JP2003169794A - Angio-ct system, carrier device, operation device, and x- ray system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate respective cables from being entangled or touching the ground in moving or raising/lowering a top plate of a carrier device, to reduce the weight of the cables as a whole by shortening the length of the cables as a whole, and to improve the operability. <P>SOLUTION: A controller 301b detects a command inputted from a switch group 301a and transmits a demand signal to a main controller 21. The main controller 21 receives the demand signal and determines whether a permission signal is transmitted to the controller 301b. When the main controller 21 has no processing under execution, it transmits the permission signal to the controller 301b. The main controller 21 transmits a non-permission signal to operation panels (controllers) except for an operation panel 22a. When receiving the permission signal, the controller 301b transmits a command signal to the main controller 21 and the controller 21 performs various types of controls based on the received command signal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an angio CT system, a carrier device, an operating device, and an X-ray system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an angiography apparatus for obtaining an image (angiography) that characterizes a region through which a blood vessel of a subject passes through an imaging and an X-ray imaging apparatus for obtaining an X-ray tomographic image are known. It is also known that angio CT system is constructed by combining these.

As is well known, the angio CT system is as follows.
A top plate on which the subject is placed and this top plate are angio apparatus or X
It includes a carrier device that controls the top plate to move up and down so as to be carried into the imaging area of the line imaging device. Further, this top plate can be moved up and down, left and right, forward and backward, and rotated, and this operation control is performed by the carrying device.

An operation panel group movable in the body axis direction of the subject is provided on one side of the top plate. These operation panel groups are for instructing the up and down movement of the top plate, and each operation panel has a different function. Each of these operation panel groups is connected to the above-mentioned transport device by a cable. Further, an input signal based on the input from each operation panel is input to the above-mentioned carrier device via a cable, and the carrier device controls the top plate according to the input signal.

[0005]

However, in the case of the above-mentioned angio CT system, since the cables are arranged from the carrier device to the respective operation panels, movement of the operation panels,
Some cables may get stuck on the ground depending on the movement of the top plate, which is a hygienic problem.

Further, the above-mentioned cable is adjusted so that the operation panel can move on one side of the top plate. This length was sufficient for the cables to be entangled when the top plate was moved up and down.

Further, as the length of the cable increases, the weight also increases accordingly. As a result, the weight of the cable becomes a load when moving the top plate, which impairs operability.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and, for example, an angio CT system and a transporting device in which the cables are arranged so that the cables do not get entangled and do not stick to the ground when the top plate is moved up and down or moved. , Operating device, X
The purpose is to provide a line system.

Another object of the present invention is to shorten the length of the cable as a whole, thereby reducing the weight of the cable as a whole and improving the operability.

[0010]

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, for example, the angio CT system of the present invention has the following configuration.

That is, an angio CT system comprising an X-ray CT apparatus and an angiography apparatus that share a transportation apparatus for transporting a subject, wherein the transportation apparatus is capable of inputting an instruction to control the transportation apparatus. And a plurality of operation units which are connected to each other by a cable and which can be moved on a rail provided on one side of a top plate included in the transfer device. Angio C, characterized in that one of the operation units and a controller for controlling the transfer device are electrically connected.
T system.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, for example, the carrying device of the present invention has the following configuration.

That is, a transport apparatus for transporting a subject, which is an operation section capable of inputting an instruction to control the transport apparatus, and adjacent operation sections are connected by a cable, and are connected to the transport apparatus. A plurality of operation units that can move on a rail provided on one side of the included top plate are provided, and one of the plurality of operation units is electrically connected to a controller that controls the transport device. A transporting device characterized by being provided.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, for example, the operating device of the present invention has the following configuration.

That is, it is an operating device capable of inputting an instruction to control a carrying device for carrying a subject, wherein adjacent operating parts are connected by a cable, and one side of a top plate included in the carrying device is connected. A plurality of operation units that can move on the provided rail, and one of the plurality of operation units and a controller that controls the transport device are electrically connected. Operating device.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, for example, the X-ray system of the present invention has the following configuration.

That is, it is an X-ray system having a carrying device capable of supporting and moving an object to obtain an X-ray image, wherein the carrying device is an operation unit capable of inputting an instruction to control the carrying device. The adjacent operation units are connected by a cable, and the operation device includes a plurality of operation units movable on a rail provided on one side of a top plate included in the transport device. An X-ray system, wherein one of them is electrically connected to a controller that controls the transfer device.

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will now be described in detail according to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows an example of a room system (angio CT system) of an angio apparatus and an X-ray CT apparatus in the present embodiment. In the figure,
Reference numeral 100 is an angiography apparatus, 200 is a scanning unit (generally called a gantry) in an X-ray CT apparatus, and 300 is a transportation apparatus for mounting and lowering and transporting a subject. In CT, there is an operation console for reconstructing an X-ray tomographic image based on the control of the gantry 200 and the transport device 300, and further, the X-ray transmission obtained by scanning with the gantry 200. Not not.

The respective devices will be briefly described below.

The angio apparatus 100 uses X to generate X-rays.
An image intensifier that detects X-rays from the X-ray tube 101 and the X-ray tube 101 as a two-dimensional image (hereinafter,
I. I) 102 are attached so as to face each other with an arm 103 having a substantially "C" shape. Also, this arm 1
The central portion of 03 is rotatably attached to the shaft 104 of the main body 105 as shown by arrow A in the figure, and the main body 105 is rotatably attached to the base 106 as shown by arrow B. In such a configuration, the X-ray tube 101 and the I.D. I102
When the subject is positioned in between, X-rays transmitted through the subject are I.D. Reach I102. A scanner provided in I102 detects a two-dimensional X-ray image. The detected X-ray image will be displayed on a monitor (not shown).

The gantry 200 has an X-ray tube 202 and an X-ray tube 202 at opposite positions with a cavity (also called an opening) 201 interposed therebetween.
A line detector 203 is provided, and these X-ray tubes 202 and X are provided.
The line detector 203 has a structure of rotating around the cavity while maintaining the positional relationship. Therefore, by driving the X-ray tube and performing the detection operation of the X-ray detector while performing this rotation while the subject is positioned in the cavity, X-ray irradiation and transmission of X-rays from different directions are performed. Detection is possible, and a tomographic image (generally an X-ray tomographic image) of the subject is arithmetically reconstructed. An apparatus for reconstructing an X-ray tomographic image and an apparatus for displaying the X-ray tomographic image are performed on an operation console (terminal) side (not shown). The gantry 200 is movable along an arrow E (which is also the direction in which the transport apparatus 300 transports a subject, which will be described later) shown in the figure (a rail is set on the floor and moves above it). As described above, the reason why this movement is performed is that the angio apparatus 100 requires a relatively wide space for rotating the arm 103 and rotating the main body 105 with respect to the base 106. It is also to avoid the collision with the gantry.

The carrying device 300 is a top plate for laying a subject (a top plate made of a material having a high X-ray transmittance, and a foaming agent such as acrylic is used for CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plasti).
cs) etc. and reinforced) 301. Then, with the subject lying on the top plate 301,
As shown by an arrow D in the drawing, the subject on the top plate 301 is connected to the X-ray tube 101 of the angio apparatus 100 and the I.D. It has a structure for carrying it to the space between I102 and I102 and for carrying it into the cavity of the gantry 200. In addition, in order to move the subject up and down to a convenient height when performing diagnosis or surgery using the angio apparatus 100, and to set the body axis height of the subject to the rotation center axis of the cavity 201 of the gantry 200. In order to match, it has a structure that moves up and down as shown by arrow C in the figure. These operations are performed by operating various switches and buttons provided on the operation panels 22a and 22b, but are also performed by a command from the operation console.

The operation panels 22a and 22b can be attached to and detached from a rail (not shown) provided on one side of the top plate 301, and can be moved on the rail (movable in the direction of arrow F in the figure). Equipped with cables 191 to each other
Connected through. The communication slide rail 26 is
Operation panel 22a or 2 via cable 192
The instruction signal (instruction signal for controlling the top plate 301) input from 2b is converted into an electric wave, and the column portion 35 is wirelessly transmitted.
0 to a receiver (described later). And the column part 350
The internal controller controls up and down or movement of the top plate 301 based on the instruction signal input to the column section 350. The operation panels 22a and 22b have different functions. For example, the operation panel 22a is used to control the elevation of the top plate 301, and the panel 22b is used to control the conveyance of the top plate 301 in the arrow D direction. Etc., each operation panel is provided with a switch or button for performing each control.

Although the number of operation panels is two in the figure, the number of operation panels is not limited to this, and any number may be provided if necessary. In that case, as shown in FIG. 1, adjacent operation panels are connected by a cable. The details of each operation panel will be described later.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of the transfer device 300 in the angio CT system according to this embodiment. Reference numeral 22 denotes an operation panel group including the above-mentioned operation panels 22a and 22b. It is composed of a switch to instruct. Further, each operation panel is connected by a cable as shown in FIG. Reference numeral 23 denotes a sensor group including sensors for detecting the height of the top plate and the amount of extension of the top plate toward the cavity of the gantry 100. Reference numeral 24 is a motor for changing the height of the apparatus including the top plate 301, and 25 is a motor controller for applying a drive signal thereof under the control of the main controller 21. As described above, the top plate 301 supports the subject and is exposed to X-rays together with the subject. Therefore, the X-rays are easily transmitted through the material, and the subject is placed on the top plate 301. Since it has the strength to hold the above condition, CFRP is used for foam materials such as acrylic.
(Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics) is wrapped and reinforced. Reference numeral 26 is a communication slide rail, which converts an instruction signal input from the operation panel group 22 into a radio wave and wirelessly transmits it to a receiver 250 described later. Reference numeral 250 denotes a receiver, which inputs an instruction signal received wirelessly to the main controller 21. 27 is Z of the top plate 301
A motor for carrying the paper in the axial direction (direction of arrow D in FIG. 1), and 28 is a motor controller for applying a drive signal to the motor 27. Reference numeral 29 is an I / F for transmitting / receiving data to / from an operation console (not shown).

In the above structure, the main controller 21 of the carrying device 300 receives instructions from the operation panel group 22,
Alternatively, follow the instructions from the operation console (not shown),
The motor controller 2 transfers the top plate 301 in the Z-axis direction.
8 is instructed. In addition, the operation panel group 2
According to the instruction from 2, the device itself is lifted, that is, the top plate 301 is also lifted.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the operation panel group 22, the main controller 21, and the receiver 250. Each operation panel is composed of a switch group and a controller. Taking the operation panel 22a as an example, the switch group 301a includes the transport device 300 (main controller 2).
To enter the above instructions for 1),
The controller 301b sends an instruction signal based on the instruction input from the switch group 301a to the main controller 21.
It is for controlling to send to. For the above description of the switch group and the controller, refer to the operation panel 2
The same applies to 2b and 22c. The operation panels (controllers) are connected by cables 304 and 305. For example, an instruction signal based on an instruction input from the switch group 301a receives a cable 304 and a controller 30.
2b, the cable 305, the controller 303b, and the cable 306, and is transmitted to the communication slide rail 26. Then, as described above, it is converted into radio waves and wirelessly transmitted to the main controller 21.

However, the method of connecting the operation panel 22c and the main controller 21 in the figure is not limited to this, and other methods such as a slip ring type or a capacitance type may be used.

Further, in the instruction signal transmitted from each operation panel, as shown in FIG. 5, an ID number for specifying each operation panel (for example, the operation panel 22a has the ID number 1 and the operation panel 22b has the ID number). 2, the operation panel 22c is I
(D number is 3 etc.) is added, and by referring to the ID number of the instruction signal received on the main controller 21 side, it is possible to identify from which operation panel the instruction signal is transmitted. it can. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of the structure of the packet of the instruction signal.

This is, for example, when the switch groups of each operation panel are all composed of the same switch group and the function of each switch group is divided by the ID number (for example, an instruction signal (ID signal with ID number 1 ( In the above example, the instruction signal transmitted from the operation panel 22a) is a signal for instructing the movement of the tabletop, and the instruction signal with the ID number 2 (in the above example, the instruction signal transmitted from the operation panel 22b) is of the tabletop. It is useful for signals such as lifting and lowering instructions).

Next, an instruction signal based on the instruction input to the operation panel is transmitted to the main controller 21, and the details of the processing when the main controller 21 performs the above control based on the instruction signal will be described below. To do. The main controller 21 is normally in a state of being able to receive an instruction signal from each operation panel. However, since the main controller 21 also performs other processing such as controlling the motor controllers 25 and 28 based on the received instruction signal,
The instruction signal is not always ready to be received. Therefore, when viewed from the controller of the operation panel, the controller of the operation panel needs to confirm whether or not the instruction signal can be transmitted to the main controller 21 before the instruction signal is transmitted.

As a concrete method of this confirmation, in this embodiment, the controller of the operation panel for transmitting the instruction signal transmits the request signal to the main controller 21 before the instruction signal is transmitted. Then, the main controller 21 selects one operation panel capable of transmitting an instruction signal to the main controller 21 from the operation panel (single or plural) that has transmitted the request signal, and selects the selected operation panel. To the permission signal. Then, only the operation panel that has received the permission signal can transmit the instruction signal to the main controller 21.

FIG. 6 shows a timing chart of communication between the two operation panels (operation panel 1 and operation panel 2) and the main controller of the carrying device. The timing chart in the figure is performed between the operation panel 1, the operation panel 2, and the main controller when an operation command is transmitted from the operation panel 1 first and then from the operation panel 2 to the main controller. It shows transmission and reception of signals.

First, when an operation command is sent from the operation panel 1 to the main controller, the main controller sends a signal (ACK signal) confirming that the operation command is received to the operation panel 1. Main controller is ACK
Since the operation command is received only to the operation panel 1 which has transmitted the signal, when the operation command is received from the operation panel 2, the operation waiting signal is transmitted to the operation panel 2. As a result, the operation panel 2 cannot send an operation command to the main controller.

When the main controller finishes the process in accordance with the operation command transmitted from the operation panel 1, it sends an operation completion signal indicating the completion to the operation panel 1.
When the main controller transmits the operation completion signal to the operation panel 1, it sends an operation permission signal indicating the operation command transmission permission to the operation panel 2. When the operation panel 2 receives this signal, it can transmit an operation command to the main controller. At this time, again the operation panel 2
The operation command may be input from the and transmitted to the main controller, or the operation command that could not be transmitted due to the above-mentioned operation wait may be retransmitted.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the processing performed by the controller of the operation panel of interest and the main controller 21 when the instruction signal is transmitted from the operation panel of interest to the main controller 21. The operation panel of interest may be any one of the operation panels,
Hereinafter, the operation panel 22a will be described as an example.
Further, in the flowchart shown in the figure, the program according to the flowchart of the processing performed by each controller is stored in a memory (not shown) in each controller.

First, the controller 3 of the operation panel 22a
01b detects an instruction input from the switch group 301a (step S401). Then, as described above, the controller 301b transmits a request signal to the main controller 21 (step S402). The main controller 21 receives the request signal transmitted in step S402 (step S451), and the controller 301b
It is determined whether or not to transmit the permission signal to the (step S452). The judgment in step S452 includes: -whether an instruction signal from another operation panel is being received-whether the motor controller 25 and / or 28 is being controlled-the main process other than the above processing Whether or not there is a process being executed by the controller 21 may be mentioned, but the present invention is not limited to this. If neither the instruction signal from another operation panel is being received nor the motor controller 25 and / or 28 is being controlled, and there is no processing being executed by the main controller 21 in addition to the above processing, the controller A permission signal is transmitted to 301b (step S453). The main controller 21 prioritizes the previously received request signal, and transmits the permission signal to the operation panel specified by the ID number added to the request signal (therefore, in the above description, the controller 301b transmits the permission signal). The generated request signal becomes the request signal received by the main controller 21 first). Although rare, when request signals from two or more operation panels are simultaneously input to the main controller 21, the main controller 21 selects the operation panel identified by the smallest ID number of the received request signals. The permission signal is transmitted to the user, but the permission signal is not limited to this.

Therefore, as a result of the above processing, the controller 3
Only 01b can send the instruction signal to the main controller 21, but in order to prevent the instruction signal from being sent from the controller of the other operation panel to the main controller 21, the main controller 21 selects an operation panel (controller) other than the operation panel 22a. ) Is transmitted (step S454). Therefore, the operation panel (controller) that has received the unauthorized signal cannot transmit the instruction signal to the main controller 21.

When the controller 301b receives the permission signal (step S403), it sends an instruction signal to the main controller 21 (step S404). The main controller 21 receives the instruction signal transmitted from the controller 301b (step S455), and based on the received instruction signal, the motor controller 25 and / or 28
Is controlled (step S456). After the above processing is completed, the main controller 21 sends a permission signal to this controller if there is a controller that has sent the request signal received next to the controller 301b, and sends it to controllers other than this controller. Process for transmitting an unauthorized signal.

As described above, the flow chart of the processing of the controller 301b (steps S401 to S4)
04), the programs according to the flowchart of the processing of the main controller 21 (steps S451 to S456) are stored in the unillustrated memories in the controller 301b and the main controller 21, respectively, but the flowchart of the processing of the controller 301b The program according to is also stored in the memory in the controller other than the operation panel 22a.

When a request signal, a permission signal, and a non-permission signal are transmitted and received between the controller of the operation panel and the main controller 21, the communication slide rail 26 converts each signal into a radio wave in the same manner as the instruction signal, and the radio signal is transmitted. The process of sending and receiving is performed.

As described above, in the transport apparatus of this embodiment, the operation panels are connected to each other by a cable, and the operation panel at the end is wirelessly connected to the column section through the slide rail for communication. It is possible to prevent the cables from getting entangled and getting on the floor when the table is moved, the table is moved up and down, and when the table is rotated. Further, by wirelessly connecting the operation panel at the end to the column portion via the slide rail for communication, it is possible to eliminate the restriction of movement of the operation panel at the end.

[Second Embodiment] As functions of the operation panel, in addition to instructing the transport device 300 to control (up and down or move the top plate, etc.), control of the gantry 200 and arm 1 are performed.
It also has a function of giving instructions such as rotation control of No. 03. In that case, the instruction signal transmitted from each operation panel to the main controller 21 is transmitted via the I / F 29 to the gantry 200,
It will be output to one of the main bodies 105.

Further, although the main controller of the above-mentioned transporting device accepts only the input from one operation panel, the present invention is not limited to this, and when different instruction signals are received, they are processed by multitasking. Is also good.

Further, the object to which the above-mentioned carrier is applied is not limited to the angio CT system, but can be applied to all X-ray systems.

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) recording a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and to supply a computer of the system or apparatus ( Alternatively, it can be realized by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium by the CPU or MPU. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Further, the computer (operation console) executes the read program code so that not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the operating system running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code ( (OS) etc. perform a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

When the present invention is applied to the above storage medium, the storage medium stores the program code corresponding to the above-mentioned (a part or all of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4).

As a storage medium for storing such a program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, C
D-ROM, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, R
OM or the like can be used. Further, it may be downloaded via a medium such as a network (for example, the Internet).

[0050]

As described above, according to the present invention, each cable is entangled when the top plate of the conveyor is moved or moved up and down,
You can prevent it from sticking to the ground. Also,
By shortening the length of the cable as a whole, the weight of the cable as a whole can be reduced and the operability can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a room system (angio CT system) of an angio apparatus and an X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a carrier device 300 in the angio CT system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of an operation panel group 22 and a main controller 21.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of processing performed by the controller of the operation panel of interest and the main controller 21 when an instruction signal is transmitted from the operation panel of interest to the main controller 21.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of a packet of an instruction signal.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart of communication between two operation panels (operation panel 1 and operation panel 2) and a main controller of the conveyance device.

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Yukihiro Hara             127, 4-7 Asahigaoka, Hino City, Tokyo             GE Yokogawa Medical System Co., Ltd.             Within F-term (reference) 4C093 AA01 AA07 AA22 AA30 CA15                       ED04 EE02

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An X sharing a carrier device for carrying a subject.
Angio CT composed of X-ray CT device and angio device
In the system, the transport device is an operation unit capable of inputting an instruction to control the transport device, and adjacent operation units are connected by a cable, and one side of a top plate included in the transport device. A plurality of operation units that can move on a rail provided on the rail, and one of the plurality of operation units and a controller that controls the transport device are electrically connected. Angio CT system. 2. The plurality of operating units are further provided with the X-ray CT.
The angio CT system according to claim 1, wherein an instruction for controlling the apparatus and the angio apparatus can be input. 3. A communication slide rail that is movable on the rail, wherein one of the plurality of operation units and the communication slide rail are connected by a cable, and the communication slide rail and the communication slide rail are connected to each other. The angio CT system according to claim 1, wherein the controller controls the transport device by wireless connection. 4. The angio CT system according to claim 3, wherein one of the plurality of operation units is an operation unit that is logically closest to the communication slide rail. 5. The plurality of operation units further transmit a request signal to the controller before transmitting an instruction signal in accordance with an input instruction to the controller of the transport device, and the permission signal from the controller. When the controller receives the request signal, the controller further includes a first transmitter that transmits the instruction signal to the controller, and the controller further receives the request signal and transmits the previously received request signal among the received request signals. The second transmission / reception means for identifying the specified operation unit, transmitting a permission signal to the specified operation unit, and receiving the instruction signal transmitted from the operation unit. Angio CT system. 6. The second transmission / reception means refers to an ID number, which is added to a previously received request signal and which specifies the operation unit that has transmitted the request signal, and refers to the operation unit that has transmitted the request signal. The angio CT system according to claim 5, wherein 7. The angio CT system according to claim 5, wherein the controller further transmits the permission signal when the process being executed is completed. 8. The controller further includes means for transmitting a non-permission signal for prohibiting an instruction signal to the controller to an operation section other than the operation section that has transmitted the permission signal by the second transmission / reception means. The angio CT system according to claim 5, further comprising: 9. The angio CT system according to claim 5, wherein the instruction signal includes a signal for instructing a movement or an elevation of the top plate. 10. A transport device for transporting a subject, comprising:
An operation unit capable of inputting an instruction to control the transport device, wherein adjacent operation units are connected by a cable, and can be moved on a rail provided on one side of a top plate included in the transport device. A transport apparatus comprising a plurality of operation sections, wherein one of the plurality of operation sections is electrically connected to a controller that controls the transport apparatus. 11. An operating device capable of inputting an instruction to control a carrying device for carrying a subject, wherein adjacent operating parts are connected by a cable, and one side of a top plate included in the carrying device. A plurality of operation units that can move on the provided rail are provided, and one of the plurality of operation units and a controller that controls the transport device are electrically connected. Operating device. 12. An X-ray system having a carrier device capable of supporting and moving an object to obtain an X-ray image, wherein the carrier device is an operation unit capable of inputting an instruction to control the carrier device. The adjacent operation units are connected by a cable, and the operation device includes a plurality of operation units movable on a rail provided on one side of a top plate included in the transfer device. An X-ray system, wherein one of them is electrically connected to a controller that controls the transfer device. 13. The X-ray system comprises an X-ray CT apparatus and an angio apparatus.
The X-ray system according to item 2.