JP2006122548A - Image diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image diagnostic apparatus hindering an interlocking function from working even if a bed is moved, until a distance between a frame and the bed with a possibility of actual interference is out of a predetermined range. <P>SOLUTION: The image diagnostic apparatus comprises the frame equipped with an image forming means for forming an image of a subject, and an opening into which the subject is sent; and the bed equipped with a top plate for placing the subject, and a top plate moving means for supporting the top plate and horizontally and vertically moving the top plate in the longitudinal direction of the top plate within the opening. This image diagnostic apparatus has a distance measuring means for measuring a distance between the opening and the top plate or between the opening and the subject placed on the top plate; a determining means for determining whether the distance measured by the distance measuring means is within the predetermined range; and a top plate control means for impeding the movement of the top plate in a direction of getting out of the predetermined range when the measured distance is out of the predetermined range based on a determined result by the determining means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to an image diagnostic apparatus that prevents interference between an opening provided in a gantry for image formation and a bed on which a subject is placed for image formation.

  As an image diagnostic apparatus having a gantry having an image forming means for forming an image of a subject and a bed on which the subject is placed for forming an image, an X-ray CT apparatus, a nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus, a positron There are tomography apparatuses (PET) and the like, and recently, an apparatus combining an X-ray CT apparatus and PET has been reported. Since the relationship between the gantry and the bed is common to all these apparatuses, an X-ray CT apparatus will be described as an example.

  A bed used for image diagnosis of an X-ray CT apparatus includes a top plate on which a subject is placed and a drive unit that drives the top plate in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction.

  The gantry has a substantially circular opening in the center, and when the subject placed on the top is sent to the opening by the movement of the top, the gantry is placed opposite to the gantry with the subject in the middle. The X-ray tube and the X-ray detector rotate around 360 ° around the subject while irradiating the subject with X-rays from the X-ray tube and detecting the X-rays transmitted through the subject. And the detected signal is collected by the data collecting unit. In addition, there exists a thing of the structure which carried out C shape as a mount frame, and since a test subject is mounted in a top plate and is sent into the opening part formed in C shape also in this C shape, in any structure in this invention, It may be a thing.

  In addition, the above gantry can irradiate the subject with X-rays at a constant angle and obtain only a tomographic image photographed at a constant slice angle. However, the gantry can be tilted and photographed from various slice angles. There is also an X-ray CT apparatus.

  By the way, since the gantry and the couch are arranged at predetermined positions, even if the subject is placed on the couch and is sent horizontally from the couch to the gantry, the gantry and the couch will not interfere with each other. Although it is controlled, as the top plate extends from the bed, the top plate deforms and bends in proportion to the weight of the subject, so the height accuracy decreases and the base and the top plate may interfere with each other. come.

  A bed that reduces the deflection of the top plate against such a problem has been reported (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  However, the deflection in the portion sent out from the support portion of the top plate is unavoidable, and there is a possibility that the bottom surface of the top plate on which the subject is placed interferes with the lower portion of the gantry opening due to the deflection.

  Therefore, the height of the bed is calculated when the distance between the bottom of the top plate and the bottom of the base opening when the maximum load is applied to the top plate and when the maximum load is applied to the top plate is the minimum allowable value. In the actual shooting, the interlock function works to prevent the bed from dropping below that height.

On the other hand, when the pedestal tilts, there is a risk of interference with the pedestal opening and the top plate or the subject. Therefore, assuming that the subject has a standard body shape in advance, the tilt that would cause the pedestal to interfere with the subject. When reaching an interference avoidance tilt angle set with a predetermined width for safety from the corner, an interlock function is activated so as not to tilt further.
JP-A-7-284494 (second page, FIG. 1)

  However, the height that is determined when the subject is fed into the opening of the gantry for imaging is approximately the center of the opening where the body axis of the subject forms a circular shape of the gantry (in the case of a C-shaped gantry) Therefore, in the case of a child or a subject with a low weight, it is necessary to lower the height of the bed because the deflection of the top plate is less than that of a subject with a heavy weight. In spite of a sufficient distance between the lower part and the bottom of the top plate, the interlock function works and the bed cannot be lowered, and the imaging range of the subject may be limited.

  In addition, in the case of children and small subjects, the interlock function works and the tilt angle of the gantry cannot be changed even though there is a sufficient distance between the gantry opening and the top plate or the subject. May limit the shooting range.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. The bed is moved or the platform is tilted until the distance between the platform and the top plate or the subject that may actually interfere is out of a predetermined range. An object of the present invention is to provide an image diagnostic apparatus in which the interlock function does not work.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image diagnostic apparatus of the present invention according to claim 1 includes an image forming means for forming an image of a subject, a gantry having an opening through which the subject is fed, and the subject In the diagnostic imaging apparatus, comprising: a top plate on which a top plate is placed; and a bed provided with a top plate moving means that supports the top plate and horizontally moves and moves up and down in the longitudinal direction of the top plate in the opening. A distance measuring means for measuring the distance between the head and the top plate or between the opening and the subject placed on the top board, and whether the measurement distance measured by the distance measuring means is within a predetermined range And a top panel control for preventing movement of the top panel in a direction deviating from the predetermined range when the measurement distance is out of the predetermined range based on a determination result by the determination unit. Having means And it features.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, comprising: an image forming means for forming an image of a subject; a gantry provided with an opening through which the subject is sent; and a ceiling on which the subject is placed. In a diagnostic imaging apparatus, comprising: a plate; a bed that supports the top plate; and a bed that includes a moving unit that horizontally moves and moves up and down in the longitudinal direction of the top plate in the opening; and a table tilt unit that tilts the table. The distances measured by the at least two distance measuring means and the distance measured by the at least two distance measuring means are respectively measured between the opening and the top plate or between the opening and the subject placed on the top plate. A determination unit that determines whether or not the vehicle falls within a predetermined range, and the predetermined range of the top board when any one of the distances is out of the predetermined range based on a determination result by the determination unit. When the distance between either one of the top plate control means for preventing movement in a direction deviating from the predetermined range and the determination result deviates from the predetermined range, the direction of the gantry deviates from the predetermined range. And a gantry control means for preventing the tilting.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, comprising: an image forming means for forming an image of a subject; at least two juxtaposed bases each having an opening for forming an image; A couch on which a specimen is placed; a couch that supports the couch and includes couch moving means that moves up and down in the openings of the at least 2 gantry; and the at least two gantry are in the longitudinal direction of the couch In the diagnostic imaging apparatus provided with a platform moving means that horizontally moves, the at least two platforms are a first platform arranged in the longitudinal direction of the top plate from the bed, and between the first platform and the bed. A distance measuring unit configured to measure a distance between the opening of the at least two platforms and the subject or the top plate, and a distance measured by the distance measuring unit within a predetermined range. Enter Determination means for determining whether or not the top plate is controlled based on the determination result, and the top plate control prevents movement of the top plate in a direction out of the predetermined range when the distance is out of the predetermined range. And a gantry control means for preventing movement of the at least two gantry in a direction deviating from the predetermined range when the distance deviates from a predetermined range based on the determination result. To do.

  Furthermore, the diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention is an image diagnostic device for forming an image of a subject, at least two pedestals having an opening through which the subject is fed, and the subject placed thereon. Diagnostic imaging apparatus comprising: a top plate to be used; and a bed that supports the top plate and includes a top plate moving means that horizontally moves and moves up and down in the longitudinal direction of the top plate within openings of the at least two juxtaposed racks The at least two gantry comprises a first gantry arranged in the longitudinal direction of the top plate from the couch and a second gantry arranged between the first gantry and the couch. Distance measuring means for measuring the distance between the openings of the two pedestals and the subject or the top plate, determination means for determining whether or not the distance measured by the distance measuring means is within a predetermined range, And a top board control means for preventing the top board from moving in a direction outside the predetermined range when the distance is out of the predetermined range based on the determination result of the determination means. .

  According to the present invention, even if there is a difference in the body shape and weight of the subject placed on the top plate, the distance between the gantry opening and the top plate or the subject that may interfere with each other is measured. As above, the interlock function of the pedestal or bed will not work, and the adjustment range of the height of the bed or the tilt of the pedestal can be expanded without sacrificing safety, so there is no extra burden on the patient or operator. It can be operated and appropriate shooting can be performed.

  The present invention provides, for example, an X-ray CT apparatus, a nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus, and the like as an image diagnostic apparatus including a gantry having means for forming an image and a bed having moving means for feeding a subject to the gantry to form an image. The present invention can be commonly applied to an apparatus and PET, and recently an apparatus combining an X-ray CT apparatus and PET, but here, a case where the present invention is applied to an apparatus combining an X-ray CT apparatus and an X-ray CT apparatus and PET will be described.

A first embodiment of an X-ray CT apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is an external view of an X-ray CT apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present invention controls the bed 20 on which the subject P is placed, the platform 10 that performs imaging for forming an image of the subject P, and all the operations of the platform 10 and the bed 20. The image processing unit 30 is configured to collect imaging data obtained by imaging the subject P with the gantry 10 and display an image reconstruction process and a reconstructed image based on the imaging data.

  The bed 20 includes a top plate 21 that can move horizontally in the direction of the gantry 10 and a top plate support base 22 that supports the top plate 21, and the height of the top plate 21 can be adjusted.

  The gantry 10 is provided with a substantially circular opening 12 into which the subject P on the top plate 21 is fed at the center thereof, and the distance between the lower portion and the top plate 21 is measured below the opening 12. A distance measuring sensor 11 is arranged, and the distance is transmitted from a transmitter inside the distance measuring sensor 11 using, for example, light or ultrasonic waves, and a signal reflected by the top plate 21 is reflected inside the distance measuring sensor 11. Received at the receiver and measured by processing the received signal.

  At the time of imaging, the subject P is placed on the top plate 21, the height of the bed 20 is adjusted so that the subject P is substantially at the height of the opening 12, and then the subject P is moved. Feed into opening 12.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present invention.

  First, the gantry 10 includes an imaging data collection unit 13 for imaging the subject P and a distance measuring sensor 11.

  The imaging data collection unit 13 is disposed so as to be opposed to the high voltage generator 16 for applying a high voltage to the X-ray tube 19 that generates X-rays, the X-ray tube 19 and the subject P, and the subject. A detector 14 that detects X-rays transmitted through P and converts them into an electrical signal, a data collection unit 15 that processes electrical signals output from the detector 14, an X-ray tube 19 that can rotate within the gantry 10, and detection And a gantry driving unit 17 for rotating a rotating ring (not shown) provided with a data collecting unit 15.

  Then, based on a control signal output from the control unit 32 of the data processing unit 30 described later, the high voltage generator 16 supplies an applied voltage to the X-ray tube 19, the gantry driving unit 17 rotates the rotating ring, The data collection unit 15 collects data and supplies the collected data to the image reconstruction unit 33 of the data processing unit 30.

  The distance measuring sensor 11 measures the distance H between the lower part of the opening 12 and the bottom of the top plate 21 when adjusting the height of the subject P before imaging, and the distance information is sent to the control unit 32 of the data processing unit 30. Sent.

  Next, the bed 20 will be described. The inside of the bed 20 includes a top plate horizontal drive unit 24 for horizontally driving the top plate 21 and a bed vertical drive unit 25 for adjusting the height of the bed 20. The top plate horizontal drive unit 24 and the bed vertical drive unit 25 The drive unit 25 is controlled by the control unit 32 of the data processing unit 30.

  On the other hand, the data processing unit 30 includes a control unit 32 that controls all operations of the X-ray CT apparatus 1, an image reconstruction unit 33 that reconstructs data output from the gantry 10 into image data, and image data. A storage unit 34 for storing and an input and display unit 35 for inputting photographing conditions, adjusting a bed, displaying reproduced image data, processing images, and the like.

  Note that the same switches for the up / down and horizontal movement of the bed 20 are provided on the gantry 10 and the input / display unit 35 (not shown), and can be adjusted from either, but when both are operated simultaneously, the bed 20 Does not work.

  The control unit 32 controls the operations of the gantry 10 and the bed 20 and the operations of the units in the data processing unit 30 based on a control program stored in the storage unit 34.

  The storage unit 34 includes a magnetic disk and stores the image data reconstructed by the image reconstruction unit 33, and the control unit 32 performs control necessary for the operation, data processing, and the like of the entire X-ray CT apparatus 1. Various information from the program, input and display unit 35 is stored.

  The input and display unit 35 is provided with a keyboard, a monitor, etc., and performs input of various conditions such as photographing conditions, adjustment of the bed 20, display of image data reconstructed by the image reconstruction unit 33, image processing, and the like. Is called.

  FIG. 3 shows a state in which the subject P is placed on the top plate 21 and sent to the opening 12 of the gantry 10. Hereinafter, description will be given with reference to FIG. Here, the subject P will be described as the subject PA having the maximum load in FIG. 3A and the subject PC having a light weight in FIG. 3B.

  The distance measuring sensor 11 is disposed in a place where the gantry 10 and the top plate 21 may interfere with each other. Since the top plate 21 is bent by the subject P, for example, the top plate 21 is arranged at the lower left side of the scanning surface 41 of the opening 12 of the gantry 10 as shown in FIG.

  The scan plane 41 coincides with the imaging plane irradiated with X-rays from the X-ray tube 19 shown in FIG. 2 and transmitted through the subject PA or PC and detected by the detector 14, and passes through the center of the opening 12. A plane substantially perpendicular to the central axis 40 is formed.

  In FIG. 3A, the subject PA with the maximum load allowed is placed on the top plate 21 pulled out from the bed 20 to the maximum, and the imaging surface center 42 of the subject PA with the maximum load is optimal for imaging. This shows a state when the scanning plane 41 and the central axis 40 of the opening 12 are set to be the intersection.

  In this state, the distance between the lower portion of the opening 12 measured by the distance measuring sensor 11 and the bottom surface of the top plate 12 is H1, and the height of the bed 20 is B1. The distance H <b> 1 at this time indicates a lower limit value that does not interfere for ensuring the safety of the gantry 10 and the bed 20.

  Therefore, even if the switch of the input and display unit 35 in FIG. 2 is operated to further reduce the height of the bed 10, the signal sent from the distance measuring sensor 11 shown in FIG. 2 to the control unit 32 is the distance H1. Therefore, the control unit 32 has an interlock function for rejecting an instruction to lower the bed 20 from the input and display unit 35.

  As described above, when the interlock is activated, the switch mark of the input and display unit 35 is turned off and the switch does not operate even when the switch is pressed. On the other hand, when the interlock is not activated, the switch mark is lit. It is configured to accept instructions.

  In FIG. 3B, the bed 20 has the same height B1 as FIG. 3A, the top plate 21 is fed into the opening 12 by the same length as in FIG. A state in which the subject PC is placed on the top plate 21 is shown.

  In this state, the weight of the subject PC is lighter than that of the subject PA in FIG. 3A, so that the deflection of the top plate 21 is less than in the case of FIG. 3A, and the center 42 of the imaging surface of the subject PC. Is higher than the intersection of the scan plane 41 and the central axis 40 of the opening 12 that are optimal for photographing.

  At this time, the distance between the lower portion of the opening 12 and the bottom surface of the top plate 12 at the position of the distance measuring sensor 11 is H2, which is more than (H2-H1) than the lower limit value of FIG. The height of the bed 20 can be lowered from B1 by the range of (H2-H1), and the imaging range of the subject PC can be expanded.

  As described above, the height of the bed 20 when the maximum load is applied to the top plate 21 is not set to the lower limit value of the height of the bed 20, but the distance at which the possibility of actual interference is highest is measured. By measuring using the throat measuring means such as the distance sensor 11, the range of height adjustment of the bed can be expanded without sacrificing safety, so that it can be operated without placing an extra burden on the subject or the operator. And appropriate photography can be performed.

  The present invention can be implemented with various modifications other than those described above. For example, by additionally arranging a distance measuring sensor on the upper right side of the scan surface 41 of the opening 12 of the gantry 10 shown in FIG. 3 and measuring the distance between the upper part of the opening 12 and the subject PA or PC, When the distance is out of the predetermined range, the interlock function can be activated by rejecting the instruction to raise the bed 20.

  In this way, by measuring the distance at which the possibility of actual interference is highest, the upper limit of the bed height can be expanded without sacrificing safety.

A second embodiment of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the X-ray CT apparatus 45 of the present invention. 4 differs from FIG. 2 in that the gantry 10 shown in FIG. 2 is fixed, whereas the gantry 50 in the figure scans with a horizontal plane including the central axis 40 of the opening 12 shown in FIG. A point that is a pedestal that tilts about the line of intersection with the surface 41 and a curved surface that extends from the inside of the opening to the outside according to the shape of the opening are formed, and the bottom of the opening 12 of the pedestal 50 The distance measuring sensors 11 a and 11 d are arranged at the top, and the distance measuring sensors 11 b and 11 c are arranged above the opening 12.

  The gantry 50 is tilted by the gantry driving unit 17 based on the control of the control unit 32 of the data processing unit 30.

  Signals measured by the distance measuring sensors 11a to 11d are sent to the control unit 32, and the bed vertical drive unit 25 of the bed 20 and the frame drive unit 17 of the frame 50 are controlled based on the respective signals.

  Next, control means for controlling the bed 20 and the gantry 50 based on signals measured by the distance measuring sensors 11a to 11d will be described with reference to FIG.

  The distance measuring sensors 11a to 11d are arranged at a place where the gantry 10 and the top plate 21 or the subject P may interfere with each other. For example, in the drawing, the distance measuring sensor 11 a is at the lower left side of the scanning surface 41 of the opening 12, the distance measuring sensor 11 b is at the upper right side of the scanning surface 41 of the opening 12, and the distance measuring sensor 11 c is at the opening 12. The distance measuring sensor 11d is disposed on the upper left side of the scan surface 41, and on the lower right side of the scan surface 41 of the opening 12, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, when the pedestal 50 is tilted clockwise as indicated by an arrow in the figure, the lower left portion of the opening 12 is the bottom surface of the top plate 21, or the upper right portion of the opening 12 is the subject P. There is a risk of interference.

  Accordingly, when the input 50 of FIG. 4 and the switch of the display unit 35 are operated to tilt the gantry 50 in the clockwise direction, the distance measured by the distance measuring sensor 11a out of the distances measured by the distance measuring sensors 11a to 11d. A signal corresponding to the distance between the lower left portion of the opening 12 and the bottom surface of the top plate 21 or the distance between the upper right portion of the opening 12 and the subject P measured by the distance measuring sensor 11b is a possible signal. When any one of the signals determined by the control unit 32 and sent from the distance measuring sensors 11a and 11b to the control unit 32 is out of a predetermined range, the control unit 32 tilts the gantry 50. The interlock function that stops and rejects the instruction to tilt the gantry 50 from the input and display unit 35 in the clockwise direction works.

  When the height of the bed 20 is lowered while the gantry 50 is tilted clockwise, the opening 12 measured by the distance measuring sensor 11a out of the distances measured by the distance measuring sensors 11a to 11d. A signal corresponding to the distance between the lower left part of the top plate 21 and the bottom surface of the top plate 21 is determined by the control unit 32 as a signal that is most likely to interfere, and the signal sent from the distance measuring sensor 11a to the control unit 32 is a predetermined signal. When the control unit 32 is out of the range, the control unit 32 stops the operation of lowering the bed 20 and an interlock function for rejecting an instruction to lower the bed 20 from the input and display unit 35 is activated.

  On the other hand, when raising the height of the bed 20, the signal sent from the distance measuring sensor 11 b to the control unit 32 among the distances measured by the distance measuring sensors 11 a to 11 d is controlled as the signal that is most likely to interfere. When the unit 32 determines that the signal is out of a predetermined range, the control unit 32 stops the operation of raising the bed 20, and has an interlock function for rejecting an instruction to raise the bed 20 from the input and display unit 35. work.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, when the gantry 50 is tilted counterclockwise as indicated by an arrow in the drawing, the upper left portion of the opening 12 and the subject P, or the lower right portion of the opening 12 and the top plate 21 The bottom surface may interfere.

  Accordingly, when the switch of the input and display unit 35 in FIG. 4 is operated to tilt the gantry 50 counterclockwise, it is measured by the distance measuring sensor 11c out of the distances measured by the distance measuring sensors 11a to 11d. The signal corresponding to the distance between the upper left part of the opening 12 and the subject P or the distance between the lower right part of the opening 12 measured by the distance measuring sensor 11d and the bottom surface of the top plate 21 may interfere. The control unit 32 tilts the gantry 50 when any one of the signals sent from the distance measuring sensors 11c and 11d to the control unit 32 is out of a predetermined range determined by the control unit 32 as a certain signal. The interlock function that stops the operation and rejects the instruction to tilt the gantry 50 from the input and display unit 35 in the counterclockwise direction works.

  When the height of the bed 20 is lowered while the gantry 50 is tilted counterclockwise, the opening 12 measured by the distance measuring sensor 11d out of the distances measured by the distance measuring sensors 11a to 11d. The signal corresponding to the distance between the lower right side of the top plate 21 and the bottom surface of the top plate 21 is determined by the control unit 32 as the signal that is most likely to interfere, and the signal sent from the ranging sensor 11d to the control unit 32 is a predetermined signal. When the control unit 32 is out of the range, the control unit 32 stops the lowering of the bed 20, and an interlock function for rejecting an instruction to lower the bed 20 from the input and display unit 35 is activated.

  On the other hand, when the height of the bed 20 is raised while the gantry 50 is tilted counterclockwise, the distance measured by the distance measuring sensors 11a to 11d is sent from the distance measuring sensor 11c to the control unit 32. The control unit 32 determines that the received signal is the most likely signal, and when the signal is out of the predetermined range, the control unit 32 stops raising the bed 20 and the input and display unit 35 An interlock function that rejects an instruction to raise the bed 20 from the computer works.

  In addition, when the height of the bed 20 is lowered while the gantry 50 is not tilted, a signal sent from the distance measuring sensor 11a to the control unit 32 among the distances measured by the distance measuring sensors 11a to 11d. When the control unit 32 determines that the signal has the highest possibility of interference and the signal is out of the predetermined range, the control unit 32 stops lowering the bed 20 and the bed 20 from the input and display unit 35 is stopped. Interlock function that rejects the instruction to lower

  Then, when raising the height of the bed 20 in a state where the gantry 50 is not tilted, it was sent from the distance measuring sensor 11b or 11c to the control unit 32 among the distances measured by the distance measuring sensors 11a to 11d. Control is performed when the signal is determined by the control unit 32 as a signal that may cause interference, and one of the signals sent from the distance measuring sensors 11c and 11d to the control unit 32 is out of a predetermined range. The unit 32 stops raising the bed 20, and an interlock function for rejecting an instruction to raise the bed 20 from the input and display unit 35 operates.

  As described above, the range of adjustment of the height of the bed and the tilt angle of the gantry can be expanded without sacrificing safety by measuring the distance at the place where the possibility of actual interference is the highest. Can be operated without imposing an extra burden on the user, and appropriate photographing can be performed.

FIG. 6 shows the configuration of an apparatus combining an X-ray CT apparatus and PET as a third embodiment according to the present invention.
An apparatus 60 that combines the X-ray CT apparatus and PET shown in FIG. 6 mainly differs from the X-ray CT apparatus of FIG.

  A PET mount 51 is arranged on the left side of the mount 50 in the drawing. The gantry 51 captures an image of the subject P under the control of a control unit (not shown) of the data processing unit 55. The gantry 50 has the same function as the X-ray CT apparatus shown in FIG. 5 and is controlled by the data processing unit 55. By the way, the diameter of the narrowest portion inside the opening 12 of the gantry 50 and the diameter of the opening 52 of the gantry 51 are substantially the same.

  Further, the gantry 51 is provided with a distance measuring sensor 11e at the lower left part of the opening 52 and a distance measuring sensor 11f at the upper right part of the opening 52, and a signal corresponding to the measured distance is controlled by the data processing part 55. Sent to the unit.

  The gantry movement driving unit 53 performs horizontal driving independently on the gantry 50 and the gantry 51 on the guide rail 54 between the gantry movement driving unit 53 and the bed 56 based on the drive control by the control unit of the data processing unit 55. .

  The couch 56 drives the top plate 57 up and down based on drive control by the control unit of the data processing unit 55.

  The data processing unit 55 has all the functions of the data processing unit 30 of FIG. 5, and further controls the operation of the gantry moving drive unit 53, the pedestal 56 and the pedestal 51, and controls the couch based on signals from the distance measuring sensors 11e and 11f. Reproduction of images captured by the gantry 51, storage of image data, display of images captured by the gantry 51, and image information of the subject P obtained from the gantry 50 and the gantry 51 are combined for more advanced image processing. Do.

  Next, interference between the top plate 57 and the bases 50 and 51 will be described. When photographing with the gantry 51, the top plate 57 in the drawing passes through the opening 12 of the gantry 50 and the opening 52 of the gantry 51, and is longer than the top plate 21 in the first and second embodiments. The vertical drive range of the top plate 57 is more limited than in the first embodiment.

  First, when the subject P is imaged by the gantry 50 or the gantry 51, when the top plate 57 is lowered, the distance sensor 11e to the data processing unit 55 out of the distances measured by the distance sensors 11a to 11f. The signal sent to the control unit is determined by the control unit of the data processing unit 55 as the signal with the highest possibility of interference, and when the signal is out of the predetermined range, the control unit of the data processing unit 55 The interlock function that stops lowering 57 and rejects the input of the data processing unit 55 and the instruction to lower the top 57 from the display unit works.

  When the top plate 57 is raised, the signal sent from the distance measuring sensor 11f or 11b to the control unit of the data processing unit 55 may interfere with the distance measured by the distance measuring sensors 11a to 11f. When any one of the signals determined by the control unit of the data processing unit 55 as a signal and sent from the distance measuring sensors 11f and 11b to the control unit of the data processing unit 55 is out of a predetermined range determined respectively. The control unit of the processing unit 55 stops the raising of the top plate 57, and the interlock function for rejecting the instruction to raise the top plate 57 from the input and display unit 35 is activated.

  Next, when an image is taken by the gantry 50, the tilt angle of the gantry 50 is determined based on the control of the control unit of the data processing unit 55 when the distance between the gantry 50 and the gantry 51 is closer than a predetermined distance. The tilt angle of the gantry 50 is limited according to the distance.

  Then, based on the signals measured by the distance measuring sensors 11a to 11f of the gantry 50 and the gantry 51 within the limited tilt angle range, the top plate 57 instructed at that time when it deviates from the respective predetermined ranges, An interlock function for stopping the tilting operation of the gantry 50, the horizontal movement operation of the gantry 50, or the horizontal movement operation of the gantry 51 works.

  Further, when the subject P is imaged, if the distance between the gantry 50 and the gantry 51 is greater than a predetermined distance, based on the signals measured by the distance measuring sensors 11a to 11f of the gantry 50 and the gantry 51. Thus, when they are out of the predetermined ranges, the interlock function for stopping the tilting operation of the top plate 57 or the gantry 50, the horizontal movement operation of the gantry 50 or the horizontal movement operation of the gantry 51 at that time is activated.

  Further, when the top plate 57 is located inside the opening 12 of the gantry 50 and not inside the opening 52 of the gantry 51, the same function as the interlock function of the X-ray CT apparatus 45 in FIG.

  As described above, the range of adjustment of the height of the top and the tilt angle of the gantry can be expanded without sacrificing safety by measuring the distance at the place where the possibility of actual interference is the highest. Operation can be performed without placing an extra burden on the operator, and appropriate shooting can be performed.

FIG. 7 shows a configuration of an apparatus combining an X-ray CT apparatus and PET as a fourth embodiment according to the present invention.
The apparatus 70 that combines the X-ray CT apparatus and PET shown in FIG. 7 is different from the apparatus 60 that combines the X-ray CT apparatus and PET shown in FIG. 6 in that the gantry by the gantry moving drive unit 53 performed in FIG. 50 and the pedestal 51 are not driven horizontally, and accordingly, the bed 71 performs the horizontal drive of the top 57 based on the drive control by the control unit of the data processing unit 55, and the tilting operation of the pedestal 50 This is a point that is not limited by the interference with the gantry 51.

  In the apparatus 70 combining the X-ray CT apparatus and the PET, when the subject P is imaged by the gantry 50 or the gantry 51, based on the signals measured by the distance measuring sensors 11a to 11f of the gantry 50 and the gantry 51, When they are out of the respective predetermined ranges, an interlock function for stopping the tilting operation of the gantry 50, the horizontal movement operation of the couchtop 57 or the vertical movement operation of the bed 71, which is instructed at that time, works.

  As described above, the range of adjustment of the height of the top and the tilt angle of the gantry can be expanded without sacrificing safety by measuring the distance at the place where the possibility of actual interference is the highest. Operation can be performed without placing an extra burden on the operator, and appropriate shooting can be performed.

The interlock function that stops the flat movement operation works.

1 is a diagram illustrating an external appearance of an X-ray CT apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an X-ray CT apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The figure which shows the interlock function which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the X-ray CT apparatus which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. The figure which shows the function of the interlock which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the apparatus which combined X-ray CT apparatus which concerns on Example 3 of this invention, and PET, and the function of an interlock. The figure which shows the structure of the apparatus which combined X-ray CT apparatus which concerns on Example 4 of this invention, and PET, and the function of an interlock.

Explanation of symbols

P Subject 1 X-ray CT apparatus 11 Ranging sensor 12 Opening 20 Bed 21 Top plate 24 Top plate horizontal drive unit 25 Bed vertical drive unit 32 Control unit

Claims (15)

An image forming means for forming an image of the subject, a gantry provided with an opening through which the subject is sent, a top plate on which the subject is placed, a top plate for supporting the top plate, and a ceiling in the opening. In the diagnostic imaging apparatus comprising a couch provided with a top plate moving means for horizontal movement and vertical movement in the longitudinal direction of the plate,
Distance measuring means for measuring a distance between the opening and the top plate or between the opening and a subject placed on the top;
Determination means for determining whether or not the measurement distance measured by the distance measurement means is within a predetermined range;
And a top plate control means for preventing the top plate from moving in a direction outside the predetermined range when the measurement distance is out of a predetermined range based on the determination result by the determination means. Diagnostic imaging device.   When the distance between the lower part of the opening measured by the distance measuring means arranged at the lower part of the opening and the bottom of the top board is out of a predetermined range based on the determination result, The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, which prevents the top plate from descending.   The top plate control means is configured such that the distance between the upper portion of the opening measured by the distance measuring means disposed on the upper portion of the opening and the upper surface of the subject or the top plate is out of a predetermined range based on the determination result. 3. The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging diagnostic apparatus prevents the rising of the top plate. An image forming means for forming an image of the subject, a gantry provided with an opening through which the subject is sent, a top plate on which the subject is placed, a top plate for supporting the top plate, and a ceiling in the opening. In a diagnostic imaging apparatus comprising a bed provided with a moving means for horizontally moving and moving up and down in the longitudinal direction of the plate, and a gantry tilting means for tilting the gantry,
At least two distance measuring means for measuring a distance between the opening and the top plate or between the opening and a subject placed on the top;
Determining means for determining whether or not the distances measured by the at least two distance measuring means are each within a predetermined range;
Based on the determination result by the determination unit, when any one of the distances is out of a predetermined range, the top plate control unit that prevents the top plate from moving in a direction out of the predetermined range;
A pedestal control means for preventing tilting of the pedestal in a direction deviating from the predetermined range when any one of the distances is out of a predetermined range based on the determination result. Diagnostic imaging device. The top plate control means is a first distance in which the at least two distance measurement means measure a distance between a lower portion of the opening on the opposite side of the bed opposite to the outside and a bottom surface of the top board as a first distance. Measuring means;
The opening comprises a second distance measuring means for measuring a distance between a lower portion near the outside on the bed side and a bottom surface of the top plate as a second distance,
5. The descent of the top plate is prevented when either one of the first and second distances is out of a predetermined range based on the determination result. Diagnostic imaging equipment. The top plate control means includes a third distance measuring means for measuring, as a third distance, a distance between the upper part of the opening near the outside on the bed side and the upper surface of the subject or the top board. Distance measuring means;
Comprising a fourth distance measuring means for measuring, as a fourth distance, a distance between an upper portion of the opening on the opposite side opposite to the bed and an upper surface of the subject or the top plate,
5. The rising of the top plate is prevented when any one of the third and fourth distances is out of a predetermined range based on the determination result. Diagnostic imaging equipment. The gantry control means is a first distance measurement in which the at least two distance measuring means measure a distance between a lower portion of the opening on the opposite side opposite to the bed and a bottom surface of the top plate as a first distance. Means,
It comprises a third distance measuring means for measuring a distance between an upper portion of the opening near the bed side and an upper surface of the subject or the top plate as a third distance,
When one of the first and third distances deviates from a predetermined range based on the determination result, the pedestal is prevented from tilting in a direction deviating from the predetermined range. The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 4. The gantry control means includes a second distance measuring means for measuring the distance between the lower part of the opening near the bedside outside and the bottom surface of the top plate as a second distance. ,
Comprising a fourth distance measuring means for measuring, as a fourth distance, a distance between an upper portion of the opening on the opposite side opposite to the bed and an upper surface of the subject or the top plate,
When one of the second and fourth distances deviates from a predetermined range based on the determination result, tilting of the gantry in a direction deviating from the predetermined range is prevented. The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 4. Image forming means for forming an image of the subject, at least two juxtaposed pedestals having openings for forming the image, a top plate on which the subject is placed, and the top plate are supported In addition, in a diagnostic imaging apparatus including a bed provided with a top plate moving means that moves up and down in the openings of the at least two stands, and a stand moving means that moves the at least two stands horizontally in the longitudinal direction of the top plate,
The at least two gantry comprises a first gantry arranged in the longitudinal direction of the top plate from the couch and a second gantry arranged between the first gantry and the couch.
A distance measuring means for measuring a distance between the openings of the at least two mounts and the subject or the top;
Determination means for determining whether or not the distance measured by the distance measurement means is within a predetermined range;
Based on the determination result, when the distance is out of a predetermined range, the top plate control means for preventing the top plate from moving in a direction out of the predetermined range;
A gantry control means for preventing movement of the at least two gantry in a direction deviating from the predetermined range when the distance deviates from a predetermined range based on the determination result. apparatus.   The top board control means is a distance between the lower part of the opening of the first gantry and the bottom of the top board measured by the distance measuring means disposed in the lower part of the first gantry opening near the outside opposite to the bed. The image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 9, wherein when the sensor is out of a predetermined range based on the determination result, the top plate is prevented from descending.   The top plate control means includes an upper part of the opening of the second gantry measured by the distance measuring means disposed in the upper part of the vicinity of the outside of the opening on the bed side of the second gantry, and the subject or The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein when the distance between the top surfaces of the top plates deviates from a predetermined range based on the determination result, the top plate is prevented from rising.   The gantry control means is a distance between the lower part of the opening of the first gantry and the bottom surface of the top plate, which is measured by the distance measuring means arranged in the lower part of the first gantry opening near the outside opposite to the bed. However, when it deviates from the predetermined range based on the determination result, the movement of the at least two mounts in a direction deviating from the predetermined range is prevented. The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of 10. An image forming means for forming an image of the subject, at least two mounts having an opening through which the subject is sent, a top plate on which the subject is placed, and supporting the top plate and at least the above In the diagnostic imaging apparatus having a couch provided with a couchtop moving means for horizontally moving in the longitudinal direction of the couchtop and moving up and down in the openings of two juxtaposed racks,
The at least two gantry comprises a first gantry arranged in the longitudinal direction of the top plate from the couch and a second gantry arranged between the first gantry and the couch.
A distance measuring means for measuring a distance between the openings of the at least two mounts and the subject or the top;
Determination means for determining whether or not the distance measured by the distance measurement means is within a predetermined range;
And a top plate control means for preventing the top plate from moving in a direction outside the predetermined range when the distance is out of the predetermined range based on the determination result of the determination means. Diagnostic imaging device.   The top plate control means includes an opening lower portion of the first gantry and a bottom surface of the top plate measured by a distance measuring means disposed in a lower portion of the opening of the first gantry on the opposite side to the outside of the bed. The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 13, wherein when the distance between them deviates from a predetermined range based on the determination result, the top plate is prevented from descending.   The top plate control means includes the upper part of the opening of the second gantry measured by the distance measuring means arranged at the upper part of the opening of the second gantry near the bed side, the subject or the subject The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 13, wherein when the distance between the top surfaces of the top plates deviates from a predetermined range based on the determination result, the top plate is prevented from rising.

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