data to the preprocessing unit 431.

(S11: Form and display image data)
The preprocessing unit 431 performs the above-described preprocessing on the detection data from the data collection unit 18 to generate projection data. The reconstruction processing unit 432 generates volume data by subjecting the projection data to reconstruction processing based on preset reconstruction conditions. The rendering processing unit 433 generates MPR image data based on the volume data. The control unit 41 causes the display unit 45 to display an image based on the generated MPR image data.

(S12: Perform puncture work)
The surgeon moves the subject E to a predetermined puncture work position (a position where medical practice is performed) by performing a predetermined operation and relatively moving the gantry device 10 and the top board 31. Then, the surgeon performs a puncturing operation on the subject E while referring to the image displayed in step 11. Puncturing in this embodiment is gradually advanced while alternately performing scanning and puncturing work. Note that when the gantry device 10 and the top plate 31 are relatively moved in step 12, the control unit 41 may move the top plate 31 and / or the detection unit 101 based on the relative position information stored in advance. Is possible.

(S13: Store relative position information)
The information storage unit 411 causes the storage unit 44 to store relative position information indicating the relative position information when the medical action in step 12 is performed, for example, by performing any of the above-described operation examples.

(S14: Scan again)
When the puncture operation is completed, the surgeon performs a predetermined operation and instructs another scan. Upon receiving the scan instruction, the control unit 41 moves the top plate 31 and / or the detection unit 101 to the scan position and performs another scan.

(S15: Form and display image data)
Then, the control unit 41 causes the display unit 45 to display an image based on the detection data obtained by the second scan.

(S16: Judgment completion)
The surgeon refers to the image displayed in step 15 and determines whether the puncture needle has reached the puncture target. If the puncture needle has not reached the puncture target (if the puncture has not been completed. In the case of N in step 16), further puncture work is required. In this case, it is necessary to move the subject E to the puncture work position again. Therefore, for example, an operator other than the operator instructs the movement of the top board 31 and / or the detection unit 101 via the operation unit 46 or the like. The operator can input instructions on the console device 40 outside the operating room where the X-ray CT apparatus 1 and the like are arranged. For example, the operator inputs an instruction by clicking a “Move Out” icon displayed on the display unit 45. Thus, by operating the top plate 31 and the like from outside the operating room, it is not necessary for the surgeon to directly input a movement instruction to the gantry device 10. Therefore, it is excellent in hygiene. In addition, by using a foot switch or the like as the operation unit 46, it is possible for the surgeon himself to input the instruction while considering hygiene.

(S17: The top plate / detection unit is moved to the puncture work position (medical practice position))
The control unit 41 that has received the instruction input in step 16 moves the top plate 31 and / or the detection unit 101 based on the relative position information stored in step 13, for example, according to any of the above-described operation examples. Thereby, the top board 31 and the detection part 101 are arrange | positioned in the same relative position as the time of the puncture work of step 12 (the subject E is arrange | positioned in the puncture work position). In this state, the surgeon performs a puncturing operation (step 12). When step 12 to step 17 are repeated, the relative position information in step 13 may be stored at least once.

The above processing is repeated until the end of puncture (step 16: YES).

The X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes a couch device 30, a gantry device 10, an image forming unit 435, a top plate driving unit 32 and / or a detection driving unit 102 (sometimes collectively referred to as a driving unit), and a storage unit. 44 and a drive control unit 413. The bed apparatus 30 includes a top plate 31 on which the subject E is placed. The gantry device 10 scans the subject E by rotating the detection unit 101 including the X-ray tube (X-ray generation unit 11) and the X-ray detector 12 that are arranged to face each other. The image forming unit 435 forms image data of the subject E based on the data obtained by scanning. The drive unit changes the relative position between the top plate 31 and the detection unit 101. The storage unit 44 stores relative position information indicating a relative position when a medical action on the subject E is performed. The drive control unit 413 controls the drive unit when a new medical action is performed on the subject E, and places the top 31 and the detection unit 101 at the relative positions indicated by the relative position information stored in the storage unit 44. Arrange.

According to the X-ray CT apparatus 1, when a new medical practice is performed, the relative position (or a preset relative position) between the top plate 31 and the detection unit 101 when the medical practice has been performed in the past is determined. Can be reproduced automatically. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the work of arranging the subject E at the medical practice execution position and reduce the time.

Even if the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is configured to store relative position information in one or more medical actions among the plurality of medical actions when the medical action on the subject E is performed a plurality of times. Good. Furthermore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 selects one of the two or more relative position information when storing the relative position information in two or more of the medical actions. In addition, the drive control unit 413 may be configured to control the drive unit based on the selected relative position information. Thereby, two or more pieces of relative position information can be stored, and a desired relative position can be reproduced.

The selection unit may include a display unit 45 and an operation unit 46. The display unit 45 displays two or more relative positions indicated by two or more relative position information. The operation unit 46 is used to designate one of the two or more displayed relative positions. The drive control unit 413 controls the drive unit based on relative position information corresponding to the designated relative position. Thereby, the user can selectively reproduce a desired relative position. An example of the usage pattern will be described. In puncture for lung cancer, puncture work is individually performed for a plurality of tumors. Relative position information can be stored for each of these tumors. Then, when performing a puncturing operation on a certain tumor, by selectively applying the relative position information corresponding to the tumor, the medical practice position corresponding to the tumor can be automatically reproduced.

The selection unit may include an operation unit 46. When a predetermined operation is performed by the operation unit 46 in response to a medical action on the subject E, the selection unit stores two or more stored in the storage unit 44 before a new medical action on the subject E is performed. The relative position information in the medical practice in which the predetermined operation is performed is selected from the relative position information. The drive control unit 413 controls the drive unit based on the selected relative position information. Thereby, when the user wants to reproduce the implementation position of the medical practice in the future, the user can perform a predetermined operation corresponding to the implementation position. This operation can be said to lock the execution position in the future medical practice. That is, in the future medical practice, the implementation position of the medical practice is automatically reproduced.

<Modification of First Embodiment and Second Embodiment>
In the X-ray CT apparatus 1, the configurations of the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be applied.

That is, the storage unit 44 according to the present modification stores information indicating the relative position when the scan is performed and information indicating the relative position when the medical action on the subject E is performed as the relative position information.

The drive control unit 413 controls the drive unit when a new scan is performed, and arranges the top 31 and the detection unit 101 at the relative positions when the scan indicated by the stored relative position information is performed. . Further, the drive control unit 413 controls the drive unit when a new medical action is performed on the subject E, and the relative position when the medical action on the subject E indicated in the stored relative position information is performed. The top plate 31 and the detection unit 101 are arranged.

[Operation]
The operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to this modification will be described. The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 shows an operation example when puncturing is performed as a medical practice.

(S20: scan)
First, the subject E is placed on the top 31 of the bed apparatus 30 and inserted into the opening of the gantry apparatus 10. When a predetermined scan start operation is performed, the control unit 41 sends a control signal to the scan control unit 42. Upon receiving this control signal, the scan control unit 42 controls the high voltage generation unit 14, the gantry drive unit 15, and the aperture drive unit 17 to scan the subject E with X-rays. The X-ray detector 12 detects X-rays that have passed through the subject E. The data collection unit 18 collects detection data sequentially generated from the X-ray detector 12 along with the scan. The data collection unit 18 sends the collected detection data to the preprocessing unit 431.

(S21: Store relative position information in scanning)
The information storage unit 411 causes the storage unit 44 to store information indicating the relative position when the scan in step 20 is performed as the relative position information, for example, by performing any of the operation examples described in the first embodiment. .

(S22: Form and display image data)
The preprocessing unit 431 performs preprocessing on the detection data from the data collection unit 18 to generate projection data. The reconstruction processing unit 432 generates volume data by subjecting the projection data to reconstruction processing based on preset reconstruction conditions. The rendering processing unit 433 generates MPR image data based on the volume data. The control unit 41 causes the display unit 45 to display an image based on the generated MPR image data.

(S23: Puncture work is performed)
The surgeon moves the subject E to a predetermined puncture work position (a position where medical practice is performed) by performing a predetermined operation and relatively moving the gantry device 10 and the top board 31. Then, the surgeon performs a puncturing operation on the subject E while referring to the image displayed in step 22. Puncturing in this embodiment is gradually advanced while alternately performing scanning and puncturing work.

(S24: Store relative position information in medical practice)
The information storage unit 411 causes the storage unit 44 to store, as the relative position information, information indicating the relative position when the medical action in Step 23 is performed, for example, by performing any of the above-described operation examples.

(S25: Move the top / detector to the scan position)
After advancing the puncturing work to some extent, the surgeon performs a predetermined operation and instructs another scan. The control unit 41 that has received the scan instruction moves the top board 31 and / or the detection unit 101 based on the relative position information stored in step 21, for example, according to any of the operation examples described in the first embodiment. Let Thereby, the top plate 31 and the detection unit 101 are arranged at the same relative position as the scan in Step 1. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 performs another scan in this state.

(S26: Form and display image data)
Then, the control unit 41 causes the display unit 45 to display an image based on the detection data obtained by the second scan.

(S27: Judgment completion)
The surgeon refers to the image displayed in step 26 to determine whether the puncture needle has reached the puncture target. If the puncture needle has not reached the puncture target (if the puncture has not been completed. In the case of N in step 27), further puncture work is required. In this case, the operator (or operator) instructs the top plate 31 and / or the detection unit 101 to move via the operation unit 46 or the like.

(S28: The top plate / detection unit is moved to the puncture work position (medical practice position))
The control unit 41 that has received an instruction input in step 27 follows, for example, any of the operation examples described in the second embodiment, and based on the relative position information stored in step 24, the top plate 31 and / or the detection unit 101. Move. Thereby, the top board 31 and the detection part 101 are arrange | positioned in the same relative position as the time of the puncture operation of step 23 (the subject E is arrange | positioned in the puncture operation position). In this state, the surgeon performs a puncturing operation (step 23).

The above processing is repeated until the end of puncture (step 27: YES).

According to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to this modification, when performing a new scan, the relative position between the top 31 and the detection unit 101 when the scan has been performed in the past can be automatically reproduced. . Furthermore, according to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to this modification, when a new medical action is performed, the relative position between the top 31 and the detection unit 101 when the medical action has been performed in the past is automatically reproduced. can do. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate and reduce the time for placing the subject E at the scan position and the medical practice execution position.

It should be noted that the order in which the top 31 and / or the detection unit 101 is moved between the scan position and the puncture work position can be arbitrarily set. For example, when the position for puncturing the subject E is clearly known in advance, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 first drives the top plate 31 and / or the detection unit 101 to puncture contrary to the present modification. Place at work position. For the relative position information corresponding to the puncture work position in this case, a preset value or the like can be used. After the puncturing operation has been advanced to some extent, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 can also drive the top 31 and / or the detection unit 101 to place the subject E at the scan position.

<Third Embodiment>
An X-ray CT apparatus also scans a part of a subject with a predetermined motion (pulsation, respiratory motion, etc.). In this scan, the influence on the display content of the X-ray CT image by a predetermined motion is taken into consideration. For example, the stomach, lungs, and the like tend to have a larger range of movement due to breathing of the subject. When an X-ray CT image of such a part is displayed, the shape and size of the part in the image are greatly changed according to the timing of executing the scan unless the influence of a predetermined motion is taken into consideration. When such a situation occurs, the site to be observed is displayed differently for each phase in the image, which may make observation difficult.

In order to solve such a problem, an X-ray CT apparatus that generates an X-ray CT image in accordance with a predetermined motion (pulsation, respiratory motion, etc.) has been proposed. In this X-ray CT apparatus, while a subject is repeatedly scanned, a biological signal or the like is received from an external apparatus and stored in association with collected data. The external device is a device (a respiratory waveform acquisition device, an electrocardiograph, or the like) that acquires a biological signal or information representing a predetermined motion.

Furthermore, the above-described X-ray CT apparatus uses a period or phase in a biological signal or the like when generating an image. For example, when generating an image in an X-ray CT apparatus, a user can specify a specific phase in a cycle of a biological signal or the like based on stored data such as a biological signal. The X-ray CT apparatus performs reconstruction processing on data corresponding to a designated phase among data collected over time. Such a reconstruction process is intended to make the shape and size of the display in the part uniform when generating an image of a part having a large predetermined motion.

However, when an X-ray CT image is to be displayed in real time, if reconstruction processing is performed after the user designates a predetermined phase with reference to a biological signal (respiration waveform) or the like, the real time on the display is displayed. May be impaired. In addition, an operation for designating a predetermined time phase in a cycle of a biological signal or the like is difficult or complicated for the user.

For example, when performing ablation, biopsy, drainage or the like while referring to an X-ray CT image, if the real-time property on the display is impaired, these treatments may be affected. In addition, the user must specify the phase together with the treatment, and this operation is difficult or complicated.

The present embodiment is an X-ray CT apparatus capable of aligning the shape and size on the display without complicated operations when performing a fluoroscopic scan on a portion whose shape and size are changed by respiration. The purpose is to provide.

The configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an X-ray CT apparatus according to the third embodiment. Since “image” and “image data” have a one-to-one correspondence, in the present embodiment, they may be regarded as the same.

[Device configuration]
As shown in FIG. 8, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes a gantry device 100, a couch device 200, and a console device 300.

(Mounting device)
The gantry device 100 is an apparatus that emits X-rays to the subject E and collects detection data of the X-rays that have passed through the subject E. The gantry device 100 includes an X-ray generation unit 110, an X-ray detection unit 120, a rotating body 130, a high voltage generation unit 140, a gantry driving unit 170, an X-ray diaphragm unit 160, a diaphragm driving unit 150, A data collection unit 180.

The X-ray generation unit 110 includes an X-ray tube (for example, a vacuum tube that generates a cone-shaped or pyramid-shaped beam, not shown) that generates X-rays. The generated X-ray is exposed to the subject E. The X-ray detection unit 120 includes a plurality of X-ray detection elements (not shown). The X-ray detection unit 120 detects X-ray intensity distribution data (detection data) indicating the intensity distribution of X-rays transmitted through the subject E with an X-ray detection element, and outputs the detection data as a current signal. As the X-ray detector 12, for example, a two-dimensional X-ray detector (surface detector) in which a plurality of detection elements are arranged in two directions (slice direction and channel direction) orthogonal to each other is used. The plurality of X-ray detection elements are provided in 320 rows along the slice direction, for example. By using a multi-row X-ray detector in this way, it is possible to image a three-dimensional imaging region having a width in the slice direction by one rotation scan (volume scan). The slice direction corresponds to the body axis direction of the subject E, and the channel direction corresponds to the rotation direction of the X-ray generation unit 110. However, it is not necessary to use a multi-row X-ray detector as described above as the X-ray detector 120 in the present embodiment.

The rotating body 130 is a member that supports the X-ray generation unit 110 and the X-ray detection unit 120 so as to face each other with the subject E interposed therebetween. The rotating body 130 has an opening 130a penetrating in the slice direction. In the gantry device 100, the rotator 130 is arranged to rotate in a circular orbit around the subject E.

The high voltage generator 140 applies a high voltage to the X-ray generator 110. The X-ray generation unit 110 generates X-rays based on the high voltage. The gantry driving unit 170 rotates the rotating body 130. The X-ray diaphragm 160 has a slit (opening) with a predetermined width, and by changing the width of the slit, the fan angle (expansion angle in the channel direction) of X-rays exposed from the X-ray generator 110 and the X-ray Adjust the cone angle of the line (the spread angle in the slice direction). The diaphragm drive unit 150 drives the X-ray diaphragm unit 160 so that the X-rays generated by the X-ray generation unit 110 have a predetermined shape.

The data collection unit 180 (DAS) collects detection data from the X-ray detection unit 120 (each X-ray detection element). The data collection unit 180 converts the collected detection data (current signal) into a voltage signal, periodically integrates and amplifies the voltage signal, and converts it into a digital signal. Then, the data collection unit 180 transmits the detection data converted into the digital signal to the console device 300 (processing unit 350 (described later)). Note that, based on the detection data collected by the data collection unit 180, the reconstruction processing unit 350b (described later) may perform a reconstruction process in a short time and acquire a CT image in real time. Therefore, the data collection unit 180 shortens the collection rate of the detection data.

(Bed apparatus)
The bed apparatus 200 is an apparatus for placing and moving the subject E to be imaged. The bed apparatus 200 includes a bed 210 and a bed driving unit 220. The bed 210 includes a bed top plate 230 on which the subject E is placed and a base 240 that supports the bed top plate 230. The couch top plate 230 can be moved by the couch driving unit 220 in the body axis direction of the subject E and in the direction orthogonal to the body axis direction. That is, the bed driving unit 220 can insert and remove the bed top plate 230 on which the subject E is placed with respect to the opening 130 a of the rotating body 130. The base 240 can move the bed top plate 230 in the vertical direction (a direction orthogonal to the body axis direction of the subject E) by the bed driving unit 220. Note that the bed apparatus 200 may be configured not to include the bed top plate 230. That is, a configuration for moving the gantry device 100 relative to the bed device 200 is also included in the X-ray CT apparatus of the present embodiment.

(Console device)
The console device 300 is used for operation input to the X-ray CT apparatus 1. The console device 300 also has a function of reconstructing CT image data (tomographic image data and volume data) representing the internal form of the subject E from the detection data collected by the gantry device 100. The console device 300 includes an input unit 310, a display unit 320, a scan control unit 330, a setting unit 340, a processing unit 350, a storage unit 360, a display control unit 370, and a main control unit 380. Has been.

<Input section>
The input unit 310 is used as an input device that performs various operations on the console device 300. The input unit 310 includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a joystick, and the like. Further, the GUI displayed on the display unit 320 can be used as the input unit 310.

<Display section>
The display unit 320 is configured by an arbitrary display device such as an LCD or a CRT display. Various X-ray CT images are displayed on the display unit 320. For example, a tomographic image, a volume rendering image, an MPR image, or the like is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 320. The display unit 320 may display a viewing box corresponding to the MPR image.

Further, the display unit 320 displays a scan condition setting screen (not shown). The display unit 320 displays an operation screen for scanning by the gantry device 100. The display unit 320 displays a setting screen for various parameters used for the reconstruction process. The display unit 320 displays a window level / window width setting screen. In the configuration in which the control parameter of the contrast medium injector is set by the input unit 310, the display unit 320 may display the setting screen. The display unit 320 displays a designation screen for designating a respiratory waveform and a predetermined phase in the respiratory waveform. By the designation operation here, designation information described later is generated.

If at least a part of the input unit 310 is configured with a GUI, the GUI is displayed. For example, the display unit 320 displays a setting screen for parameters such as scan conditions, reconstruction processing, and image processing as a GUI. In addition, the display unit 320 displays an operation screen such as a gantry / couch operation as a GUI. The display unit 320 displays an operation screen for designating a range in a contrast image, a non-contrast image, a subtraction image, or the like as a GUI.

<Control unit>
The scan control unit 330, the setting unit 340, the processing unit 350, the display control unit 370, and the main control unit 380 are, for example, a processing device (not shown) such as a CPU, GPU, or ASIC, and an illustration such as a ROM, RAM, or HDD. Storage device. The storage device stores a control program for executing the function of each unit. A processing device such as a CPU executes the functions of each unit by executing each program stored in the storage device.

<Scan control unit>
The scan control unit 330 controls various operations related to X-ray scanning. The scan control unit 330 receives a scan start instruction received from the input unit 310 or the like via the main control unit 380 and starts scanning by the gantry device 100. That is, the high voltage generation unit 140, the gantry driving unit 170, the diaphragm driving unit 150, the bed driving unit 220, and the like are controlled according to preset X-ray irradiation conditions, field of view, imaging range, scan mode, and slice thickness.

The X-ray irradiation conditions include parameters related to the irradiated X-rays. This parameter includes, for example, a tube current mA, a tube voltage kV, a rotation speed of the X-ray tube (rotary body 130), a scan interval, and the like regarding the irradiated X-ray. In an example of this embodiment, the scan control unit 330 irradiates X-rays intermittently. That is, the scan interval includes both the interval from the start point to the end point of one scan in the intermittent scan and the interval from the end point to the start point of the next scan. The scan interval is set in advance in a setting unit 340 described later. In addition, the scan control unit 330 receives an X-ray irradiation instruction at the phase timing set by the setting unit 340 and starts scanning.

That is, the scan control unit 330 receives a predetermined X-ray irradiation start instruction from the setting unit 340 and starts X-ray irradiation. The setting of the X-ray irradiation start instruction will be described later.

The parameters related to the visual field include control parameters related to the operation of the X-ray diaphragm unit 160 controlled by the gantry driving unit 170. The reconstruction condition includes a reconstruction function, a reconstruction interval, and the like. Examples of the scan mode include scan methods (conventional scan, helical scan, etc.). In the case of the helical scan, a helical pitch is included, for example, conditions (operation speed, movement amount, etc.) regarding the operation of the bed top plate 230 by the bed driving unit 220.

For example, the scan control unit 330 controls the bed driving unit 220 based on the setting information of the X imaging range. Thereby, the bed driving unit 220 moves the bed 210 according to a predetermined moving speed and moving amount. Further, the scan control unit 330 controls the high voltage generation unit 140 based on the setting information of the X-ray irradiation conditions. Thereby, the high voltage generation unit 140 performs control such as applying a high voltage to the X-ray generation unit 110 at a predetermined interval.

Also, the scan control unit 330 controls the gantry driving unit 170 based on the setting information of the rotational speed of the rotator 130. As a result, the gantry driving unit 170 drives the rotating body 130 to rotate at a predetermined speed. The scan control unit 330 controls the aperture driving unit 150 based on setting information such as a field of view. Thereby, the aperture driving unit 150 operates the X-ray aperture unit 160 to control the range of X-rays to be irradiated. The scan control unit 330 controls the bed driving unit 220 based on the scan mode setting information. Thereby, the bed driving unit 220 moves the bed 210 according to a predetermined moving speed and moving amount.

<Processing unit>
The processing unit 350 performs various processes on the detection data transmitted from the gantry device 100 (data collection unit 180). The processing unit 350 includes a preprocessing unit 350a, a reconstruction processing unit 350b, and an image generation unit 350c.

The pre-processing unit 350a performs pre-processing such as logarithmic conversion processing, offset correction, sensitivity correction, and beam hardening correction on detection data detected by the gantry device 100 (X-ray detection unit 120) to create projection data. To do.

The reconstruction processing unit 350b performs a reconstruction process on the projection data created by the preprocessing unit 350a. This reconfiguration processing is performed based on the reconfiguration conditions received from the setting unit 340 via the main control unit 380. For the reconstruction of the tomographic image data, for example, an arbitrary method such as a two-dimensional Fourier transform method or a convolution / back projection method can be employed. Volume data is created by interpolating a plurality of reconstructed tomographic image data. For the reconstruction of volume data, for example, any method such as a cone beam reconstruction method, a multi-slice reconstruction method, an enlargement reconstruction method, or the like can be adopted. When a multi-row X-ray detector is used as described above, a wide range of volume data can be reconstructed based on data obtained by volume scanning.

The image generation unit 350c performs image processing on the tomographic image data or volume data created by the reconstruction processing unit 350b to generate X-ray CT image data. For example, for volume data, MPR, surface rendering (Surface Rendering: SR, Shaded Surface Display: SSD), volume rendering (Volume Rendering: VR), MIP (Maximum Intensity Prediction), and MinIP (Maximum Immediate Prescription) Process. Further, the image generation unit 350c performs image processing such as image sharpening, noise reduction / suppression, S / N ratio improvement, and contour enhancement on X-ray CT image data based on tomographic image data and volume data. .

<Setting section>
Next, a setting unit 340 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the setting unit 340 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram conceptually showing an example of the respiratory waveform of the subject monitored by the respiratory monitor 400 and an example of the scan timing. As shown in FIG. 9, the setting unit 340 includes an I / F (Interface) 340a, a respiratory waveform generation unit 340b, and a timing generation unit 340c.

The I / F 340a receives a respiration monitor signal output from the respiration monitor 400. The respiration monitor 400 captures the movement of the subject due to respiration and outputs the respiration monitor signal. The respiratory monitor 400 corresponds to, for example, a band-shaped pressure sensor that can be attached to surround the abdomen of the subject. Another example is an airflow sensor that measures the respiratory flow rate of a subject. Alternatively, it is an apparatus that obtains the motion state on the outer shape of the observation site by breathing the subject by photographing the observation site of the subject with a camera or the like and analyzing the movement of the observation site of the subject in the captured moving image or the like. May be.

The respiration waveform generation unit 340b generates a respiration waveform as shown in FIG. 10 based on the respiration monitor signal received by the I / F 340a. In the respiration waveform in FIG. 10, the horizontal axis indicates time and the vertical axis indicates the respiration level indicating the depth of respiration. In the drawing, the upward direction indicates the height of the inspiration level, and the downward direction indicates the height of the expiration level. For example, when receiving the respiration monitor signal, the respiration waveform generation unit 340b assigns the maximum value of the waveform as the maximum value of the inspiration level (inspiration peak) based on the waveform in the signal. Similarly, the respiratory waveform generation unit 340b assigns the minimum value of the waveform as the maximum value of the expiration level (peak of expiration). In addition, the respiratory waveform generation unit 340b sets an intermediate value between the maximum value of the inspiratory level and the maximum value of the expiratory level as a boundary value at which expiration and inspiration are switched.

Further, the respiratory waveform generation unit 340b sets the boundary value between the maximum value of the inspiration level and the maximum value of the expiration level among the boundary values as an end point in one cycle of inspiration and the start in one cycle of expiration. Let it be a point. Similarly, the boundary value between the maximum value of the expiratory level and the maximum value of the inspiratory level is set as the end point in one cycle of exhalation and the start point in one cycle of inspiration.

In this way, the respiratory waveform generation unit 340b generates respiratory waveform data and further transmits the respiratory waveform data to the display control unit 370. The display control unit 370 causes the display unit 320 to display the respiration waveform received from the respiration waveform generation unit 340b. The respiration waveform generation unit 340b continues to generate a respiration waveform based on the respiration monitor signal received from the I / F 340a even after the scan timing setting information described below is set.

The timing generation unit 340c generates the X-ray irradiation start timing by the X-ray generation unit 110 controlled by the scan control unit 330 based on preset scan timing setting information. In addition, period information (interval) of X-ray irradiation controlled by the scan control unit 330 is generated. Specific examples are as follows.

The timing generation unit 340c reads scan timing setting information set in advance by the user from the storage unit 360. This scan timing setting information may be set by the user on the respiration waveform display screen displayed on the display unit 320. For example, a cursor for designating an arbitrary phase in the respiratory waveform is displayed on the display unit 320 together with the respiratory waveform. In this example, when the user designates an arbitrary phase in the respiration waveform using the input unit 310 or the like, the designation information is sent to the timing generation unit 340c via the main control unit 380.

The case where the peak of intake is set in the specified information will be described. The timing generation unit 340c receives designation information. The timing generation unit 340c specifies the phase designated in the respiratory waveform, that is, the maximum value of the inspiratory level, based on the designation information. Further, based on this, the timing generation unit 340c specifies the interval between the peaks of the intake air. Furthermore, the timing generation unit 340c generates X-ray irradiation cycle information based on this interval. Although intermittent scanning is performed under the control of the scan control unit 330, the period information is information for setting a time interval from the start time of one scan to the next scan start time in the intermittent scan. .

Also, the timing generator 340c sets irradiation time information based on the respiratory waveform. The irradiation time in the irradiation time information is an irradiation time for one scan in the intermittent scan. For example, the timing generation unit 340c sets the irradiation time as a time during which the change in the inspiratory level in the respiratory waveform falls within a predetermined range. Further, the timing generation unit 340c stores the period information and the irradiation time information in the storage unit 360. Further, the timing generation unit 340c generates time phase information indicating the time phase in the current respiration from the respiration waveform. Furthermore, the timing generation unit 340c generates an X-ray irradiation start timing, that is, a scan start instruction based on the time phase information and the designation information. The generated scan start instruction is sent to the scan control unit 330.

In this way, the timing generation unit 340c generates X-ray irradiation cycle information, X-ray irradiation time information, and a scan start instruction (first X-ray irradiation start timing). Upon receiving an instruction to start scanning, the scan control unit 330 causes the X-ray generation unit 110 to start X-ray irradiation. In addition, after starting the irradiation, the scan control unit 330 temporarily stops the irradiation based on the irradiation time information.

In the setting of the designation information for setting these scan setting information, not only the maximum value of the inspiratory level (inspiratory peak: maximum inspiratory) but also the maximum value of expiratory level (peak of expiratory: maximum expiratory) or Any phase such as an intermediate value between the maximum value of the expiration level and the inspiration level can be designated.

<Storage unit, main control unit>
The storage unit 360 is configured by a semiconductor storage device such as a RAM or a ROM. The storage unit 360 stores detection data, projection data, X-ray CT image data, and the like. The display control unit 370 performs various controls related to image display. For example, based on the display instruction of the various X-ray CT image data described above, the image data is received from the storage unit 360 and displayed in a predetermined format. In addition, the display control unit 370 receives the image data of the various setting screens described above and displays them in a predetermined format.

The main control unit 380 performs overall control of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 by controlling operations of the gantry apparatus 100, the couch apparatus 200, and the console apparatus 300. For example, the main control unit 380 controls the scan control unit 330 to cause the gantry device 100 to perform a preliminary scan and a main scan and collect detection data. In addition, the main control unit 380 controls the processing unit 350 to perform various processing (preprocessing, reconstruction processing, MPR processing, etc.) on the detected data. Alternatively, the main control unit 380 controls the display control unit 370 to display an X-ray CT image on the display unit 320 based on the image data stored in the storage unit 360.

[Operation]
Next, the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. 11 and 12 are flowcharts showing an outline of the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment. Here, a description will be given from the setting of scan timing setting information and the generation of a scanogram to the scanning start instruction by the timing generation unit 340c, the intermittent scanning by the gantry device 100, and the end of the scanning.

<S30>
In starting the scan, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 generates a scanogram. That is, the scan control unit 330 controls the high voltage generation unit 140, the gantry driving unit 170, the aperture driving unit 150, the bed driving unit 220, and the like of the gantry device 100 based on preset scanning conditions, and scanograms are taken. . For example, the scan control unit 330 controls the bed driving unit 220 to relatively displace the positions of the bed top plate 230 and the gantry device 100 and consequently move the subject to the scan position. The scan control unit 330 controls the gantry driving unit 170 to move the rotating body 130. The scan controller 330 controls the high voltage generator 140 to scan the subject at a single X-ray projection angle. The data collection unit 180 collects detection data based on X-rays that have passed through the subject. This collected data is sent to the console device 300. Based on the collected data received by the console device 300, the processing unit 350 generates a scanogram.

Note that the scan range setting screen in this embodiment is not limited to that based on a scanogram. Therefore, the scanogram generation process may be omitted.

<S31>
The display control unit 370 generates a scan range setting screen based on the scanogram and a predetermined format read from the storage unit 360 and causes the display unit 320 to display the scan range setting screen. On the scan range setting screen, the scan range is set by the user or the like via the input unit 310. Thus, when each scan range (for example, ROI: Region of Interest) is set on the scan range setting screen, the display control unit 370 stores the scan range in the storage unit 360 via the main control unit 380. .

<S32>
The I / F 340 a receives a respiration monitor signal from the respiration monitor 400. The respiration waveform generation unit 340b generates a respiration waveform as shown in FIG. 10 based on the respiration monitor signal received by the I / F 340a.

<S33>
When the user designates an arbitrary phase on the respiration waveform display screen displayed on the display unit 320 by the input unit 310 or the like, designation information is sent to the timing generation unit 340c via the main control unit 380.

<S34>
The timing generation unit 340c receives designation information. Further, the timing generation unit 340c specifies a specified phase (for example, the maximum value of the intake level) based on the specification information. Thereby, the interval of the designated phase (for example, the peak of inspiration) is specified. Furthermore, the timing generation unit 340c generates X-ray irradiation cycle information based on this interval.

<S35>
The timing generation unit 340c sets, as irradiation time information, a time during which a change in inspiration (or expiration) level in the respiratory waveform falls within a predetermined range.

<S36>
The timing generation unit 340c generates time phase information indicating a time phase in the current respiration from the respiration waveform. Furthermore, the timing generation unit 340c generates an X-ray irradiation start timing, that is, a scan start instruction based on the time phase information and the designation information.

It should be noted that the scan range setting (S30 to S31) from the scanogram generation and the period information setting (S32 to S34) from the generation of the respiratory waveform may be performed in any order, which is a parallel process. Also good.

<S37>
The scan control unit 330 receives a scan start instruction via the main control unit 380, and controls the high voltage generation unit 140, the gantry driving unit 170, the aperture driving unit 150, the bed driving unit 220, and the like of the gantry device 100 to scan. Let

<S38>
The scan control unit 330 determines whether the irradiation time based on the irradiation time information has elapsed based on the scan setting information (irradiation time information). If the scan control unit 330 determines that it has not elapsed (S38; No), this process is repeated.

<S39>
When the scan control unit 330 determines that the irradiation time has elapsed (S38; Yes), the X-ray generation unit 110 is controlled to temporarily stop the X-ray irradiation.

<S40>
When the scan is interrupted, the scan control unit 330 determines from the start of the previous irradiation based on the scan setting information (period information) whether the next X-ray irradiation start time has come. The scan controller 330 repeats this process until a predetermined time has elapsed (S40; No).

<S41>
When the scan control unit 330 determines that it is time to start the next X-ray irradiation (S40; Yes), the X-ray generation unit 110 is controlled to restart the X-ray irradiation.

<S42>
The main control unit 380 of the gantry device 100 determines whether there is a scan completion instruction via the input unit 310. The main control unit 380 repeats the steps S37 to S42 when the instruction is not yet input (S42; No). That is, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 continues scanning. On the other hand, when the instruction is input (S42; Yes), the X-ray CT apparatus 1 stops scanning.

[Function and effect]
The operation and effect of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment described above will be described.

The X-ray CT apparatus 1 in the present embodiment generates period information, irradiation time information, and scan start timing when an arbitrary phase of the respiratory waveform is designated on the respiratory waveform display screen. Therefore, when performing a fluoroscopic scan on a part whose shape and size are changed by breathing, it is possible to align the shape and size on display in the part without complicated operations.

<Fourth embodiment>
Next, an X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an outline of the setting unit 340 according to the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the processing of the setting unit 340 is different from that in the third embodiment. In addition, the operation and processing contents of each unit according to these differences may be different. Other parts are the same as those of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment. Hereinafter, the difference from the third embodiment will be mainly described.

[Overview]
In the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the setting unit 340 further includes a determination unit 340d. The determination unit 340d compares the first respiratory waveform and the second respiratory waveform to determine whether there is a deviation. Here, the first respiration waveform indicates a respiration waveform that is the basis of the scan setting information. The other second respiration waveform indicates each respiration waveform sequentially generated after the timing generation unit 340c instructs to start scanning. The determination unit 340d displays the determination result.

<Respiration waveform generator>
The respiration waveform generation unit 340b continuously generates a respiration waveform as shown in FIG. 10 based on the respiration monitor signal received by the I / F 340a after the scan generation instruction by the timing generation unit 340c.

<Decision part>
The determination unit 340d receives the second respiration waveform from the respiration waveform generation unit 340b after an instruction to start scanning. Further, the first respiratory waveform is read from the storage unit 360. The determination unit 340d compares the first respiratory waveform with the second respiratory waveform. Further, the determination unit 340d displays the result of this comparison. The result of the comparison is numerical information on the amount of deviation or the percentage of deviation. Alternatively, the determination unit 340d may display the first respiratory waveform and the second respiratory waveform in an overlapping manner in parallel with the display of the X-ray CT image.

[Function and effect]
The operation and effect of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the above-described fourth embodiment will be described.

∙ The breathing cycle may change after the scan starts. For example, a change in the respiratory cycle due to coughing of the subject can be mentioned. In that case, the preset scanning cycle and the breathing cycle are shifted, and the shape and size of the organ and the like may change in the generated image as compared to the time immediately before or before the scanning. . In this regard, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the determination unit 340d in the setting unit 340 compares the first respiration waveform and the second respiration waveform, and displays the comparison result. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the difference between the scanning cycle and the breathing cycle during scanning. Thereby, for example, even when it becomes necessary to reset the scan and execute the scan again, the user can immediately make this determination. As a result, unnecessary scanning may be avoided, and in that case, unnecessary exposure can be prevented.

<Fifth Embodiment>
Next, an X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the fifth embodiment, the processing of the setting unit 340 is different from that in the third embodiment. In addition, the operation and processing contents of each unit according to these differences may be different. Other parts are the same as those of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment. Hereinafter, the difference from the fourth embodiment will be mainly described.

[Overview]
In the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the fifth embodiment, the setting unit 340 further includes a determination unit 340d. The determination unit 340d compares the first respiratory waveform and the second respiratory waveform to determine whether there is a deviation. Here, the first respiration waveform indicates a respiration waveform that is the basis of the scan setting information. The other second respiration waveform indicates each respiration waveform sequentially generated after the timing generation unit 340c instructs to start scanning. The determination unit 340d stops the scanning by the gantry device 100 when a predetermined threshold value is exceeded or the threshold value is reached as a result of the determination.

<Decision part>
The determination unit 340d receives the second respiration waveform from the respiration waveform generation unit 340b after an instruction to start scanning. Further, the first respiratory waveform is read from the storage unit 360. The determination unit 340d compares the first respiratory waveform with the second respiratory waveform. In addition, the determination unit 340d stores a threshold value of a deviation amount between the first respiratory waveform and the second respiratory waveform. Further, the determination unit 340d determines, based on this threshold value, whether the amount of deviation between the first respiratory waveform and the second respiratory waveform has reached or exceeded the threshold value. If the determination unit 340d determines that this condition is achieved, the determination unit 340d sends an instruction to stop scanning to the main control unit 380. The main control unit 380 stops scanning in the gantry device 100 based on the instruction. For example, the operations of the X-ray generation unit 110, the gantry driving unit 170, and the aperture driving unit 150 are stopped.

[Operation]
Next, the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the fifth embodiment. Here, the setting of the scan timing setting information, the generation of the scanogram, and the instruction to start the scan by the respiration waveform generation unit 340b are the same as in the third embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. Therefore, a description will be given from intermittent scan start to scan completion.

<S50>
The scan control unit 330 receives a scan start instruction via the main control unit 380, and controls the high voltage generation unit 140, the gantry driving unit 170, the aperture driving unit 150, the bed driving unit 220, and the like of the gantry device 100 to scan. Let

<S51>
The scan control unit 330 determines whether the irradiation time based on the irradiation time information has elapsed based on the scan setting information (irradiation time information). If the scan control unit 330 determines that it has not elapsed (S51; No), this process is repeated.

<S52>
If the scan control unit 330 determines that the irradiation time has elapsed (S51; Yes), the X-ray generation unit 110 is controlled to temporarily stop the X-ray irradiation.

<S53>
When the scan is interrupted, the scan control unit 330 determines from the start of the previous irradiation based on the scan setting information (period information) whether the next X-ray irradiation start time has come. The scan control unit 330 repeats this process until a predetermined time has elapsed (S53; No).

<S54>
When the scan control unit 330 determines that it is time to start the next X-ray irradiation (S53; Yes), the X-ray generation unit 110 is controlled to restart the X-ray irradiation.

<S55>
The determination unit 340d reads the first respiration waveform from the storage unit 360 and compares it with the second respiration waveform.

<S56>
Further, the determination unit 340d determines whether the amount of deviation between the first respiratory waveform and the second respiratory waveform has reached or exceeded the threshold value. If the determination unit 340d determines that this condition has not been achieved (S56; No), the processing of S51 to S56 is repeated. That is, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 continues scanning. On the other hand, if the determination unit 340d determines that this condition has been achieved (S56; Yes), it sends a scan stop instruction to the main control unit 380. The main control unit 380 stops scanning in the gantry device 100 based on the instruction. For example, the operations of the X-ray generation unit 110, the gantry driving unit 170, and the aperture driving unit 150 are stopped. The processing in S55 and S56 has been described after S54 for the sake of convenience, but may be performed during S54 after the start of scanning in S50. Also in this embodiment, the scan may be stopped in response to a scan stop instruction as in the other embodiments.

[Function and effect]
The operation and effect of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the above-described fifth embodiment will be described.

∙ The breathing cycle may change after the scan starts. For example, a change in the respiratory cycle due to coughing of the subject can be mentioned. In that case, the preset scanning cycle and the breathing cycle are shifted, and the shape and size of the organ and the like may change in the generated image as compared to the time immediately before or before the scanning. . In this regard, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the determination unit 340d in the setting unit 340 compares the first respiratory waveform with the second respiratory waveform. Further, as a result of the comparison, it is determined whether the amount of deviation between both waveforms exceeds a threshold value, and if it exceeds, the scan is stopped. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the difference between the scan cycle and the breathing cycle during the scan. For example, even when it is necessary to reset scan settings and execute scans again, unnecessary scans may be avoided, and in this case, unnecessary exposure can be prevented.

Also, there are cases in which the operation to stop scanning can be omitted, and in this case, the user operability is improved.

<Modification of Fifth Embodiment>
Next, a modification of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. In the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the fifth embodiment, the first respiratory waveform and the second respiratory waveform are compared, and if the comparison result, that is, the first respiratory waveform exceeds the threshold value, the gantry device This is a configuration in which scanning by 100 is stopped. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and when the amount of deviation between the first respiratory waveform and the second respiratory waveform exceeds a threshold, preset designation information (arbitrary respiratory phase) is read, An arbitrary respiration phase (maximum exhalation, etc.) based on the designation information may be specified from the two respiration waveforms. Further, scan period information may be acquired thereby.

<Sixth Embodiment>
Next, an X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram showing an outline of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the sixth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, the configuration of the console device 300 is different from that in the third embodiment. In addition, the operation and processing contents of each unit according to these differences may be different. Other parts are the same as those of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment. Hereinafter, the difference from the fourth embodiment will be mainly described.

[Overview]
The X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the sixth embodiment includes an output unit 390 such as a speaker in the console apparatus 300 of the present embodiment. In addition, the determination unit 340d compares the first respiratory waveform and the second respiratory waveform to determine whether there is a deviation. As a result of the determination, the determination unit 340d causes the output unit 390 to output a guide voice via the main control unit 380 when a preset threshold value is exceeded or when the threshold value is reached.

<Decision part>
The determination unit 340d receives the second respiration waveform from the respiration waveform generation unit 340b after an instruction to start scanning. Further, the first respiratory waveform is read from the storage unit 360. The determination unit 340d compares the first respiratory waveform with the second respiratory waveform. In addition, the determination unit 340d stores a threshold value of a deviation amount between the first respiratory waveform and the second respiratory waveform. Furthermore, the determination unit 340d determines whether the amount of deviation between the first respiratory waveform and the second respiratory waveform has reached or exceeded the threshold based on this threshold. If the determination unit 340d determines that this condition has been achieved, the determination unit 340d sends a guide voice output instruction to the main control unit 380. The main control unit 380 outputs a guide voice in the output unit 390 based on the instruction.

<Output unit>
The output unit 390 outputs a guide voice for breathing instructions. For example, the main control unit 380 reads a guide voice that prompts the subject to breathe at a predetermined depth from the storage unit 360 and causes the output unit 390 to output the guide voice. For example, voices are consciously urged to breathe at different depths, such as normal breathing (resting breathing) and deep breathing.

An outline of an example of a breathing instruction guide voice data pattern stored in the storage unit 360 will be described below. When determining that the amount of deviation between the first respiratory waveform and the second respiratory waveform has reached or exceeded the threshold value, the determination unit 340d instructs the main control unit 380 to output a guide voice for a respiratory instruction. Send. The main control unit 380 receives the output instruction, and first reads predetermined guide voice data from the storage unit 360, for example. At this time, based on the guide voice data, the main control unit 380 causes the output unit 390 to output, for example, a “please ease” guide voice. According to this guide voice, since the depth of breathing of the subject is not intentionally adjusted, the subject continues normal breathing (resting breathing).

The main control unit 380 reads the next guide voice data from the storage unit 360 according to the difference between the first respiratory waveform and the second respiratory waveform. For example, based on the guide voice data, the main control unit 380 causes the output unit 390 to output the second necessary guide voice “Please take a breath”. According to this guide voice, the subject is encouraged to take a deep breath and the maximum inhalation state is guided.

The main control unit 380 reads the next guide voice data corresponding to the third guide voice data from the storage unit 360 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the second guide voice data was read. At this time, based on the guide voice data, the main control unit 380 causes the output unit 390 to output a voice “please exhale as soon as possible” based on the third required guide voice data. According to the guide voice, the subject is encouraged to breathe out and the maximum exhalation state is guided.

The main control unit 380 reads the next guide voice data corresponding to the fourth guide voice data from the storage unit 360 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the third guide voice data was read. At this time, based on the guide voice data, the main control unit 380 causes the output unit 390 to output a voice “Please take a short breath again” based on the fourth required guide voice data. According to this guide voice, deep breathing is again urged to the subject, and the maximum inhalation state is led again.

In addition, again, the main control unit 380 may cause the output unit 390 to output “please make it easy” based on the guide voice data. According to this guide voice, the subject is encouraged to perform normal breathing (resting breathing).

[Function and effect]
The operation and effect of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the above-described sixth embodiment will be described.

Also, the breathing cycle may change after the scan is started. For example, a change in the respiratory cycle due to coughing of the subject can be mentioned. In that case, the preset scanning cycle and the breathing cycle are shifted, and the shape and size of the organ and the like may change in the generated image as compared to the time immediately before or before the scanning. . In this regard, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the determination unit 340d in the setting unit 340 compares the first respiratory waveform with the second respiratory waveform. Further, as a result of the comparison, it is determined whether or not the amount of deviation between both waveforms exceeds a threshold value, and if it exceeds, the output unit 390 outputs sound. When the subject's breathing cycle is changed from the preset cycle during the scan, the subject's breathing cycle can be adjusted again by the guide voice.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope of the present invention and the gist thereof, and are also included in the invention described in the scope of claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 X-ray CT apparatus 10 Base apparatus 11 X-ray generation part 12 X-ray detection part 13 Rotor 14 High voltage generation part 15 Base drive part 16 X-ray aperture part 17 Aperture drive part 18 Data collection part 101 Detection part 102 Detection drive part DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 30 Bed apparatus 31 Top plate 32 Top plate drive part 40 Console apparatus 41 Control part 411 Information storage part 412 Information selection part 413 Drive control part 414 Notification control part 42 Scan control part 43 Processing part 431 Pre-processing part 432 Reconstruction process part 433 Rendering processing unit 434 Section position determination unit 435 Image forming unit 44 Storage unit 45 Display unit 46 Operation unit

Claims

A bed apparatus having a top plate on which the subject is placed;
A gantry device that scans the subject by rotating a detection unit including an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector that are arranged to face each other;
A forming unit for forming image data of the subject based on data obtained by scanning;
A drive unit for changing a relative position between the top plate and the detection unit;
A storage unit that stores relative position information indicating the relative position when scanning is performed;
An X-ray CT apparatus comprising: a drive control unit configured to control the drive unit when a new scan is performed, and to arrange the top plate and the detection unit at a relative position indicated by the stored relative position information.
A bed apparatus having a top plate on which the subject is placed;
A gantry device that scans the subject by rotating a detection unit including an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector that are arranged to face each other;
A forming unit for forming image data of the subject based on data obtained by scanning;
A drive unit for changing a relative position between the top plate and the detection unit;
A storage unit that stores relative position information indicating the relative position when a medical action is performed on the subject;
A drive control unit that controls the drive unit when a new medical action is performed on the subject and places the top plate and the detection unit at a relative position indicated by the stored relative position information. X-ray CT system.
The relative position is orthogonal to both the first relative position in the longitudinal direction of the top plate, the second relative position in the short direction of the top plate, the first relative position, and the second relative position. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, comprising one or more of a third relative position in a direction and an inclination angle between the top plate and the detection unit.
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the scan is performed a plurality of times, the storage unit stores the relative position information in one or more of the plurality of scans. .
A selection unit that selects one of the two or more relative position information when the storage unit stores the relative position information in two or more scans of the plurality of scans; Have
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the drive control unit controls the drive unit based on the selected relative position information.
The selection unit includes an operation unit,
In a case where a predetermined operation is performed by the operation unit in response to a scan, the selection unit selects the relative position information from the two or more relative position information stored in the storage unit before a new scan is performed. Select the relative position information in a scan where a predetermined operation has been performed,
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the drive control unit controls the drive unit based on the selected relative position information.
The subject image drawn by the two image data by comparing the image data formed based on the data obtained by the past scan and the image data formed based on the data obtained by the new scan A determination unit that determines whether or not the positions of the cross-sections are substantially the same;
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a notification unit that performs notification when it is determined that the positions of the cross sections are not substantially the same.
The medical device stores the relative position information in one or more medical actions of the plurality of medical actions when the medical action on the subject is performed a plurality of times. X-ray CT apparatus described in 1.
Selection that selects one of the two or more relative position information when the storage unit stores the relative position information of two or more times of the plurality of medical actions Part
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the drive control unit controls the drive unit based on the selected relative position information.
The selection unit includes an operation unit,
In a case where a predetermined operation is performed by the operation unit in response to a medical action on the subject, the selection unit may store two or more stored in the storage unit before a new medical action is performed on the subject. Selecting the relative position information in the medical practice in which the predetermined operation was performed from the relative position information,
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the drive control unit controls the drive unit based on the selected relative position information.
The selection unit includes:
A display unit for displaying two or more relative positions indicated in the two or more relative position information;
An operation unit for designating one of the two or more displayed relative positions;
Have
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the drive control unit controls the drive unit based on the relative position information corresponding to a designated relative position.
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit includes a first driving unit that drives the top plate and / or a second driving unit that drives the detection unit.
A bed apparatus having a top plate on which the subject is placed;
A gantry device that scans the subject by rotating a detection unit including an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector that are arranged to face each other;
A forming unit for forming image data of the subject based on data obtained by scanning;
A drive unit for changing a relative position between the top plate and the detection unit;
A storage unit for storing, as relative position information, information indicating the relative position when the scan is performed, and information indicating the relative position when the medical action on the subject is performed;
The driving unit is controlled when a new scan is performed, the top plate and the detection unit are arranged at a relative position when the scan indicated by the stored relative position information is performed, and The driving unit is controlled when a new medical action is performed on the sample, and the top plate and the detection unit are placed at a relative position when the medical action on the subject indicated by the stored relative position information is performed. A drive control unit to be disposed;
X-ray CT apparatus.
A storage unit that stores in advance cycle information indicating the breathing cycle of the subject and time phase information indicating a predetermined time phase in the breath;
A collection unit that scans the subject with X-rays and collects data;
A control unit that starts scanning by the collection unit based on the time phase information, and that causes the collection unit to repeatedly execute scanning at a period based on the period information;
An X-ray CT apparatus comprising: an image generation unit that repeatedly generates an image of the subject based on data collected by the scan.
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the time phase indicated by the time phase information is a time phase at maximum expiration.
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the time phase indicated in the time phase information is a time phase at maximum inspiration.
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the time phase indicated in the time phase information is a time phase between maximum exhalation and maximum inspiration.
An acquisition unit for acquiring new cycle information in parallel with the scan of the collection unit;
The determination unit according to claim 15, further comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether a difference between the period information stored in the storage unit and the new period information is within a preset range. X-ray CT system.
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising a display unit that displays the difference together with the image.
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the control unit stops scanning of the acquisition unit when the determination unit determines that the difference is not within the range.
In response to the determination that the difference is not within the range,
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the control unit causes the acquisition unit to perform a scan based on a predetermined time phase in the new cycle.
Further comprising an output unit, wherein the storage unit further stores guide voice information for adjusting respiration of the subject,
The control unit controls the output unit to output sound based on the guide sound information when the determination unit determines that the difference is not within the range. Item 20. An X-ray CT apparatus according to Item 18.