JP2011000134A - X-ray ct apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an X-ray CT apparatus for appropriately setting an imaging length in the body axis direction of a subject or FOV from height information, or age information and height information of the subject.SOLUTION: The X-ray CT apparatus appropriately sets the imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject based on data in which prestored subject information of each scan protocol, and the imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject are correlated with each other, and the subject information for imaging.

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray CT apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for appropriately setting an imaging length in the body axis direction of a subject or FOV from subject information or a scanogram image.

  When imaging a part of a subject with an X-ray CT device, the part of the subject is automatically recognized from the geometric feature amount of the scanogram image, and it is suitable for the part of the subject from among pre-registered scan protocols. There has been a method of selecting or adjusting a scan protocol (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-12229

However, in Patent Document 1, when setting a scan protocol suitable for the region of the subject, the geometric feature amount of the scanogram image is used. Therefore, an advanced feature for extracting the geometric feature amount from the scanogram image is used. Image processing technology was needed.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray CT apparatus capable of setting an imaging length or FOV for each scan protocol suitable for a region of a subject by a relatively simple method.

To achieve the above object, the present invention provides an X-ray source that irradiates a subject with X-rays, an X-ray detector that is disposed opposite to the X-ray source and detects X-rays transmitted through the subject, An image reconstruction unit that reconstructs a tomographic image of a subject based on a rotating disk that is mounted with the X-ray source and the X-ray detector and rotates around the subject, and a transmitted X-ray dose detected by the X-ray detector. An X-ray CT apparatus comprising: a configuration device; and a display device that displays a tomographic image reconstructed by the image reconstruction device,
Correlation data between the height information or height information and age information of the subject for each scan protocol stored in the image reconstruction device and the photographing length in the body axis direction of the subject, and the subject to be photographed The imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject is set from the height information of the sample or the height information and age information.

Or means for analyzing a scanogram image of a subject to generate an elliptic model of the subject or attenuation data;
The FOV is set so that the cross section of the imaging location of the subject is within the elliptic model or the attenuation data.

  According to the present invention, an X-ray CT apparatus capable of setting and imaging an imaging length in the body axis direction or FOV of a subject for each scan protocol suitable for a site of the subject by a relatively simple method Can be provided.

1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. (a) An example showing the data structure inside the storage device 123 in FIG. 1 or FIG. 4, which is correlation data between the height information of the subject for each scan protocol and the imaging length of the subject in the body axis direction. (b) Correlation data between the age information and height information of the subject for each scan protocol and the imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject, showing the data configuration inside the storage device 123 in FIG. 1 or FIG. One case. 3 is a flowchart showing image reconstruction processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an X-ray CT apparatus according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining Example 6; FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining Example 7. 10 is a flowchart illustrating image reconstruction processing according to the sixth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating image reconstruction processing according to the seventh embodiment.

  An X-ray CT apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an X-ray CT apparatus to which the present invention is applied. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes a scan gantry unit 100 and a console 120.

  The scan gantry unit 100 includes an X-ray tube 101, a rotating disk 102, a collimator 103, an X-ray detector 106, a data collection device 107, a bed 105, a gantry control device 108, a bed control device 109, An X-ray control device 110.

  The X-ray tube 101 is a device that irradiates a subject placed on a bed 105 with X-rays. The collimator 103 is a device that limits the radiation range of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 101. The rotating disk 102 includes an opening 104 into which the subject placed on the bed 105 enters, and is equipped with an X-ray tube 101 and an X-ray detector 106, and rotates around the subject. The X-ray detector 106 is a device that measures the spatial distribution of transmitted X-rays by detecting X-rays that are placed opposite to the X-ray tube 101 and transmitted through the subject, and rotates a number of X-ray detection elements. They are arranged in the rotating direction of the disk 102, or arranged two-dimensionally in the rotating direction of the rotating disk 102 and the rotating shaft direction. The data collection device 107 is a device that collects the X-ray dose detected by the X-ray detector 106 as digital data. The gantry control device 108 is a device that controls the rotation of the rotary disk 102. The bed control device 109 is a device that controls the vertical movement of the bed 105. The X-ray control device 110 is a device that controls electric power input to the X-ray tube 101.

  The console 120 includes an input device 121, an image arithmetic device 122, a display device 125, a storage device 123, and a system control device 124. The input device 121 is a device for inputting a subject's name, examination date and time, imaging conditions, and the like, specifically a keyboard or a pointing device. The image computation device 122 is a device that performs CT processing on the measurement data sent from the data collection device 107 and performs CT image reconstruction. The display device 125 is a device that displays the CT image created by the image calculation device 122, and is specifically a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube), a liquid crystal display, or the like.

  The storage device 123 has a correlation between the data collected by the data collection device 107, the image data of the CT image created by the image calculation device 122, the subject information for each scan protocol, and the imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject. This is a device that stores data accumulated in advance at the time of product shipment (hereinafter referred to as “accumulated data”), specifically, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like. The system control device 124 is a device that controls these devices, the gantry control device 108, the bed control device 109, and the X-ray control device 110.

  The X-ray tube 101 performs imaging by controlling the power input to the X-ray tube 101 by the X-ray controller 110 based on the imaging conditions input from the input device 121, particularly the X-ray tube voltage and X-ray tube current. The subject is irradiated with X-rays according to conditions. The X-ray detector 106 detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 101 and transmitted through the subject with a large number of X-ray detection elements, and measures the distribution of transmitted X-rays. The rotating disk 102 is controlled by the gantry control device 108, and rotates based on the photographing conditions input from the input device 121, particularly the rotation speed. The couch 105 is controlled by the couch controller 109 and operates based on the photographing conditions input from the input device 121, particularly the helical pitch.

  By repeating the X-ray irradiation from the X-ray tube 101 and the measurement of the transmitted X-ray distribution by the X-ray detector 106 along with the rotation of the rotating disk 102, projection data from various angles is acquired. The acquired projection data from various angles is transmitted to the image calculation device 122. The image calculation device 122 reconstructs the CT image by performing back projection processing on the transmitted projection data from various angles. The CT image obtained by the reconstruction is displayed on the display device 125.

Next, Example 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 (a).
FIG. 2A shows correlation data between the height information of the subject for each scan protocol and the imaging length of the subject in the body axis direction, and is an example of accumulated data in the storage device 123. FIG.

  The X-ray CT apparatus of the present embodiment, the height information of the subject to be imaged input from the input device 121, the height information of the subject for each scan protocol that is stored data in the storage device 123, and the subject's height Correlation data with imaging length in the body axis direction Based on FIG. 2 (a), the imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject is set for each scan protocol suitable for the site of the subject.

  For example, when the height of the subject to be imaged is 153 (cm), the operator inputs 153 (cm) as height information from the input device 121. Also assume that scan protocol A1 is selected as the scan protocol. In this case, based on the accumulated data in Fig. 2 (a), the height of the subject from 150 (cm), the correlation data between the height information of the subject for each scan protocol and the imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject Since it is within 155 (cm), the imaging length of the subject in the body axis direction is set to 5 (cm).

  At this time, when the scan protocol B1 is selected as the scan protocol instead of the scan protocol A1, the imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject is set to 3 (cm).

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
First, in step S301, the operator inputs the height information of the subject to be imaged using the input device 121 and the display device 125. Next, in step S302, the height information of the subject input in step S301 is stored in the storage device 123. Next, in step S303, correlation data between the height information of the subject to be imaged stored in the storage device 123, the height information of the subject for each scan protocol, and the imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject is shown in FIG. Based on the accumulated data in (a), the system control device 124 obtains the imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject to be imaged and sets it in the storage device 123.

  Next, in step S304, the system control device 124 controls the X-ray control device 110, the bed control device 109, and the gantry control device 108 based on the imaging conditions set in the storage device 123, and images the subject. The measurement data is collected from the data collection device 107, and the measurement data is stored in the storage device 123. Next, in step S305, the image calculation device 122 performs image reconstruction processing using necessary data from the storage device 123. Next, in step S306, the result of the image reconstruction process is displayed on the display device 125.

  As described above, according to the X-ray CT apparatus of the present embodiment, based on the height information of the subject to be imaged, the body axis of the subject for each scan protocol suitable for the site of the subject relatively easily. The shooting length in the direction is automatically set, and shooting can be performed based on the setting.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 (b).
FIG. 2 (b) shows correlation data between the age information and height information of the subject for each scan protocol and the imaging length of the subject in the body axis direction, and is an example of accumulated data in the storage device 123.
A part of the description common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

  The X-ray CT apparatus of the present embodiment includes the age information and height information of the subject to be imaged input from the input device 121, and the age information and height of the subject for each scan protocol that is stored data in the storage device 123. Based on the correlation data between the information and the imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject, the imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject is set for each scan protocol suitable for the site of the subject.

  For example, when the age of the subject to be photographed is 15 (years) and the height is 154 (cm), the operator inputs 15 (years) and 154 (cm) as age information and height information from the input device 121. Also assume that scan protocol A2 is selected as the scan protocol. In this case, the age of the subject is 13 (years old) based on the accumulated data in Fig. 2 (b), the correlation data between the age information and height information of the subject for each scan protocol and the imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject. ) To 15 (years) and the height is 150 (cm) to 155 (cm), so the imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject is set to 5 (cm). At this time, when the scan protocol B1 is selected as the scan protocol instead of the scan protocol A1, the imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject is set to 4 (cm).

The operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, in step S301, the operator inputs age information and height information of a subject to be imaged using the input device 121 and the display device 125. Next, in step S302, the age information and height information of the subject input in step S301 are stored in the storage device 123. Next, in step S303, the age information and height information of the subject to be imaged stored in the storage device 123, the age information and height information of the subject for each scan protocol, and the imaging length of the subject in the body axis direction Based on the accumulated data of FIG. 2A, the system control device 124 obtains the imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject to be imaged and sets it in the storage device 123.

  As described above, according to the X-ray CT apparatus of the present embodiment, the subject is relatively easily determined for each scan protocol suitable for the site of the subject based on the age information and the height information of the subject to be imaged. The shooting length in the body axis direction is automatically set, and shooting can be performed based on the setting.

An X-ray CT apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 2 (a).
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the X-ray CT apparatus according to the present embodiment.
A part of the description common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

  This X-ray CT apparatus acquires the height information of the subject to be imaged from the HIS or RIS 401 via the network 402, and acquires the acquired height information of the subject and the scan protocol that is the accumulated data in the storage device 123. Based on the correlation data between the height information of the subject and the imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject, the imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject for each scan protocol suitable for the site of the subject, based on FIG. 2 (a) Set the size.

  HIS (Hospital Information System) is an abbreviation of hospital information system, and basic information of the subject is registered. RIS (Radiology Information System) is an abbreviation of radiation information system, and basic information of subjects related mainly to radiology is registered.

The operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step S301, the operator inputs the name of the subject to be imaged using the input device 121 and the display device 125, and based on the input object information, the image is captured from the HIS or RIS 401 via the network 402. The height information of the subject to be acquired is acquired.

  As described above, according to the X-ray CT apparatus of the present embodiment, each scan protocol suitable for the site of the subject is relatively simply based on the height information of the subject to be acquired acquired from the HIS or RIS401. The imaging length of the subject in the body axis direction is automatically set, and imaging can be performed based on the setting.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 2 (b).
FIG. 2 (b) shows correlation data between the age information and height information of the subject for each scan protocol and the imaging length of the subject in the body axis direction, and is an example of accumulated data in the storage device 123.
A part of the description common to the third embodiment is omitted.

  The X-ray CT apparatus acquires age information and height information of a subject to be imaged from the HIS or RIS 401 via the network 402. Correlation data between the acquired age information and height information of the subject, the age information and height information of the subject for each scan protocol, which is stored data in the storage device 123, and the imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject Based on (b), the imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject is set for each scan protocol suitable for the site of the subject.

The operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step S301, the operator inputs the name of the subject to be imaged using the input device 121 and the display device 125, and based on the input subject information, the image is captured from the HIS or RIS 401 via the network 402. The age information and height information of the subject to be acquired are acquired.

  As described above, according to the X-ray CT apparatus of the present embodiment, it is suitable for the site of the subject relatively easily based on the age information and the height information of the subject to be acquired acquired from the HIS or RIS401. The imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject is automatically set for each scan protocol, and imaging can be performed based on the setting.

In Example 1 to Example 4, the operator can make fine adjustments to the set imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject, and the height of the subject when the imaging is finally performed Information or correlation data between age information and height information and the imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject is stored and stored in the storage data in the storage device 123 or in the HIS or RIS401.
By using the accumulated correlation data, it is possible to set the photographing length with higher accuracy.

An X-ray CT apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the present embodiment.
A part of the description common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

  This X-ray CT apparatus acquires a scanogram image 501 of a subject to be imaged, and generates ellipse model data 502 from the acquired scanogram image 501. Further, from the generated ellipse model data 502, the FOV 504 of the shooting range is set so as to be equal to or longer than the length of the major axis in the elliptical cross section at the planned shooting position on the ellipse model data 502.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
Description of parts common to those in FIG. 3 is omitted.
First, in step S701, the operator captures a scanogram image 501 of a subject to be imaged. Scanogram image 501 is detected data detected by X-ray detector 106 by irradiating X-rays using X-ray tube 101 from the lateral direction of the subject without rotating X-ray tube 101 and X-ray detector 106. Get from. Next, in step S702, the image calculation device 122 performs analysis processing of the detection data. Next, in step S703, the image calculation device 122 generates elliptic model data 502 of the subject from the result of the analysis process. Next, in step S704, the system control device 124 sets the FOV 504 in the imaging range in the storage device 123 so that all the subjects are stored from the ellipse model data 502.

  As described above, according to the X-ray CT apparatus of the present embodiment, the FOV 504 of the imaging range of the subject is automatically set relatively easily based on the scanogram image 501 of the subject to be imaged. Shooting can be performed based on the setting.

An X-ray CT apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the present embodiment.
Description of parts common to the sixth embodiment will be omitted.
This X-ray CT apparatus acquires a scanogram image 601 from the side of the subject to be imaged, generates attenuation data 602 of the planned imaging position from the acquired scanogram image 601, and uses the generated attenuation data 602 to determine the imaging planned position Is obtained, and a value obtained by doubling the maximum attenuation data 603 is calculated as the subject length in the depth direction on the scanogram image 601. The FOV of the imaging range is set so that it is equal to or greater than the calculated subject length.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
Description of parts common to those in FIGS. 3 and 7 is omitted.
In step S803, from the result of the analysis processing obtained in step S702, the image arithmetic device 122 generates attenuation data 602 of the subject, and obtains maximum attenuation data 603 of the planned imaging position. Next, in step S804, the system control device 124 sets the FOV of the imaging range in the storage device 123 so that the entire subject is accommodated from the maximum attenuation data 603 of the scheduled imaging position.

  As described above, according to the X-ray CT apparatus of the present embodiment, the FOV of the imaging range of the subject can be automatically and relatively easily based on the maximum attenuation data 603 of the planned imaging position of the subject to be imaged. And shooting can be performed based on the setting.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these.

  1 X-ray CT system, 100 scan gantry unit, 101 X-ray tube, 102 rotating disk, 103 collimator, 104 opening, 105 bed, 106 X-ray detector, 107 data collection device, 108 gantry control device, 109 bed control device , 110 X-ray controller, 120 console, 121 input device, 122 image processor, 123 storage device, 124 system controller, 125 display device, 401 HIS / RIS, 402 network, 501 scanogram image, 502 Elliptical model data, 503 shooting location line, 504 shooting range FOV, 601 scanogram image, 602 planned shooting location attenuation data, 603 maximum shooting location attenuation data, 604 shooting location line

Claims (7)

  An X-ray tube that irradiates the subject with X-rays, an X-ray detector that is disposed opposite to the X-ray tube and detects X-rays transmitted through the subject, and X-rays detected by the X-ray detector are collected as digital data Data acquisition device, an image calculation device that performs CT image reconstruction by processing measurement data sent from the data collection device, an input device for inputting subject information, and a scan protocol stored in advance An X-ray CT apparatus having a storage device that stores correlation data between the height information of each subject and the imaging length of the subject in the body axis direction, the height information of the subject input by the user from the input device From the data obtained by correlating the height information of the subject for each scan protocol accumulated in advance and the imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject, the subject for each scan protocol suitable for the site of the subject is obtained. Set the body axis direction shooting length of the body, X-rays CT apparatus characterized by having means for photographing.   An X-ray tube that irradiates the subject with X-rays, an X-ray detector that is disposed opposite to the X-ray tube and detects X-rays transmitted through the subject, and X-rays detected by the X-ray detector are collected as digital data Data acquisition device, an image calculation device that performs CT image reconstruction by processing measurement data sent from the data collection device, an input device for inputting subject information, and a scan protocol stored in advance An X-ray CT apparatus having a storage device for storing correlation data between age information and height information of each subject and the imaging length of the subject in the body axis direction, and the subject input by the user from the input device The age information and height information of the subject, the age information and height information of the subject for each scan protocol accumulated in advance, and the data having a correlation with the imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject, Set the body axis direction shooting length of the subject of each scan protocols suitable for position, X-rays CT apparatus characterized by having means for photographing.   3. The X-ray CT apparatus connected to a HIS or RIS through a network according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising means for acquiring subject information from the HIS or RIS via the network. X-ray CT system.   The operator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operator finally fine-tunes the imaging length with respect to the imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject for each scan protocol suitable for the site of the subject. An X-ray CT apparatus having means for performing   5. The height of the imaging subject finally set by the operator, or the imaging length for each scanning protocol suitable for the site of the imaging subject with respect to height and age, for each scan protocol stored in advance. Data that correlates the height information of the subject and the imaging length in the body axis direction of the subject, or the age and height information of the subject for each scan protocol accumulated in advance, and the body axis direction of the subject An X-ray CT apparatus that accumulates data having a correlation with the imaging length.   An X-ray tube that irradiates the subject with X-rays, an X-ray detector that is disposed opposite to the X-ray tube and detects X-rays transmitted through the subject, and X-rays detected by the X-ray detector are collected as digital data Data collection device, an image computation device that performs CT image reconstruction by computing the measurement data sent from the data collection device, a storage device that stores the CT image, and an input for inputting subject information An X-ray CT apparatus having an apparatus, wherein ellipse model data is generated from a scanogram image of a subject, and an ellipse section at a planned imaging position is longer than the length of a major axis from the ellipse model data. An X-ray CT apparatus having means for setting the FOV of the imaging range. An X-ray tube that irradiates the subject with X-rays, an X-ray detector that is disposed opposite to the X-ray tube and detects X-rays transmitted through the subject, and X-rays detected by the X-ray detector are collected as digital data Data collection device, an image computation device that performs CT image reconstruction by computing the measurement data sent from the data collection device, a storage device that stores the CT image, and an input for inputting subject information An X-ray CT apparatus having an apparatus,
It has means for acquiring the maximum attenuation data of the scheduled imaging position from the scanogram image acquired from the side surface of the subject and setting the FOV of the imaging range so that it is equal to or more than twice the maximum attenuation data. A featured X-ray CT system.

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