JP2017113083A - Medical image diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a medical image diagnostic apparatus capable of suppressing an influence due to contact between a gantry and an obstacle attached to a subject.SOLUTION: A medical image diagnostic apparatus includes a gantry, a top plate, a setting part and a movement control part. In the gantry, an opening part functioning as an imaging space is formed. The top plate is inserted into the opening part, while placing a subject thereon, when imaging of the subject is performed. The setting part sets a relative movement range of the top plate to the gantry during imaging, on the basis of an imaging condition when performing imaging. The movement control part moves at least one of the gantry and the top plate until the distal end of the top plate in an insertion direction is located on the end of the movement range on a depth side or a near side in the insertion direction, and stops it, prior to performing the imaging.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a medical image diagnostic apparatus.

  There is a medical image diagnostic apparatus capable of confirming contact between a subject and a gantry. For example, it has a laser sensor arranged along the upper edge of the opening of the bore, and a determination unit that determines the possibility of a collision between the gantry and the subject based on an electric signal from the laser sensor. There is an MRI apparatus.

JP 2009-106572 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a medical image diagnostic apparatus that can suppress the influence of an obstacle such as an instrument attached to a subject and a pedestal coming into contact with each other.

  The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes a gantry, a top plate, a setting unit, and a movement control unit. An opening serving as an imaging space is formed in the gantry. When the subject is imaged, the top plate is placed in the opening with the subject placed thereon. The setting unit sets a relative movement range of the top plate with respect to the gantry during imaging based on imaging conditions when imaging is performed. The movement control unit moves and stops at least one of the gantry and the top plate until the tip in the insertion direction of the top plate is positioned at the back side or the near side end in the insertion direction of the movement range.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of laser sensors. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing executed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4A is a diagram for explaining an example of processing executed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining another example of the process executed by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for detecting whether or not there is a possibility that the obstacle and the mount are in contact with each other. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for detecting the presence / absence of a possibility that the obstacle and the mount are in contact with each other according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for detecting the presence / absence of a possibility that the obstacle and the gantry come into contact with each other according to the first modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for detecting the presence / absence of a possibility that the obstacle and the gantry come into contact with each other according to the second modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is an example of an image display example. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for detecting the presence / absence of a possibility that the obstacle and the mount are in contact with each other according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of other processing executed by the X-ray CT apparatus. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of other processing executed by the X-ray CT apparatus. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of other processing executed by the X-ray CT apparatus.

  Hereinafter, an X-ray CT apparatus according to each embodiment will be described as an example of a medical image diagnostic apparatus with reference to the drawings. Each embodiment is not limited to the following embodiment. Moreover, each embodiment can be combined in principle.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes a gantry 10, a bed apparatus 20, and a console 30.

  The gantry 10 is a device that irradiates the subject P (patient) with X-rays, detects the X-rays transmitted through the subject P, and outputs them to the console 30. The gantry 10 and the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 generate X-rays. The apparatus 12 includes a detector 13, a data acquisition circuit (DAS) 14, a rotating frame 15, a gantry drive circuit 16, and laser sensors 17a to 17l.

  The rotating frame 15 supports the X-ray generator 12 and the detector 13 so as to face each other with the subject P interposed therebetween, and is rotated at a high speed in a circular orbit around the subject P by a gantry driving circuit 16 described later. An annular frame.

  The X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 is a device that controls a high voltage supplied from a high voltage generator (not shown) to the X-ray tube 12a. The X-ray tube 12a generates X-rays using the supplied high voltage. To do. The X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 adjusts the X-ray dose irradiated to the subject P by adjusting the tube voltage and tube current supplied to the X-ray tube 12a under the control of the scan control circuit 33 described later. .

  The X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 switches the wedge 12b. The X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 adjusts the X-ray irradiation range (fan angle and cone angle) by adjusting the aperture of the collimator 12c. In addition, this embodiment may be a case where an operator manually switches a plurality of types of wedges.

  The X-ray generator 12 is an apparatus that generates X-rays and irradiates the subject P with the generated X-rays, and includes an X-ray tube 12a, a wedge 12b, and a collimator 12c.

  The X-ray tube 12 a is a vacuum tube that irradiates the subject P with an X-ray beam with a high voltage supplied by a high voltage generator (not shown). The X-ray beam is applied to the subject P as the rotating frame 15 rotates. Irradiate. The X-ray tube 12a generates an X-ray beam that spreads with a fan angle and a cone angle. For example, under the control of the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11, the X-ray tube 12 a continuously exposes X-rays around the subject P for full reconstruction or exposure that can be reconfigured for half reconstruction. It is possible to continuously expose X-rays in the irradiation range (180 degrees + fan angle). Further, the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 can control the X-ray tube 12a to intermittently emit X-rays (pulse X-rays) at a preset position (tube position). The X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 can also modulate the intensity of the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 12a. For example, the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 increases the intensity of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 12a at a specific tube position, and exposes from the X-ray tube 12a at a range other than the specific tube position. Reduce the intensity of the emitted X-rays.

  The wedge 12b is an X-ray filter for adjusting the X-ray dose of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 12a. Specifically, the wedge 12b transmits the X-rays exposed from the X-ray tube 12a so that the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 12a to the subject P have a predetermined distribution. Attenuating filter. For example, the wedge 12b is a filter obtained by processing aluminum so as to have a predetermined target angle or a predetermined thickness. The wedge is also called a wedge filter or a bow-tie filter.

  The collimator 12c is a slit for narrowing the X-ray irradiation range in which the X-ray dose is adjusted by the wedge 12b under the control of the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 described later.

  The gantry driving circuit 16 rotates the rotary frame 15 to rotate the X-ray generator 12 and the detector 13 on a circular orbit around the subject P.

  The detector 13 is a two-dimensional array type detector (surface detector) that detects X-rays transmitted through the subject P, and a detection element array formed by arranging X-ray detection elements for a plurality of channels is the subject P. A plurality of rows are arranged along the body axis direction (Z-axis direction shown in FIG. 1). Specifically, the detector 13 in the first embodiment includes X-ray detection elements arranged in multiple rows such as 320 rows along the body axis direction of the subject P. For example, the lungs of the subject P It is possible to detect X-rays transmitted through the subject P over a wide range, such as a range including the heart and the heart.

  The data collection circuit 14 is a DAS, and collects projection data from the X-ray detection data detected by the X-ray detector 13. For example, the data collection circuit 14 generates projection data by performing amplification processing, A / D conversion processing, inter-channel sensitivity correction processing, and the like on the X-ray intensity distribution data detected by the detector 13. The projected data is transmitted to the console 30 described later. For example, when X-rays are continuously emitted from the X-ray tube 12a while the rotary frame 15 is rotating, the data acquisition circuit 14 collects projection data groups for the entire circumference (for 360 degrees). Further, the data collection circuit 14 associates the tube position with each collected projection data and transmits it to the console 30 described later. The tube position is information indicating the projection direction of the projection data. Note that the sensitivity correction processing between channels may be performed by the preprocessing circuit 34 described later.

  The laser sensors 17a to 17l are connected to the processing circuit 37. The laser sensors 17a to 17l are sensors that detect obstacles provided in the subject P that may come into contact with the bed apparatus 10. Each of the laser sensors 17a, 17c, 17e, 17g, 17i, and 17k is a sensor that emits a laser. Each of the laser sensors 17b, 17d, 17f, 17h, 17j, and 17l is a sensor that receives the laser emitted from each of the laser sensors 17a, 17c, 17e, 17g, 17i, and 17k. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of laser sensors. The example of FIG. 2 shows an example of the arrangement of the laser sensors 17 a to 17 l attached to the gantry 10 on each of the front surface, the upper surface, and the side surface of the gantry 10. The laser sensors 17k and 17l cannot be confirmed from the example of FIG. 2, but are arranged at positions facing the laser sensors 17a and 17b via the gantry 10. In the example of FIG. 2, the alternate long and short dash lines indicate lasers output from the laser sensors 17a, 17c, 17e, 17g, and 17i. In the example of FIG. 2, laser sensors 17 a to 17 l are provided so that the laser circumscribes the opening of the gantry 10 when the gantry 10 is viewed from the front. In the example of FIG. 2, each of the laser sensors 17b, 17d, 17f, 17h, and 17j receives a laser. Each of the laser sensors 17a to 17f is attached at a position where an obstacle that may come into contact with the gantry 10 can be detected. When each laser sensor 17b, 17d, 17f, 17h, 17j, 17l detects that the laser is blocked by an obstacle, it outputs a signal indicating that the laser is blocked to the processing circuit 37.

  As shown in the example of FIG. 2, the gantry 10 has an opening 10 a serving as an imaging space.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 1, the couch device 20 is a device on which the subject P is placed, and includes a couch driving device 21 and a top plate 22. The couch driving device 21 moves the subject P into the rotary frame 15 by moving the couchtop 22 in the Z-axis direction. The top plate 22 is a plate on which the subject P is placed. The top plate 22 is inserted into the opening 10 a formed on the gantry 10 on which the subject P is placed when the subject P is imaged.

  For example, the gantry 10 executes a helical scan that rotates the rotating frame 15 while moving the top plate 22 to scan the subject P in a spiral shape. Alternatively, the gantry device 10 performs a conventional scan in which the subject P is scanned in a circular orbit by rotating the rotating frame 15 while the position of the subject P is fixed after the top plate 22 is moved. Alternatively, the gantry device 10 executes a step-and-shoot method in which a conventional scan is performed in a plurality of scan areas by moving the position of the top plate 22 at regular intervals.

  The console 30 is a device that accepts an operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 by an operator and reconstructs X-ray CT image data using projection data collected by the gantry 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the console 30 includes an input circuit 31, a display 32, a scan control circuit 33, a preprocessing circuit 34, a storage circuit 35, an image reconstruction circuit 36, and a processing circuit 37. .

  The input circuit 31 includes a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, a switch, a button, a joystick, and the like that are used by the operator of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 to input various instructions and settings, and instructions and settings information received from the operator. Is transferred to the processing circuit 37. For example, the input circuit 31 receives imaging conditions for X-ray CT image data, reconstruction conditions for reconstructing X-ray CT image data, image processing conditions for X-ray CT image data, and the like from the operator. The input circuit 31 receives an operation for selecting an examination for the subject. Further, the input circuit 31 accepts a designation operation for designating a part on the image.

  The display 32 displays image data generated from the X-ray CT image data under the control of the processing circuit 37, and receives a GUI (for receiving various instructions, various settings, and the like from the operator via the input circuit 31. Graphical User Interface). The display 32 displays a plan screen for a scan plan, a screen being scanned, and the like.

  The scan control circuit 33 controls the operations of the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11, the gantry driving circuit 16, the data acquisition circuit 14, and the bed driving device 21 under the control of the processing circuit 37, thereby Control the collection process. For example, the scan control circuit 33 controls projection data collection processing in imaging for collecting positioning images (scano images) and main imaging (main scanning) for collecting images used for diagnosis. Here, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, a two-dimensional scan image and a three-dimensional scan image can be captured. The scan control circuit 33 is realized by a processor, for example.

  The preprocessing circuit 34 performs logarithmic conversion processing and correction processing such as offset correction, sensitivity correction, and beam hardening correction on the projection data generated by the data acquisition circuit 14 to obtain corrected projection data. Generate. Specifically, the preprocessing circuit 34 generates corrected projection data for each of the projection data of the positioning image generated by the data acquisition circuit 14 and the projection data acquired by the main imaging, and the storage circuit 35. To store. The preprocessing circuit 34 is realized by a processor, for example.

  The storage circuit 35 stores the projection data generated by the preprocessing circuit 34. Specifically, the storage circuit 35 stores the projection data of the positioning image generated by the preprocessing circuit 34 and the projection data for diagnosis collected by the main imaging. The storage circuit 35 stores image data generated by an image reconstruction circuit 36 described later. Further, the storage circuit 35 appropriately stores a processing result by a processing circuit 37 described later. The storage circuit 35 is realized by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a semiconductor memory element such as a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like.

  The image reconstruction circuit 36 reconstructs X-ray CT image data using the projection data stored in the storage circuit 35. Specifically, the image reconstruction circuit 36 reconstructs X-ray CT image data from the projection data of the positioning image and the projection data of the image used for diagnosis. Here, as the reconstruction method, there are various methods, for example, back projection processing. Further, as the back projection process, for example, a back projection process by an FBP (Filtered Back Projection) method can be cited. Alternatively, the image reconstruction circuit 36 can reconstruct the X-ray CT image data using a successive approximation method.

  Further, the image reconstruction circuit 36 generates image data by performing various image processing on the X-ray CT image data. Then, the image reconstruction circuit 36 stores the reconstructed X-ray CT image data and image data generated by various image processes in the storage circuit 35. The image reconstruction circuit 36 is realized by a processor, for example.

  The processing circuit 37 performs overall control of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 by controlling operations of the gantry 10, the couch device 20, and the console 30.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the processing circuit 37 executes a setting function 37a, a movement control function 37b, a detection function 37c, a display control function 37d, and a main control function 37e. Among these, the main control function 37 e controls the CT scan performed on the gantry 10 by controlling the scan control circuit 33. The main control function 37e controls image reconstruction processing and image generation processing in the console 30 by controlling the image reconstruction circuit 36. The display control function 37d controls the display 32 to display various image data stored in the storage circuit 35. Here, for example, the setting function 37a, the movement control function 37b, the detection function 37c, the display control function 37d, and the main control function 37e, which are components of the processing circuit 37 shown in FIG. In the storage circuit 35. The processing circuit 37 is a processor that implements a function corresponding to each program by reading each program from the storage circuit 35 and executing each read program. In other words, the processing circuit 37 in a state where each program is read has each function shown in the processing circuit 37 of FIG. The setting function 37a is an example of a setting unit described in the claims. The movement control function 37b is an example of a movement control unit described in the claims. The detection function 37c is an example of a detection unit described in the claims.

  The term “processor” used in the above description is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), a programmable logic device. It means a circuit such as a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The processor reads the program stored in the storage circuit, and implements the function by executing the read program. Instead of storing the program in the storage circuit, the program may be directly incorporated in the processor circuit. In this case, the processor implements the function by reading the program incorporated in the circuit and executing the read program. Note that each processor of the present embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, but may be configured as a single processor by combining a plurality of independent circuits to realize the function. Good.

  The overall configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment has been described above. Under such a configuration, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is configured to be able to suppress the influence caused by the contact between the obstacle and the gantry 10 as described below.

  Next, each processing function of the setting function 37a, the movement control function 37b, and the detection function 37c executed by the processing circuit 37 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing executed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in the example of FIG. 3, the setting function 37a sets an imaging condition when imaging the subject P (step S101). For example, the setting function 37a displays a screen for accepting imaging conditions on the display 32, and accepts imaging conditions from the operator. Then, the setting function 37 a sets the imaging condition by storing the received imaging condition in the storage circuit 35.

  Then, the setting function 37a sets a movement range in the Z-axis direction of the top board 22 when imaging is performed based on the set imaging conditions (step S102). Here, in the movement range of the top plate 22, in addition to the movement range of the top plate 22 necessary for scanning the imaging range (scan range) set for the subject P, a run-up section and a surplus range are included. included. FIG. 4A is a diagram for explaining an example of processing executed by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in the upper side of the example of FIG. 4A, the setting function 37a sets the movement range A in the Z-axis direction of the top plate 22 when imaging is performed based on the imaging conditions.

  Then, the movement control function 37b stops the top plate 22 by moving the top plate 22 until the tip 22a of the top plate 22 in the insertion direction of the top plate 22 is located at the far end in the insertion direction of the movement range A. An instruction to do so is transmitted to the scan control circuit 33 (step S103). Upon receiving such an instruction, the scan control circuit 33 moves the top plate 22 until the tip 22a of the top plate 22 is positioned at the far end in the insertion direction of the movement range A so as to stop the top plate 22. The couch driving device 21 is controlled. Accordingly, the couch driving device 21 moves the top plate 22 until the tip 22a of the top plate 22 is located at the far end in the insertion direction of the movement range A, as shown in the example of FIG. 4A. 22 is stopped. As shown in the example of FIG. 4A, an electrocardiograph and a respiration measurement are placed on the subject P placed on the top plate 22 stopped in this way, as shown in the example of FIG. 4A. When the obstruction 80 such as an instrument or other therapeutic instrument (for example, a puncture instruction tool) is attached to the subject P so as not to contact the gantry 10, the top 22 is already at the end of the movement range A. Therefore, even if the top plate 22 is moved within the movement range A, the obstacle 80 and the gantry 10 do not contact each other. Therefore, the influence by the contact between the obstacle 80 and the gantry 10 can be suppressed.

  In step S103, the movement control function 37b causes the top 22a of the top plate 22 in the insertion direction of the top plate 22 to reach the end on the near side in the insertion direction of the movement range A ′ set in step S102. An instruction to stop the top plate 22 by moving the plate 22 may be transmitted to the scan control circuit 33. Upon receiving such an instruction, the scan control circuit 33 moves the top plate 22 until the tip 22a of the top plate 22 is located at the front end in the insertion direction of the movement range A ′ so as to stop the top plate 22. The couch driving device 21 is controlled. Thereby, as shown in the example of FIG. 4B, the couch driving device 21 moves the top plate 22 until the tip 22a of the top plate 22 is positioned at the front end in the insertion direction of the movement range A ′. The plate 22 is stopped. As shown in the example of FIG. 4B, an obstacle 80 is placed on the object 10 placed on the top plate 22 stopped in this way on the back side in the insertion direction of the top plate 22 in the movement range A. When the subject P is attached to the subject P so as not to contact the subject, the top 22 is already positioned at the end of the movement range A ′. The object 80 and the gantry 10 do not contact. Therefore, the influence by the contact between the obstacle 80 and the gantry 10 can be suppressed. FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining another example of processing executed by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

  That is, by the processing in step S103, the obstacle 80 can be attached to the subject P at a position that does not come into contact with the gantry 10 even if the top plate 22 is moved within the movement range A.

  Here, although the obstacle 80 can be attached to the subject P at a position where it does not come into contact with the gantry 10 by moving the top plate 22 within the movement range A by the processing in step S103, it is attached. Later, when the position of the obstacle 80 is shifted and the top plate 22 is moved within the movement range A, the obstacle 80 may come into contact with the gantry 10.

  Therefore, the movement control function 37b executes rehearsal to move the top 22 within the movement range A before performing the main imaging of the subject P (step S104). For example, the movement control function 37b moves the top board 22 within the movement range A with the same movement as the movement of the top board 22 in the subsequent main imaging. That is, the movement control function 37b simulates the movement of the top plate 22 in the main imaging during the rehearsal. During rehearsal, the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 controls the X-ray generator 12 so as not to generate X-rays.

  Further, the movement control function 37b may move the top plate 22 at a speed higher than the speed of the top plate 22 moved in the subsequent main imaging during the rehearsal. Thereby, the time required for rehearsal can be shortened.

  Here, in the rehearsal, the detection function 37c detects whether or not the obstacle 80 and the gantry 10 may come into contact while the top plate 22 is being moved within the movement range A by the movement control function 37b. .

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for detecting whether or not there is a possibility that the obstacle and the mount are in contact with each other. In FIG. 5, when the top plate 22 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow, the obstacle 80 blocks the laser 17e-1 emitted from the laser sensor 17e. Therefore, the laser sensor 17f cannot receive the laser 17e-1, and outputs a signal indicating that the laser is blocked to the processing circuit 37. When the laser sensor 17f receives the laser 17e-1, the laser sensor 17f outputs a signal indicating that the laser has been received to the processing circuit 37.

  When the detection function 37c of the processing circuit 37 receives a signal indicating that the laser is blocked, the detection function 37c detects that there is a possibility that the obstacle 80 and the gantry 10 are in contact with each other. Then, when it is detected by the detection function 37c that there is a possibility that the obstacle 80 and the gantry 10 are in contact with each other, the movement control function 37b stops the top board 22. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the situation where the top plate 22 contacts the mount frame 10 can be suppressed. In addition, the operator can adjust the position of the obstacle 80 mounted on the subject P placed on the stopped top plate 22 to a position where the obstacle 80 does not contact the gantry 10. Thereby, in the subsequent main imaging, it is possible to suppress the influence caused by the obstacle 80 and the gantry 10 coming into contact with each other. In addition, the detection function 37c will detect that there is no possibility that the obstacle 80 and the mount 10 will contact, if the signal which shows having received the laser is received.

  The X-ray CT apparatus 1 may use a distance sensor that detects the distance from the obstacle 80 instead of the laser sensors 17a to 17l. In this case, for example, the distance sensor is attached to the gantry 10, and the detection function 37 c treats the distance between the obstacle 80 and the distance sensor detected by the distance sensor as the distance between the obstacle 80 and the gantry 10. . When the distance detected by the distance sensor is shorter than a predetermined distance, the detection function 37c detects that there is a possibility that the obstacle 80 and the mount 10 are in contact with each other. An optical camera may be used instead of the distance sensor.

  Returning to FIG. 3, when the rehearsal is completed or the position of the obstacle 80 attached to the subject P is adjusted to a position where the operator does not contact the gantry 10, the main control is performed. The function 37e transmits an instruction to execute main imaging based on the imaging condition to the scan control circuit 33 (step S105), and ends the process. When receiving such an instruction, the scan control circuit 33 controls the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11, the gantry driving circuit 16, the data collecting circuit 14, and the bed driving device 21 so as to execute the main imaging. Thereby, actual imaging is executed.

  Note that in the main imaging in step S105, the position of the obstacle 80 attached to the subject P may be displaced. Therefore, in step S105, as in step S104, the detection function 37c can contact the obstacle 80 and the gantry 10 while the top plate 22 is being moved within the movement range A by the movement control function 37b. The presence or absence of sex may be detected. Further, when it is detected by the detection function 37c that there is a possibility that the obstacle 80 and the gantry 10 are in contact, the movement control function 37b may stop the top board 22.

  Steps S101 and S102 are steps corresponding to the setting function 37a. This is a step in which the setting function 37a is realized by the processing circuit 133 reading and executing a predetermined program corresponding to the setting function 37a from the storage circuit 132. Steps S103 and S104 are steps corresponding to the movement control function 37b. This is a step in which the movement control function 37b is realized by the processing circuit 133 reading and executing a predetermined program corresponding to the movement control function 37b from the storage circuit 132. In step S105, steps S101 and S102 are steps corresponding to the setting function 37a. This is a step in which the setting function 37a is realized by the processing circuit 133 reading and executing a predetermined program corresponding to the setting function 37a from the storage circuit 132. This is a step corresponding to the main control function 37e. This is a step in which the main control function 37e is realized by the processing circuit 133 reading and executing a predetermined program corresponding to the main control function 37e from the storage circuit 132.

  The X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment has been described above. According to the X-ray CT apparatus 1, as described above, it is possible to suppress the influence caused by the contact between the obstacle 80 attached to the subject P and the gantry 10.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the detection function 37c uses the laser sensors 17a to 17l and the distance sensor to detect whether there is a possibility that the obstacle and the pedestal come into contact with each other. The presence / absence of a possibility of contact with the gantry may be detected. Therefore, an embodiment in which the presence or absence of a possibility that the obstacle and the mount are in contact with each other will be described as a second embodiment. Note that the X-ray CT apparatus according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, except for a method of detecting the presence or absence of the possibility that the obstacle and the mount are in contact with each other. It is. In the description of the second embodiment, the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is omitted.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for detecting the presence / absence of a possibility that the obstacle and the mount are in contact with each other according to the second embodiment. For example, as shown in the example of FIG. 6, the mark 41 is pasted with a tape or the like in the range of the top plate 22 where the obstacle 80 does not contact the gantry 10 even when the top plate 22 having the bed base 22 b moves. Yes. Thereby, the operator or the operator can easily confirm the range where the obstacle 80 does not contact the gantry 10 only by confirming the range of the mark 41.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the camera 40 is attached to the gantry 10, and the camera 40 captures a predetermined direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. That is, the camera 40 sequentially acquires images taken in a predetermined direction. The camera 40 may be attached to the bed base 22b or may be attached to the wall of the room where the X-ray CT apparatus is placed.

  Then, the camera 40 sequentially transmits the acquired images to the processing circuit 37 connected to the camera 40. Each time an image is received, the detection function 37c of the processing circuit 37 determines whether or not the mark 41 is present in the received image. When the mark 41 is present in the received image, the detection function 37c detects that there is no possibility that the obstacle 80 and the gantry 10 are in contact with each other. On the other hand, the detection function 37c detects that there is a possibility that the obstacle 80 and the gantry 10 come into contact when the mark 41 is not present in the received image.

  The second embodiment has been described above. According to the X-ray CT apparatus according to the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress the influence of the obstacle 80 attached to the subject P and the gantry 10 coming into contact with each other.

(First Modification According to Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, a case has been described in which the mark 41 is pasted with a tape or the like in the range of the top plate 22 where the obstacle 80 does not contact the gantry 10 even when the top plate 22 moves. The CT apparatus is not limited to this. For example, a mark may be attached to a range of the top plate where the obstacle comes into contact with the gantry when the top plate moves. Therefore, such a modification will be described as a first modification according to the second embodiment. Note that the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first modification of the second embodiment is the same as the X-ray CT according to the first embodiment except for a method of detecting the presence or absence of the possibility that the obstacle and the gantry come into contact with each other. The configuration is the same as that of the device 1. In the description of the first modification according to the second embodiment, the description of the same configuration as that of the second embodiment is omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for detecting the presence / absence of a possibility that the obstacle and the gantry come into contact with each other according to the first modification of the second embodiment. For example, as shown in the example of FIG. 7, when the top plate 22 moves, the mark 42 is attached to the range of the top plate 22 where the gantry 10 and the obstacle 80 come into contact with each other with a tape or the like. Thereby, the operator or the operator can easily confirm the range where the obstacle 80 contacts the gantry 10 only by confirming the range of the mark 42.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the camera 40 is attached to the gantry 10, and the camera 40 captures a predetermined direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. That is, the camera 40 sequentially acquires images taken in a predetermined direction.

  Then, the camera 40 sequentially transmits the acquired images to the processing circuit 37 connected to the camera 40. Each time an image is received, the detection function 37c of the processing circuit 37 determines whether or not there is a mark 42 in the received image. The detection function 37c detects that there is a possibility that the obstacle 80 and the gantry 10 come into contact when the mark 42 is present in the received image. On the other hand, the detection function 37c detects that there is no possibility that the obstacle 80 and the gantry 10 come into contact when there is no mark 42 in the received image.

  The first modification according to the second embodiment has been described above. According to the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first modification of the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the influence of the obstacle 80 attached to the subject P and the gantry 10 are in contact with each other. Can be suppressed.

(Second modification according to the second embodiment)
In the first modification according to the second embodiment, the case where the mark 42 is pasted with a tape or the like in the range of the top plate 22 where the obstacle 80 contacts the gantry 10 when the top plate 22 moves is described. However, the X-ray CT apparatus is not limited to this. For example, even if a mark is attached to the position of the top plate between the range of the top plate where the obstacle comes into contact with the base when the top plate moves and the range where the obstacle does not touch the base when the top plate moves Good. Therefore, such a modification will be described as a second modification according to the second embodiment. Note that the X-ray CT apparatus according to the second modification of the second embodiment is the same as the X-ray CT according to the first embodiment except for a method of detecting the presence or absence of the possibility that the obstacle and the gantry are in contact with each other. The configuration is the same as that of the device 1. In the description of the second modification according to the second embodiment, the description of the same configuration as that of the second embodiment will be omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for detecting the presence / absence of a possibility that the obstacle and the gantry come into contact with each other according to the second modification of the second embodiment. For example, as shown in the example of FIG. 8, a range in which the gantry 10 and the obstacle 80 are in contact with each other when the top plate 22 is moved, and a range in which the gantry 10 and the obstacle 80 are not in contact with each other even when the top plate 22 is moved. A mark 43 is affixed to the position of the top plate 22 with a tape or the like.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the camera 40 is attached to the gantry 10, and the camera 40 captures a predetermined direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. That is, the camera 40 sequentially acquires images taken in a predetermined direction.

  Then, the camera 40 sequentially transmits the acquired images to the processing circuit 37 connected to the camera 40. The detection function 37c of the processing circuit 37 determines whether or not there is a mark 43 in the received image every time an image is received. The detection function 37c detects that there is a possibility that the obstacle 80 and the gantry 10 come into contact when the mark 43 is present in the received image. On the other hand, the detection function 37c detects that there is no possibility that the obstacle 80 and the gantry 10 come into contact when the mark 43 is not present in the received image.

  Heretofore, the second modification according to the second embodiment has been described. According to the X-ray CT apparatus according to the second modification of the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the influence of the obstacle 80 attached to the subject P and the gantry 10 come into contact with each other. Can be suppressed.

  Note that in the second embodiment, the first modification example according to the second embodiment, and the second modification example according to the second embodiment, the detection function 37c displays sequentially acquired images on the display 32. It can also be displayed. Thereby, the surgeon can grasp | ascertain the presence or absence of a possibility that an obstruction and a mount will contact by confirming an image. FIG. 9 is an example of an image display example. For example, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 9, the detection function 37 c displays an image including the mark 41 on the display 32 and then displays an image not including the mark 41 on the display 32. In such a case, since there is a possibility that the obstacle 80 and the gantry 10 may come into contact with each other, the surgeon who has confirmed the image displayed on the display 32 can, for example, connect the top plate 22 via the input circuit 31. Enter an instruction to stop the movement.

(Third embodiment)
Here, a sensor may be provided on the obstacle, and the sensor can detect contact with the gantry 10. Such an embodiment will be described as a third embodiment. Note that the X-ray CT apparatus according to the third embodiment has the same configuration as that of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, except for a method of detecting the presence or absence of the possibility that the obstacle and the gantry come into contact with each other. It is.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for detecting the presence / absence of a possibility that the obstacle and the mount are in contact with each other according to the third embodiment. For example, as shown in the example of FIG. 10, a micro switch 51 is attached to an arm 50 for supporting the subject P on the top plate 22 as an obstacle. The micro switch 51 is connected to the processing circuit 37 of the console 30 via the gantry 10.

  When the microswitch 51 comes into contact with the gantry 10, the switch is turned on and outputs a signal indicating on to the processing circuit 37. On the other hand, when the micro switch 51 does not contact the gantry 10, the micro switch 51 outputs a signal indicating OFF to the processing circuit 37.

  When the detection function 37c of the processing circuit 37 receives a signal indicating ON from the micro switch 51, the detection function 37c detects that there is a 100% possibility that the arm 50 that is an obstacle and the gantry 10 are in contact with each other. As a result, the movement control function 37b stops the top plate 22. Therefore, the top plate 22 is stopped at an early stage after the contact, so that damage to the arm 50 and the gantry 10 is not increased.

  The third embodiment has been described above. According to the X-ray CT apparatus according to the third embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress the influence caused by the obstacle 10 and the gantry 10 coming into contact with the subject P.

(Other embodiments)
In the first to third embodiments, the case where steps S101 to S105 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 are executed has been described. However, any of the steps may be appropriately omitted. it can. FIGS. 11-13 is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the other process which the X-ray CT apparatus which concerns on other embodiment performs.

  As shown in the example of FIG. 11, the X-ray CT apparatus can execute steps S104 and S105 without executing step S103 after executing steps S101 and S102.

  Further, as shown in the example of FIG. 12, the X-ray CT apparatus can execute step S105 without executing steps S102 to S104 after executing step S101.

  As shown in the example of FIG. 13, the X-ray CT apparatus can execute step S105 without executing step S104 after executing steps S101, S102, and S103.

  In the first to third embodiments, the case where the couch driving device 21 moves and stops the couchtop 22 within the movement range A of the couchtop 22 is exemplified. The gantry 10 may be moved and stopped within the movement range of the gantry 10 corresponding to the movement range A of the top plate 22. Further, the couch driving device 21 may move and stop the top plate 22, and the gantry driving circuit 16 may move the gantry 10 and stop it. That is, the movement control function 37b moves at least one of the gantry 10 and the top plate 22. In this case, the setting function 37a sets a relative movement range of the top plate 22 with respect to the gantry 10 during imaging based on the imaging conditions.

  In the first to third embodiments, the X-ray CT apparatus has been described as an example of the medical image diagnostic apparatus, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the same embodiment can be applied to an MRI apparatus or a PET apparatus that has a gantry and an obstacle may come into contact with the gantry.

  According to the medical image diagnostic apparatus of at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to suppress the influence of the obstacle 10 attached to the subject P and the gantry 10 in contact with each other.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

1 X-ray CT apparatus 37a Setting function 37b Movement control function 37c Detection function

Claims (10)

A gantry in which an opening serving as an imaging space is formed;
A top plate on which the subject is placed and inserted into the opening when the subject is imaged;
Based on the imaging conditions when the imaging is performed, a setting unit that sets a relative movement range of the top plate with respect to the gantry during the imaging,
Before the imaging is performed, stop by moving at least one of the gantry and the top plate until the tip in the insertion direction of the top plate is located at the back side or the near side end in the insertion direction of the movement range A movement control unit
A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: A detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of a possibility that the obstacle mounted on the subject and the gantry are in contact with each other;
The movement control unit further moves at least one of the gantry and the top plate within the movement range before the imaging is performed,
The detection unit detects whether or not the obstacle and the pedestal may come into contact while the movement control unit moves at least one of the pedestal and the top plate within the moving range. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.   The detection unit sequentially acquires images in which a predetermined space is captured by a camera, and the acquired image has no mark attached to the top plate in a range where the obstacle and the mount do not contact each other The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the obstacle is detected to possibly come into contact with the gantry.   The detection unit sequentially acquires images in which a predetermined space is captured by a camera, and the acquired image includes a mark attached to the top plate in a range where the obstacle and the mount are in contact with each other The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the obstacle is detected to possibly come into contact with the gantry.   The detection unit sequentially acquires images in which a predetermined space is captured by a camera, a range in which the obstacle and the gantry are in contact with each other, and a range in which the obstacle and the gantry are not in contact in the acquired image. The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when there is a mark attached at a position of the top plate between the obstacles, the obstacle and the mount are detected to be in contact with each other.   The medical image diagnosis apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the detection unit displays the acquired image on a display unit.   The detection unit detects a distance between the obstacle and the gantry, and detects that the obstacle and the gantry may come into contact when the detected distance is shorter than a predetermined distance. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2.   The said movement control part stops the said top plate further, when it is detected by the said detection part that the said obstruction and the said base may contact, The any one of Claims 2-7 The medical image diagnostic apparatus described in 1. A gantry in which an opening serving as an imaging space is formed;
A top plate on which the subject is placed and inserted into the opening when the subject is imaged;
Based on the imaging conditions when the imaging is performed, a setting unit that sets a relative movement range of the top plate with respect to the gantry during the imaging,
A movement control unit that moves at least one of the gantry and the top plate within the movement range before the imaging is performed;
Whether or not there is a possibility that an obstacle attached to the subject and the gantry come into contact with the gantry while moving at least one of the gantry and the top plate within the movement range by the movement controller. A detection unit to detect;
A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: An imaging control unit that performs the imaging of the subject;
In the main imaging, the movement control unit moves at least one of the gantry and the top plate within the movement range,
In the main imaging, the detection unit detects whether or not the obstacle and the pedestal may come into contact with each other while moving the pedestal or the top plate within the moving range. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 9.

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