JP2006075339A - Radiographic apparatus and radiation scanning device thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve image quality and to efficiently utilize radiation. <P>SOLUTION: A center position computing part 61 computes the center position Pz (x, y) of a subject H at a position where X rays are applied to the subject H by an X-ray tube 20. Then, a filter controller 21a moves a filter 21 corresponding to the center position Pz (x, y) of the subject H computed by the center position computing part 61 when X rays are applied by the X-ray tube 20. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiation imaging apparatus and a radiation scanning apparatus thereof.

  As a radiation imaging apparatus, an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus that generates an image of a tomographic plane of a subject using X-rays that are radiation is known. An X-ray CT apparatus uses a human body or an object as a subject, and is used in a wide range of applications such as medical use and industrial use.

  In the X-ray CT apparatus, the X-ray tube rotates around the subject and irradiates the subject with X-rays for each of a plurality of view directions around the subject. The X-ray detector detects X-rays that pass through the subject for each view direction to obtain projection data. Based on the projection data obtained by such scanning, the image generation unit of the X-ray CT apparatus reconstructs and generates an image of the tomographic plane of the subject.

  In the X-ray CT apparatus as described above, the center position of the subject is adjusted so that the center position of the subject corresponds to the isocenter that is the central axis when the X-ray tube rotates. Yes. (For example, see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

In addition, the X-ray CT apparatus is provided with a filter that transmits and attenuates X-rays from the X-ray tube so that X-rays irradiated to the subject through the X-ray tube have a predetermined distribution. ing. The filter suppresses exposure of parts that do not contribute to image quality, suppresses the dynamic range when collecting projection data as much as possible, and makes the X-ray tube from the center so that the spectral distribution becomes uniform when scanning the subject. The rate of attenuation of the X-rays irradiated to the subject increases as it moves toward the end in the turning direction. For this reason, such a filter is called a bowtie filter. The bow tie filter is positioned so that its center corresponds to the focal position of the X-ray tube, improving image quality and minimizing exposure and generating X-rays that are not used to generate an image of the subject. It is possible to remove components and use X-rays efficiently (for example, see Patent Document 3).
JP 2001-190541 A JP 7-47062 A JP-A-62-98300

  However, in the X-ray CT apparatus, as the scan range is expanded in the body axis direction of the subject, the variation in the center position of the subject during scanning increases, and the center of the bow tie filter and the center of the subject are increased. The position may be far away. For this reason, the bow tie filter may not be able to attenuate the X-rays so as to have a predetermined X-ray output distribution and spectrum distribution, and a desired image quality cannot be maintained for a given X-ray output. There is. In particular, when performing a tube current automatic adjustment function (Auto mA) that irradiates X-rays by adjusting the tube current supplied to the X-ray tube according to the position of the subject in the body axis direction, Defects may become apparent.

  For this reason, conventionally, it has been difficult to maintain the image quality with respect to the exposure of the given subject. In addition, since X-ray components that are not used when generating an image of a subject may not be sufficiently removed, it may be difficult to use X-rays efficiently.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a radiation imaging apparatus that can easily improve image quality and that can easily use radiation efficiently, and a radiation scanning apparatus thereof.

  In order to achieve the above object, a radiographic apparatus according to the present invention includes an irradiation unit that irradiates a subject with radiation, and at least one of an output distribution and a spectral distribution of the radiation irradiated to the subject by the irradiation unit. Based on the filter unit to adjust, the detection unit that obtains projection data by detecting the radiation that is irradiated from the irradiation unit and passes through the subject through the filter unit, and the projection data obtained by the detection unit, An image generation unit that generates an image of the subject, and a filter position adjustment unit that adjusts the position of the filter unit.

  In order to achieve the above object, a radiation scanning apparatus according to the present invention includes an irradiation unit that irradiates a subject with radiation, and at least one of an output distribution and a spectral distribution of the radiation irradiated to the subject by the irradiation unit. A filter position adjustment for adjusting the position of the filter unit, comprising: a filter unit for adjustment; and a detection unit for detecting the radiation irradiated from the irradiation unit and transmitted through the subject through the filter unit to obtain projection data Part.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, while being able to improve an image quality easily, the radiography apparatus and radiation scanning apparatus which can use radiation efficiently can be provided.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an X-ray CT apparatus 1 as an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes a scanning gantry 2, an operation console 3, and a subject moving unit 4. Each part will be described sequentially.

  The scanning gantry 2 includes an X-ray tube 20, an X-ray tube controller 20a, a filter 21, a filter controller 21a, a collimator 22, a collimator controller 22a, an X-ray detector 23, a data collection unit 24, a gantry. And a gantry controller 27a. The scanning gantry 2 scans the subject moved to the imaging space 29 by the subject moving unit 4, and obtains projection data of the subject as raw data of the image. Here, in the scanning gantry 2, the X-ray tube 20 and the X-ray detector 23 face each other with an imaging space 29 in which the subject is accommodated.

  The X-ray tube 20 is disposed in the gantry unit 27. The X-ray tube 20 is, for example, a rotary anode type, and irradiates a subject with X-rays having a predetermined intensity based on a control signal from the X-ray tube controller 20a.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an arrangement relationship around the X-ray tube 20.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the X-ray tube 20 irradiates a subject accommodated in the imaging space 29 with X-rays via a filter 21 and a collimator 22. Further, the X-ray tube 20 scans the subject for each of a plurality of view directions around the subject, and the circumference of the subject is along a direction i that rotates about the body axis direction z of the subject. Rotate. Then, the subject is irradiated with X-rays from the position in the view direction based on the scan condition.

  The X-ray tube controller 20a outputs a control signal to the X-ray tube 20 based on the control signal from the central processing unit 30, and controls and drives the X-ray irradiation. The X-ray tube controller 20a controls, for example, a tube current to the X-ray tube 20 and the like.

  The filter 21 is disposed in the gantry 27 so that the center portion corresponds to the focal position of the X-ray tube 20, and transmits and attenuates X-rays irradiated to the subject by the X-ray tube 20. The filter 21 adjusts the distribution of X-rays irradiated to the subject through the X-ray tube 20 to be a predetermined distribution by transmitting and attenuating the X-rays. As shown in FIG. 2, the filter 21 is a bow-tie filter, and the X-ray tube 20 moves from the center to the end in the direction i in which the X-ray tube 20 turns around the subject. It is formed so that the rate of attenuation of the irradiated X-rays is continuously increased, and the output distribution, which is the distribution of the intensity of X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 20 to each position of the subject, is adjusted. To do. Here, the thickness of the filter 21 is continuously increased from the center toward the end along the turning direction i of the X-ray tube 20. Further, the filter 21 adjusts the spectral distribution. That is, the filter 21 is adjusted so as to have a predetermined X-ray intensity distribution for each wavelength.

  The filter controller 21 a is provided for adjusting the position of the filter 21. The filter controller 21a filters the filter 21 at the center position of the subject calculated by the center position calculation unit 61 in the central processing unit 30 of the operation console 3 to be described later at a position where the X-ray tube 20 emits X-rays based on the scanning conditions. The filter 21 is moved so as to correspond. Here, the filter controller 21a moves the filter 21 using, for example, a motor (not shown). Specifically, the filter controller 21a moves the filter 21 so that the center of the filter unit 21 corresponds to the calculated center position of the subject.

  For example, when the X-ray tube 20 turns around the subject and irradiates X-rays for each of a plurality of view directions, the filter controller 21a calculates the subject calculated by the center position calculation unit 61 for each view direction. The filter unit 21 is moved so as to correspond to the center position of the specimen. That is, when the X-ray tube 20 irradiates the subject with X-rays for each of a plurality of view directions, the filter controller 21a places the center portion of the filter portion 21 at the center position of the subject calculated by the center position calculating portion 61. The filter unit 21 is moved so as to match. Here, the filter controller 21a uses the arithmetic unit to, for example, the center of the subject that is out of the isocenter that becomes the axis in the turning direction i in which the X-ray tube 20 turns around the subject. The position is obtained as a vector, and the component in the turning direction i of the vector is set as the filter movement amount. Then, the filter controller 21a moves the filter 21 by the calculated filter movement amount.

  Further, here, the filter controller 21a moves the subject when the subject moving unit 4 moves the subject and the X-ray tube 20 emits X-rays for each slice position of the subject. For each position where the unit 4 moves the subject, the filter unit 21 is moved so as to correspond to the center position of the subject calculated by the center position calculating unit 61. That is, when the X-ray tube 20 irradiates X-rays for each slice position of the subject, the filter controller 21a places the central portion of the filter unit 21 at the center position of the subject calculated by the center position calculating unit 61. The filter unit 21 is moved so as to match. Here, for example, for each position of the subject to be scanned in the body axis direction z, the filter controller 21a calculates the center position of the subject that is out of the isocenter that becomes the axis when the X-ray tube 20 rotates. And the component of the vector in the turning direction i is defined as the filter movement amount. The filter controller 21a then moves the subject moving unit 4 along the body axis direction z, and the X-ray tube 20 irradiates the X-ray from each view direction for each slice position of the subject. Then, the filter 21 is moved by the calculated filter movement amount, and the center of the filter 21 and the center of the subject are made to correspond to each other.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the collimator 22 is disposed in the gantry 27 so as to sandwich an imaging space 29 between the X-ray tube 20 and the X-ray detector 23. As shown in FIG. 2, the collimator 22 includes, for example, a direction i in which the X-ray tube 20 turns, and a body axis direction z that is a direction in which the subject is moved inside and outside the imaging space 29 by the subject moving unit 4. In addition, two plates are provided. The collimator 22 moves two plates provided in each direction independently based on a control signal from the collimator controller 22a, and blocks the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 20 in each direction. The X-ray irradiation range is adjusted.

  The collimator controller 22a outputs a control signal to the collimator 22 in response to the control signal from the central processing unit 30, and drives the collimator 22 so as to shape the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 20.

  The X-ray detector 23 detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 20 and transmitted through the subject via the filter 21 and the collimator 22 and acquires projection data of the subject. The X-ray detector 23 rotates around the subject together with the X-ray tube 20 when a scan for imaging a tomographic plane of the subject is performed. Then, X-rays that pass through the subject are detected for each of a plurality of view directions via the filter 21 whose position has been adjusted by the filter controller 21a to generate projection data.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the X-ray detector 23.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the X-ray detector 23 is provided with a plurality of X-ray detection elements 231 for detecting X-rays. In the X-ray detector 23, the X-ray detection element 231 has a direction i along which the X-ray tube 20 turns around the subject and a body axis direction z in which the subject moving unit 4 moves the subject. They are arranged in an array. The plurality of X-ray detection elements 231 arranged two-dimensionally form an X-ray incident surface curved in a cylindrical concave shape as a whole.

  The X-ray detection element 231 of the X-ray detector 23 is, for example, a solid state detector, and converts a X-ray that has passed through the subject into light (not shown) and light converted by the scintillator into electric charge. And a photodiode (not shown). The X-ray detection element 231 is not limited to this. For example, a semiconductor detection element using cadmium tellurium (CdTe) or the like, or an ionization chamber type X-ray detection using xenon (Xe) gas. The element 231 may be used.

  The data collection unit 24 collects projection data obtained by the X-ray detector 23 detecting X-rays. The data collection unit 24 collects projection data of the subject by X-rays detected by the respective X-ray detection elements 231 of the X-ray detector 23 and outputs the collected data to the operation console 3. The data collection unit 24 includes a selection / addition switching circuit (not shown) and an analog-digital converter (not shown). The selection / addition switching circuit adds the projection data obtained by the X-ray detection element 231 of the X-ray detector 23 in accordance with the control signal from the central processing unit 30 while changing the selection or combination, and the result is analog-digital. Output to the converter. Then, the analog-digital converter 242 converts the projection data added by the selection / addition switching circuit 241 from an analog signal to a digital signal and outputs it to the central processing unit 30.

  The gantry unit 27 has an imaging space 29 for accommodating a subject, and the X-ray tube 20, the filter 21, and the collimator 22 are arranged so as to face the X-ray detector 23 through the imaging space 29. In response to a control signal from the gantry controller 27 a, the gantry unit 27 rotates each part around the subject around the body axis direction z to change the position of the subject moved to the imaging space 29. Let As each part of the gantry unit 27 rotates, the X-ray tube 20 emits X-rays for each of a plurality of view directions around the subject, and X-rays transmitted through the subject for each view direction are detected by an X-ray detector. 23 can be detected.

  The gantry controller 27a outputs a control signal to the gantry unit 27 based on a control signal from the central processing unit 30 of the operation console 3, and rotates each part of the gantry unit 27. That is, in the gantry controller 27 a, the X-ray tube 20 irradiates the subject with X-rays through the filter 21 for each of a plurality of view directions around the subject accommodated in the imaging space 29 of the gantry unit 27. The X-ray tube 20, the filter unit 21, the collimator 22, and the X-ray detector 23 arranged in the gantry unit 27 are swung around the subject so that the line detector 23 obtains projection data for each of a plurality of view directions. Let

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the operation console 3 includes a central processing unit 30, an input device 31, a display device 32, and a storage device 33.

  The central processing unit 30 is configured by a computer, for example.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the central processing unit 30.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the central processing unit 30 includes a control unit 41, an image generation unit 51, and a center position calculation unit 61.

  The control unit 41 receives a scan condition input by an operator from the input device 31, and controls each unit to execute a scan based on the scan condition. Specifically, the control unit 41 outputs a control signal to the subject moving unit 4 and causes the subject moving unit 4 to move the subject between the inside and the outside of the imaging space 29. In addition, the control unit 41 outputs a control signal to the gantry controller 27a to control the gantry unit 27 of the scanning gantry 2 to rotate. In addition, the control unit 41 outputs a control signal to the X-ray tube controller 20a and controls the X-ray tube 20 to emit X-rays. In addition, the control unit 41 outputs a control signal to the collimator controller 22a and controls the collimator 22 to shape the X-rays from the X-ray tube 20. In addition, the control unit 42 outputs a control signal to the data collection unit 24 and controls to collect projection data obtained by the X-ray detection element 231 of the X-ray detector 23.

  The image generation unit 51 reconstructs an image of the tomographic plane of the subject based on the projection data acquired by the X-ray detector 23. The image generation unit 51 performs preprocessing such as sensitivity correction and beam hardening correction on projection data from a plurality of view directions by scanning. Here, preprocessing is performed using sensitivity correction data and beam hardening correction data stored in the storage device 33 so as to correspond to the position of the filter 21. Thereafter, the image generation unit 51 performs image reconstruction by the filtered back projection method, and generates an image of the tomographic plane of the subject.

  The center position calculation unit 61 calculates the center position of the subject at the position where the X-ray tube 20 irradiates the subject with X-rays. Here, the center position of the tomographic plane of the subject is obtained along the body axis direction z of the subject. For example, the center position calculation unit 61 performs the first view direction (0 °) along the direction y perpendicular to the surface on which the subject moving unit 4 places the subject, and the first view direction. A scout scan is performed from the second view direction (90 °) along the vertical direction x, and scout images of the subject in the first and second view directions are respectively acquired. Then, based on each scout image, the center position of the subject in each of the first view direction and the second view direction is calculated along the body axis direction z.

  The input device 31 of the operation console 3 is composed of input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, for example. The input device 31 inputs various information such as scan conditions and subject information to the central processing unit 30 based on an input operation by the operator.

  The display device 32 is composed of, for example, a CRT. The display device 32 displays an image of the tomographic plane of the subject reconstructed by the image generation unit 51 based on a command from the central processing device 30.

  The storage device 33 is configured by a memory, and stores various data such as an image of a tomographic plane of a subject to be reconstructed by the image generation unit 51, a program, and the like. In the storage device 33, the stored data is accessed to the central processing unit 30 as necessary.

  The subject moving unit 4 supports the subject on the placement surface by placing the subject on the placement surface. The subject moving unit 4 moves the subject supported by the placement surface to the imaging space. The subject moving unit 4 moves the subject by sliding along the body axis direction z from the outside to the inside of the imaging space 29 during scanning. In this way, the subject moving unit 4 changes the position where the X-ray tube 20 irradiates the subject during scanning in the body axis direction z.

  The X-ray CT apparatus 1 in the present embodiment corresponds to the radiation imaging apparatus of the present invention. Further, the scanning gantry 2 of the present embodiment corresponds to the radiation scanning apparatus of the present invention. The subject moving unit 4 of the present embodiment corresponds to the subject moving unit of the present invention. Moreover, the X-ray tube 20 of this embodiment is corresponded to the irradiation part of this invention. The filter 21 of the present embodiment corresponds to the filter unit of the present invention. Further, the filter controller 21a of the present embodiment corresponds to a filter position adjustment unit of the present invention. Moreover, the X-ray detector 23 of this embodiment is corresponded to the detection part of this invention. Moreover, the gantry part 27 of this embodiment is corresponded to the gantry part of this invention. Moreover, the gantry controller 27a of this embodiment is corresponded to the gantry controller of this invention. Further, the shooting space 29 of the present embodiment corresponds to the shooting space of the present invention. The image generation unit 51 of the present embodiment corresponds to the image generation unit of the present invention. Further, the center position calculation unit 61 of the present embodiment corresponds to the center position calculation unit of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, an operation when the tomographic plane of the subject is imaged by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of imaging the tomographic plane of the subject in this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, prior to performing the main scan for capturing an image of the tomographic plane of the subject, the subject is subjected to a scout scan (S11).

  Here, first, the subject is placed on the placement surface of the subject moving unit 4, and the subject moving unit 4 supports the subject. Then, the first view direction (0 °) along the direction y perpendicular to the placement surface on which the subject moving unit 4 places the subject, and the direction x perpendicular to the first view direction A scout scan is performed from the second view direction (90 °) along the two directions.

  Next, the center position of the subject is calculated (S21).

  Here, the center position calculation unit 61 calculates the center position of the tomographic plane of the subject in association with the body axis direction z of the subject. For example, as described above, based on the projection data obtained by the scout scan performed in the two view directions, the first view direction and the second view direction, in the first and second view directions. After each of the scout images of the subject is generated by the image generation unit 51, the center position calculation unit 61 determines the center of the subject in each of the first view direction and the second view direction based on the respective scout images. The position is calculated along the body axis direction z. Specifically, scout images of two planes, a sagittal plane and a coronal plane perpendicular to the axial plane that is the tomographic plane of the subject, are generated, and the center position of the subject on each plane is expressed in the body axis direction z To obtain center position information Pz (x, y) of the subject.

  Next, a filter movement amount for moving the filter 21 so as to correspond to the center position of the subject calculated by the center position calculation unit 61 is calculated (S31).

  Here, based on the center position information Pz (x, y) of the subject calculated by the center position calculation unit 61, the filter movement amount V (v, z) is determined for each view direction v and body axis direction z. 21a calculates.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining how the filter movement amount V (v, z) is calculated.

As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the isocenter P (x ₀ of the X-ray tube 20 passes through the central portion of the filter 21 when irradiating X-rays to the subject H, becomes the axis when turning in the turning direction i , Y ₀ ), a vector directed to the center position Pz (x, y) of the subject H is obtained, and the component of the vector in the turning direction i is defined as a filter movement amount V (v, z).

  Next, a main scan for photographing the tomographic plane of the subject is performed (S41).

  When performing the main scan, the control unit 41 outputs a control signal to the scanning gantry 2 and the subject moving unit 4 based on the main scanning condition input to the input device 31 by the operator.

  Thus, the X-ray tube controller 20a outputs a control signal to the X-ray tube 20, the X-ray tube 20 irradiates the subject with the X-ray, and the collimator controller 22a outputs the control signal to the collimator 22 to output the X-ray tube. X-rays from 20 are shaped. Then, the gantry controller 27 a outputs a control signal to the scanning gantry 2 to rotate each part of the gantry unit 27 around the subject, and the subject moving unit 4 moves so that the subject slides in the imaging space 29. . Then, the control unit 41 outputs a control signal to the data collection unit 24, and the data collection unit 24 collects projection data obtained by the X-ray detection element 231 of the X-ray detector 23.

  Specifically, when performing a helical scan, the X-ray tube 20 irradiates the subject with X-rays from a plurality of view directions while the subject moving unit 4 slides the subject within the imaging space 29. The X-ray detector 23 detects X-rays transmitted through the subject for each view direction to obtain projection data.

  At this time, in this embodiment, the filter 21 corresponds to the center position of the subject calculated by the center position calculation unit 61 at the position where the X-ray tube 20 emits X-rays based on the main scan condition. The filter controller 21 a moves the filter 21. For example, the filter controller 21 a moves the filter 21 so that the center portion of the filter unit 21 corresponds to the center position of the subject calculated by the center position calculation unit 61. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, for each view direction v and body axis direction z in which the X-ray tube 20 emits X-rays, the amount of filter movement V (v, z) calculated as described above is obtained. The filter controller 21a moves the filter 21 in the turning direction i. That is, the filter controller 21a filters the filter 21 along the turning direction i so that the center of the filter 21 and the center position Pz (x, y) of the subject are on the same straight line along each view direction. Adjust the position.

  Next, an image of the tomographic plane of the subject is generated (S51).

  Here, based on the projection data acquired by the X-ray detector 23, the image generation unit 51 reconstructs and generates an image of the tomographic plane of the subject. First, the image generation unit 51 performs preprocessing such as sensitivity correction and beam hardening correction on projection data from a plurality of view directions by the main scan. For example, the preprocessing is performed using sensitivity correction data and beam hardening correction data corresponding to the filter position, which are stored in advance in the storage device 33 so as to correspond to the position of the filter 21. Thereafter, the image generation unit 51 performs image reconstruction using the filtered back projection method, and generates an image of the tomographic plane of the subject.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the center position calculation unit 61 calculates the center position of the subject at the position where the X-ray tube 20 irradiates the subject with X-rays. Then, the filter controller 21 a moves the filter 21 when the X-ray tube 20 emits X-rays so as to correspond to the center position of the subject calculated by the center position calculation unit 61. Here, the filter controller 21 moves the filter 21 so that the center portion of the filter 21 corresponds to the center position of the subject calculated by the center position calculation unit 61 for each position in each view direction and each body axis direction. . For this reason, in this embodiment, even when the variation in the center position of the subject during scanning is large, the center portion of the filter corresponds to the center position of the subject. The filter 21 can adjust the X-rays so that the distribution is as follows. Similarly, when the tube current automatic adjustment function is performed, the tube current can be adjusted appropriately. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the image noise can be optimized without depending on the center position of the subject part, and the image quality can be easily improved. In addition, since X-ray components that are not used to generate an image of the subject are removed, it is possible to easily use X-rays efficiently.

  In implementing the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be employed.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which X-rays are used as the radiation irradiated by the radiation irradiation unit is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, radiation such as gamma rays may be used.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an X-ray CT apparatus that is an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an arrangement relationship around the X-ray tube in the X-ray CT apparatus which is the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the X-ray detector in the X-ray CT apparatus which is the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the central processing unit in the X-ray CT apparatus which is the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of imaging the tomographic plane of the subject in the X-ray CT apparatus which is the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining how the filter controller calculates the amount of movement of the filter when moving the filter in the X-ray CT apparatus that is the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1: X-ray CT apparatus (radiation imaging apparatus),
2: Scanning gantry (radiation scanning device),
3: Operation console,
4: Subject moving part (subject moving part),
20: X-ray tube (irradiation part),
20a: X-ray tube controller,
21: Filter (filter part),
21a: Filter controller (filter position adjusting unit),
22: collimator,
22a: collimator controller,
23: X-ray detector (detection unit),
24: Data collection unit,
27: Gantry part (gantry part),
27a: Gantry controller (gantry controller),
29: Shooting space,
30: Central processing unit,
31: input device,
32: display device,
33: Storage device
41: control unit,
51: Image generation unit (image generation unit),
61: Center position calculation unit (center position calculation unit)

Claims (10)

An irradiation unit for irradiating the subject with radiation;
A filter unit for adjusting at least one of an output distribution and a spectral distribution of the radiation irradiated to the subject by the irradiation unit;
A detection unit for detecting the radiation irradiated from the irradiation unit and passing through the subject through the filter unit to obtain projection data;
An image generation unit that generates an image of the subject based on the projection data obtained by the detection unit;
A radiation imaging apparatus comprising: a filter position adjusting unit that adjusts a position of the filter unit. A center position calculation unit for calculating a center position of the subject at a position where the irradiation unit irradiates the subject with the radiation; and
The filter position adjustment unit is
The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the irradiation unit irradiates the radiation, the filter unit is moved so as to correspond to the center position of the subject calculated by the center position calculation unit. A gantry unit that accommodates the subject in an imaging space, and the irradiation unit and the filter unit are disposed so as to face the detection unit via the imaging space;
The irradiation unit irradiates the subject with the radiation via the filter unit for each of a plurality of view directions around the subject accommodated in the imaging space of the gantry unit, and the detection unit includes the plurality of detection units. A gantry controller that rotates the irradiation unit, the filter unit, and the detection unit arranged in the gantry unit around the subject so as to obtain the projection data for each view direction;
The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the filter position adjustment unit moves the filter unit so as to correspond to the center position of the subject calculated by the center position calculation unit for each view direction. The filter unit is formed so that the rate of attenuation of the radiation applied to the subject increases as it goes from the center to the end in the direction of turning by the gantry controller.
The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the filter position adjustment unit moves the filter unit so that a center part of the filter unit corresponds to a center position of the subject. A subject moving unit that moves the subject in the imaging space of the gantry unit;
The filter position adjusting unit moves the filter unit so as to correspond to the center position of the subject calculated by the center position calculating unit for each position where the subject moving unit moves the subject. The radiation imaging apparatus according to 3 or 4. An irradiation unit for irradiating the subject with radiation;
A filter unit for adjusting at least one of an output distribution and a spectral distribution of the radiation irradiated to the subject by the irradiation unit;
A detection unit that detects the radiation irradiated from the irradiation unit and passes through the subject through the filter unit, and obtains projection data; and
A radiation scanning apparatus, comprising: a filter position adjusting unit that adjusts a position of the filter unit. A center position calculation unit for calculating a center position of the subject at a position where the irradiation unit irradiates the subject with the radiation; and
The filter position adjustment unit is
The radiation scanning apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the irradiation unit irradiates the radiation, the filter unit is moved so as to correspond to the center position of the subject calculated by the center position calculation unit. A gantry unit that accommodates the subject in an imaging space, and the irradiation unit and the filter unit are disposed so as to face the detection unit via the imaging space;
The irradiation unit irradiates the subject with the radiation via the filter unit for each of a plurality of view directions around the subject accommodated in the imaging space of the gantry unit, and the detection unit includes the plurality of detection units. A gantry controller that rotates the irradiation unit, the filter unit, and the detection unit arranged in the gantry unit around the subject so as to obtain the projection data for each view direction;
The radiation scanning apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the filter position adjustment unit moves the filter unit so as to correspond to the center position of the subject calculated by the center position calculation unit for each view direction. The filter unit is formed so that the rate of attenuation of the radiation irradiated to the subject increases as it goes from the center to the end in the direction of turning by the gantry controller.
The radiation scanning apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the filter position adjustment unit moves the filter unit so that a center part of the filter part corresponds to a center position of the subject. A subject moving unit that moves the subject in the imaging space of the gantry unit;
The filter position adjusting unit moves the filter unit so as to correspond to the center position of the subject calculated by the center position calculating unit for each position where the subject moving unit moves the subject. The radiation scanning apparatus according to 8 or 9.

Images