JP2010194358A - X-ray ct apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide abundant guide information for efficiently and safely performing X-ray imaging using an X-ray CT apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The X-ray CT apparatus in which an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector array face each other across a subject and which reconfigures a CT tomographic image of the subject on the basis of a detection signal of the X-ray detector array includes: a scanning gantry portion 30 having scanning means for scanning the subject 100 by an X-ray imaging system inside a case; a imaging table 20 for mounting the subject 100 and moving it in the body axis direction; and an operation console portion 10 for performing remote control of the scanning gantry portion 30 and the imaging table 20. The scanning gantry portion 30 is placed at a position where an operator can visually recognize display information on the front side outside the case and includes a front side display panel 55 for displaying different kinds of information in the same display area. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray CT apparatus, and more specifically, an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector array are opposed to each other with a subject interposed therebetween, and a CT tomographic image of the subject is reproduced based on a detection signal of the X-ray detector array. The present invention relates to an X-ray CT apparatus to be configured.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the prior art, and shows a partial configuration of a conventional X-ray CT apparatus. In the figure, reference numeral 30 ′ denotes a scanning gantry unit that performs an axial / helical scan of the subject 100 by an X-ray imaging system (X-ray tube, X-ray detector array, etc.), and 20 denotes the subject 100 and moves in the body axis direction. It is a photography table for making it happen. Although not shown, the scanning gantry unit 30 ′ and the imaging table 20 are remotely controlled, and an operation console unit for operation by an operator (engineer) is provided in a place (generally a separate room) away from the scanning gantry unit 30 ′. It is done.

  In the X-ray CT apparatus, the time until the end of the inspection is displayed so that the operator can know the progress of the inspection. In the X-ray CT apparatus, a certain amount of preparation time is required from the confirmation of the scan plan “CONFIRM” to the start of actual scanning (X-ray exposure), and various preparations are made around the scanning gantry unit 30 ′ using this preparation period. In order to protect an operator (engineer) who performs a difficult operation from exposure, the time until the start of scanning is displayed. On the other hand, for the subject (patient), a breath holding start / release display (so-called breath navigation display) is performed to guide the breath holding timing.

  Conventional time display for an operator has been performed on an operation console (not shown). In addition, the conventional breath navigation display for the patient includes, for example, a fixed pattern switching display that indicates start / release of breath holding and a breath holding using a 7-segment display element, such as a display panel 56 'shown in the inset (a). It was done with time display.

  However, the conventional method described above limits the information that can be provided to the operator who is working and the patient who is watching the breath navigator. For this reason, the X-ray imaging operation (understands the imaging status by the operator, guides the patient). Etc.) was not always sufficient.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray CT apparatus capable of accurately providing abundant information for efficient and safe operation of X-ray imaging. It is to provide.

  The above problem is solved by the configuration of FIG. That is, in the X-ray CT apparatus of the present invention, the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector array face each other with the subject interposed therebetween, and a CT tomographic image of the subject is reconstructed based on the detection signal of the X-ray detector array. In the X-ray CT apparatus, the scanning gantry unit having scanning means for scanning the subject by the X-ray imaging system inside the housing, the imaging table for placing the subject and moving it in the body axis direction, A scanning gantry unit and an operation console unit for performing remote control of the imaging table, and the scanning gantry unit is provided on the front side outside the housing at a position where the operator can visually recognize the display information. 1 includes a front display panel capable of displaying different types of information.

According to the present invention, on the front side outside the housing of the scanning gantry unit, the front side display panel is provided at a position where the operator can view the display information, and different types of information can be displayed in the same display area. As a result, the operator can be provided with abundant information regarding X-ray CT imaging in various ways in an easy-to-understand manner, so that the operation of X-ray imaging can be performed efficiently and safely.

  Preferably, in the present invention, in the above configuration, the display information on the front side display panel includes information that allows an operator to grasp the retraction timing.

  More preferably, in the present invention, in the above configuration, the scanning gantry unit has an inner peripheral surface provided at a position where the subject lying on the imaging table on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical opening outside the housing is visible. A side display panel is further provided.

  More preferably, in the present invention, in the above configuration, the display information on the inner peripheral surface side display panel includes display information for guiding a breath holding timing of the subject.

  More preferably, according to the present invention, in the above configuration, the display information on the front display panel includes information that allows an operator to grasp the retraction timing, and the display information on the inner peripheral surface display panel includes It includes display information for guiding the timing of breath holding of the specimen, and the display information is information based on the time at which X-ray exposure is started.

  More preferably, in the present invention, in the above configuration, the front side display panel and the inner peripheral side display panel can display the same display information.

  More preferably, in the present invention, in the above configuration, the display unit is included in a display panel using a dot matrix system.

  More preferably, in the present invention, in the above configuration, the display unit is included in a liquid crystal panel.

  According to the present invention, since a wealth of information related to X-ray CT imaging can be provided in an easy-to-understand manner to an operator, the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus can be performed efficiently and safely.

It is a principal part block diagram of the X-ray CT apparatus by embodiment. 1 is an external view of an X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a flowchart of the X-ray imaging process by embodiment. It is a figure which shows the display image of the display panel by embodiment. It is a figure explaining a prior art.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a main part of an X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment. The apparatus is roughly divided into a scanning gantry unit 30 that performs axial / helical scanning / reading of a subject 100 by an X-ray fan beam XLFB, and The imaging table 20 on which the subject 100 is placed and moved in the direction of the body axis CLb, and the operation gantry unit 30 and the operation console unit 10 for performing remote control of the imaging table 20 and for the operator to operate and monitor. .

In the scanning gantry 30, 40 is a rotary anode X-ray tube, 41 is an X-ray controller, 50 is a collimator for limiting the X-ray exposure range (mainly in the body axis CLb direction), and 51 is a collimator controller. , 70 is an X-ray detector array (multi-detector) in which a large number (about n = 1000) of X-ray detectors arranged in the channel CH direction are arranged in, for example, two rows A and B in the direction of the body axis CLb. Based on the detection signal of the X-ray detector array 70, the projection data g _A (X, 閨 j, g _B (X, 閨 j is generated and collected by the data acquisition unit (DAS) 60), the scanning gantry (60 A rotation control unit that rotates the X-ray imaging system around the body axis CLb of the subject 100, 55 a display panel provided on the front side of the scanning gantry unit 30, and 56 an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical opening in the scanning gantry unit 30 Side (from subject 100 Display panel provided on obtaining position), 57 is a display panel control unit for controlling the drive of the display panel 55, 56.

  In the operation console unit 10, 11 is a central processing unit for performing main control and processing (scan control, CT tomographic reconstruction processing, display control processing for display panels 55, 56, etc.) of the X-ray CT apparatus, and 11a is its CPU. , 11b is a main memory (MM) comprising RAM, ROM, etc. used by the CPU 11a, 12 is an input device for commands and data including a keyboard and a mouse, 13 is a scan plan information, a CT tomographic image reconstructed, etc. A display device (CRT) 14 for displaying, a control interface 14 for exchanging various control signals CS and monitor signals MS between the CPU 11a, the scanning gantry unit 30 and the imaging table 20, and 15 for projection data from the data collecting unit 80. g (X, 閨 j is a data collection buffer for temporarily accumulating, and 16 stores projection data from the data collection buffer 15. A secondary storage device (such as a hard disk device) that stores various application programs necessary for the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus, various calculation / correction data files, and the like.

With this configuration, the fan beam XLFB from the X-ray tube 40 passes through the subject 100 and enters the detection rows A and B of the X-ray detector array 70 all at once. The data collection unit 80 generates projection data g _A (X, 閨 j, g _B (X, 閨 j) corresponding to each detection output of the X-ray detector array 70 and stores them in the data collection buffer 15. The projection similar to the above is performed at each view angle where the scanning gantry is slightly rotated, and thus projection data for one rotation of the scanning gantry is collected and accumulated.

  At the same time, the imaging table 20 is moved intermittently / continuously in the direction of the body axis CLb of the subject 100 according to the axial / helical scan method, thus collecting and accumulating all projection data for the required imaging region of the subject 100, These are finally stored in the secondary storage device 16. Then, the CPU 11a reconstructs a CT tomographic image of the subject 100 based on the obtained projection data g (X, 閨 j) after completion of all planned scans or following (parallel) execution of each scan. This is displayed on the display device 13.

  FIG. 2 is an external view of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiment. A scanning gantry unit 30 and an imaging table 20 are provided in the imaging room, and an operation console unit 10 is provided in the adjacent operation room. These are connected by a cable (not shown) under the floor.

  The display panels 55 and 56 are capable of displaying abundant and diverse information by a dot matrix method, and include, for example, a panel in which light emitting diodes (LEDs), fluorescent display tubes (plasma) and the like are arranged in a dot matrix. Alternatively, a backlight type liquid crystal panel may be used. The display panel 55 used by the operator is provided, for example, on the upper front side of the operation gantry unit 30. Therefore, the operator can easily monitor the display information on the display panel 55 through the glass 58 even from the work position around the patient during the scan preparation and from the operation console in the adjacent room during the scan. Hereinafter, an example of display control in the embodiment will be described in detail.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the X-ray imaging process according to the embodiment, which is executed by the CPU 11a. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display image of the display panel according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, the X-ray imaging operation will be described with reference to these drawings.

  In FIG. 3, it is preferable to perform this process after performing a scout scan (corresponding to two-dimensional X-ray imaging) of the subject 100 in advance. In step S 11, the operation console unit 10 uses the operation console unit 10 to scan parameters for the subsequent axial / helical scan of the subject 100 (scan type such as axial / helical, tube voltage kV of the X-ray tube 40, tube current mA, (Slice thickness Thic, number of slices, scan time Sec per gantry rotation, etc.) are set. Basically, all the information is displayed on the display device 13. On the other hand, a part of the examination schedule information based on the scan plan is also displayed on the display panel 55 (and the display panel 56 if necessary) of the scan gantry unit 30.

  FIG. 4A shows an example of scan plan information display mode. In FIG. 4, black indicates a fixed lighting display state, and hatched lines indicate a blinking display state. 4 shows the display panel 55/56 divided into nine digits (display areas), the present invention is not limited to this. A display panel composed of one large display area (dot matrix) as a whole may be used.

  In FIG. 4A, the examination end scheduled time (for example, 18 seconds) is lit in the first and second display areas from the left, and all the examination schedules are displayed in the remaining third to ninth display areas. The process is blinking. All the inspection processes (18 seconds) are assigned to events corresponding to 5 × 7 columns = 35 columns of display area, and these are shown in a bar graph. Here, each column corresponding to the vertical 1-dot flashing display 2 represents an X-ray non-exposure scheduled section, and each column corresponding to the vertical 3-dot flashing display 2 represents an X-ray exposure scheduled section (for the subject 100). Respiratory section). Therefore, the operator (and patient) can easily grasp the scan plan information.

  Returning to FIG. 3, in step S13, the input of the confirmation “CONFIRM” button is waited. When the “CONFIRM” button is input, the flow proceeds to step S14, and the CPU 11a starts a series of scan preparations. Specifically, the CPU 11a outputs a start signal STX to the X-ray control unit 41 via the control interface 14, and outputs a start signal STG to the rotation control unit 60 in the case of axial / helical scan. Further, the movement of the imaging table 20 toward the first scan position is started.

  On the other hand, the X-ray control unit 41 that has received the activation signal STX starts rotating the rotor (rotary anode) and stabilizes the rotor so as to have a required rotational speed. In addition, a power supply unit for supplying power to the X-ray tube 40 is started up, and the tube voltage kV and tube current mA at the time of X-ray exposure are stabilized so as to become the values set in the scan plan. Normally, about 10 seconds are required for this start-up control. However, since the X-ray tube control unit 41 performs a part of the control by itself, the CPU 11a simply outputs the activation signal STX. Then, when the operation is stabilized, the CPU 11a is notified (interrupt, sense, etc.).

  In response to the start signal STG, the rotation control unit 60 starts driving the motor of the scanning gantry unit 30 and stabilizes the rotation speed so as to be the required rotation speed corresponding to the scan time Sec set in the scan plan. Let Normally, about 8 seconds are required for this start-up control. However, since the rotation control unit 60 performs a part of the control alone, the CPU 11a only needs to issue an activation signal STG. Then, when the operation is stabilized, the CPU 11a is notified (interrupt, sense, etc.). The same applies to the movement control of the imaging table 20.

On the other hand, the CPU 11a performs the following processing using the waiting time for completion of the scan preparation.
That is, in step S15, the scheduled time until the scan preparation is completed is counted down, and in step S16, predetermined information related to the scan preparation period is displayed on the display panel 55/56.

  FIG. 4B shows a display mode of scan preparation period information as an example. In the figure, in the first and second display areas of the display panel 55 (and the display panel 56 if necessary) at this time, a scheduled time (for example, 8 seconds) until the start of X-ray irradiation (exposure) is lit up and displayed. In addition, in the remaining third to ninth display areas, all scheduled processes of the confirmed examination are lit and displayed. At this time, the stroke already completed at the present time in the bar graph is lit up by inverting the vertical dot region as shown in the figure. The process currently being executed is displayed blinking. Therefore, the operator (and patient) can easily grasp information on the progress of the scan.

  Returning to FIG. 3, in step S <b> 17, the CPU 11 a uses this waiting time to perform necessary preparation processing (such as securing various file areas for storing projection data and reconstruction data) on the host side. In step S18, it is determined whether or not the scan preparation is completed. If it is not completed, the process returns to step S15. As a result, the scheduled time until the start of scanning (X-ray exposure) is updated every moment, and the operator can safely evacuate by looking at the display panel 55. On the other hand, the patient can know that the scan (breath-hold section) is approaching.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds in the same manner, and when the scan preparation is completed, the flow proceeds to step S19 to start scanning. In step S20, the scheduled time until the end of scanning is counted down, and in step S21, predetermined scan progress information is displayed on the display panel 55/56.

  FIG. 4C shows an example of the display mode of scan progress information. In the figure, the first and second display areas of the display panel 55 (and the display panel 56 if necessary) at this time point indicate the scheduled time (for example, 10 seconds) until the end of the X-ray examination, and the remaining third In the ninth to ninth display areas, all scheduled processes of the confirmed examination are lit and displayed. At this time, the strokes already completed at the present time in the bar graph are lit up with the dot area reversed as shown. The process currently being executed is displayed blinking. In the example shown in the figure, the first scan section (breath-hold section) has been completed, so that the patient can breathe. At this time, since the patient is sufficiently aware of the progress of imaging (advancing speed, etc.), breathing can be performed with his / her own pace.

  Returning to FIG. 3, in step S22, it is determined whether or not the scan is completed. If not, the process returns to step S20. As a result, the information on the remaining inspection time and the inspection process is updated every moment. Then, when the inspection is finished, this processing is finished.

In addition, although the example of the display aspect about the said display panels 55 and 56 was demonstrated concretely, it is not restricted to this. Various other information can be displayed in various modes (display color, display pattern, lighting / flashing state, etc.). For example, as a breath navigator to the patient, the following message on the display panel 56, “I”
"breath"
"Iki"
"Lives"
"Let's live"
"Skip my life"
"Skip your life"
"Please live!"
“Please live!”
"Please live!"
May be scrolled. Rather than displaying the entire message all at once, scrolling is easier for the patient to read.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, the amount of information that can be provided to the operator and the patient is remarkably increased. In addition, the display forms can be formed in a very diverse and free manner such as letters, numbers, special symbols, and other various patterns by combining dot matrices. Moreover, the change of display information and the provision of new information can be handled very easily and quickly by changing / creating the dot pattern. Lights up, flashes, and is highlighted. By combining with display control such as scroll display, the importance of information (caution ventilation, etc.) can be easily adjusted.

  In the above embodiment, the application example to the X-ray CT apparatus has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be provided as software for causing a computer to execute the display method of the display panel, which is recorded on an information recording medium such as a CD, or by on-line communication via a wired / wireless communication line.

  Moreover, although the application example to the X-ray CT apparatus has been described in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. In addition, for example, a so-called magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (MRI) that detects and collects projection data related to nuclear magnetic resonance of a subject by rotating a magnetic field around the subject and reconstructs a computer tomogram thereof. Etc.

  Further, although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it goes without saying that various changes in the configuration, control, processing, and combination of each part can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

10 Operation Console 11 Central Processing Unit 11a CPU
11b Main memory 12 Input device 13 Display device (CRT)
14 Control interface 15 Data collection buffer 16 Secondary storage device 20 Imaging table 30 Scanning gantry unit 40 X-ray tube 41 X-ray control unit 50 Collimator 51 Collimator control units 55 and 56 Display panel 57 Display panel control unit 60 Rotation control unit 70 X Line detector array 80 Data collection unit (DAS)
100 subjects

Claims (8)

In an X-ray CT apparatus in which an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector array are opposed to each other with a subject interposed therebetween, and a CT tomogram of the subject is reconstructed based on a detection signal of the X-ray detector array,
A scanning gantry having scanning means for scanning a subject by an X-ray imaging system inside the housing;
An imaging table for placing the subject and moving it in the body axis direction;
An operation console unit for remotely controlling the scanning gantry unit and the imaging table;
With
The scanning gantry unit is provided with a front-side display panel that is provided at a position on the front side of the outside of the housing where the operator can visually recognize display information and that can display different types of information in the same display area. X-ray CT apparatus that is characterized. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display information on the front display panel includes information that allows an operator to grasp the timing of retraction. The scanning gantry unit further includes an inner peripheral surface side display panel provided at a position where a subject lying on the imaging table on the inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical opening outside the housing is visible. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the display information on the inner peripheral surface side display panel includes display information for guiding timing of breath holding of the subject. The display information on the front display panel includes information that allows an operator to grasp the retraction timing, and the display information on the inner peripheral surface display panel includes display information that guides the timing of breath holding of the subject. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the display information is information based on a time at which X-ray exposure is started. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the front display panel and the inner peripheral display panel can display the same display information. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is included in a dot matrix display panel. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is included in a liquid crystal panel.