JP2018117705A - X-ray computer tomographic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an X-ray computer tomographic apparatus capable of reducing a burden of monitoring for a subject or the periphery of the subject by an operator, and reducing an increase in a scale of the apparatus.SOLUTION: An X-ray computer tomographic apparatus includes: an X-ray source for generating an X-ray; an X-ray detector for detecting an X-ray from an X-ray source to which a subject is exposed; an optical imaging part for imaging the subject optically; a rotation part for holding the X-ray source, the X-ray detector, and the optical imaging part; a stationary part of rotatably supporting the rotation part; a transmission part for transmitting detection data on the X-ray detected by the X-ray detector and optical image data on an optical image taken in the optical imaging part from the rotation part to the stationary part; and a transmission control part for controlling the allocation of transmission capacity of the optical image data to a predetermined transmission capacity per unit time that the transmission part has according to a collection status of the detection data and the optical image data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an X-ray computed tomography apparatus.

  In an X-ray computed tomography (CT) apparatus, when performing X-ray CT imaging (hereinafter referred to as a CT scan) during operations such as puncture and drip, operations such as puncture or drip are performed. The surgeon visually confirms the subject to be CT scanned or the periphery of the subject. At this time, the body of the subject becomes a wall, and it is difficult to grasp the state on the opposite side of the subject as viewed from the surgeon. In particular, in a standing CT apparatus capable of imaging a subject in a standing or sitting position and performing image diagnosis in a state where joints and organs are subjected to their own weight and gravity, the body of the subject and the stand of the standing CT apparatus It becomes difficult for the operator to grasp the state of the opposite side of the subject as seen by the operator.

  Therefore, it is conceivable to install an optical camera in the examination room for optically photographing the subject or the state around the subject. By installing the optical camera, it is possible to easily monitor the subject or the state around the subject. However, it is necessary to provide a dedicated transmission path for transmitting an image captured by the optical camera to the console of the X-ray CT apparatus.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-089674

  An object of the present embodiment is to provide an X-ray computed tomography apparatus capable of reducing the burden of monitoring of the subject or the periphery of the subject by the operator and the increase in the scale of the apparatus.

  According to the embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes: an X-ray source that generates X-rays; an X-ray detector that detects X-rays exposed to the subject from the X-ray source; and the subject An optical imaging unit that optically captures the X-ray, a rotating unit that holds the X-ray source, the X-ray detector, and the optical imaging unit, a fixed unit that rotatably supports the rotating unit, and the X-ray A transmission unit that transmits detection data related to X-rays detected by the detector and optical image data related to an optical image captured by the optical imaging unit from the rotating unit to the fixed unit; the detection data; and the optical image A transmission control unit that controls allocation of a transmission capacity of the optical image data in a predetermined transmission capacity per unit time of the transmission unit according to a data collection state.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an X-ray CT apparatus according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a gantry of the X-ray CT apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating allocation of raw data and optical image data in a predetermined transmission capacity per unit time included in the transmission circuit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 shows allocation of raw data and optical image data in a predetermined transmission capacity per unit time when the total transmission capacity of raw data and optical image data exceeds a predetermined transmission capacity in the application example. FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an X-ray CT apparatus according to the first modification. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a standing CT gantry included in the standing CT apparatus according to the second modification. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a standing CT apparatus according to the second modification.

  Hereinafter, the X-ray CT apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. An X-ray CT apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an apparatus for performing a CT scan on a subject in a prone state. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes a gantry 2, a CT console 3, and a CT bed 4. The gantry 2 includes a high voltage generator 21, an X-ray source 22, an X-ray detector 23, a data acquisition circuit (DAS) 24, an optical camera 25, a non-contact data transmission circuit 26, A gantry control circuit 27 and an operation panel 30 are provided.

  The gantry 2 is a device that performs a CT scan on the subject S in a lying position placed on the CT bed 4. In the present embodiment, the gantry 2 has a rotating frame 28. The rotating frame 28 holds the X-ray source 22 and the X-ray detector 23 with an opening forming an imaging region interposed therebetween. A high voltage generator 21, an X-ray source 22, an X-ray detector 23, a DAS 24, an optical camera 25, and a part of the non-contact data transmission circuit 26 are mounted on the rotating frame 28. The rotary frame 28 receives power from the rotary drive device 29 and rotates at a constant angular velocity around the central axis of the opening. A top plate 41 on which the subject S can be placed is inserted into the opening of the rotating frame 28. The gantry 2 has a main frame (fixed frame) that rotatably supports the rotation frame 28 with the central axis of the opening of the rotation frame 28 as a rotation axis, and a rotation drive device that rotates the rotation frame 28 (for example, an electric motor). ) 29 etc.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the gantry 2 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the gantry 2 has a cover for covering the rotating frame 28, the fixed frame, and the like. The cover includes a mylar plate 100 provided along the inner periphery forming the opening. The mylar plate 100 is provided with a transparent portion 101 at a location corresponding to the photographing field of view of the optical camera 25. Thereby, the imaging | photography visual field of the optical camera 25 is securable. In the present embodiment, the transparent portion 101 is provided at a position corresponding to the shooting field of view of the optical camera 25, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the mylar plate 100 may be transparent.

  The rotation driving device 29 generates power for rotating the rotating frame 28 in accordance with the control from the gantry control circuit 27. The rotation drive device 29 generates power by driving at a rotation speed corresponding to the duty ratio of the drive signal from the gantry control circuit 27. The rotary drive device 29 is realized by a motor such as a direct drive motor or a servo motor, for example. The rotation drive device 29 is accommodated in the main frame, for example.

  Here, the gantry 2 supplies power to the rotary frame 28, the high voltage generator 21, and the high voltage generator 21 on which the X-ray source 22, the X-ray detector 23, the DAS 24, and the optical camera 25 are installed. In addition to a power supply device (for example, a commercial power supply) to be used, various other devices necessary for CT scanning may be accommodated. For example, a cooling device that cools the X-ray source 22 may be attached to the rotating frame 28. A fan for air conditioning may be attached to the gantry 2.

  The high voltage generator 21 is a tube to be applied to the X-ray source 22 from the power supplied from the power supply device of the gantry 2 via a slip ring in accordance with the control by the CT console 3 via the gantry control circuit 27. A voltage and a tube current (filament current) supplied to the X-ray source 22 are generated. Specifically, the high voltage generator 21 includes a converter, an inverter, and a boost rectifier circuit including a capacitor and a rectifier circuit. First, the high voltage generator 21 converts the AC voltage supplied from the power supply device of the gantry 2 into a DC voltage using a converter. Next, the high voltage generator 21 converts the DC voltage converted by the converter into a high-frequency AC voltage using an inverter. Further, the high voltage generator 21 boosts and rectifies the high-frequency AC voltage converted by the inverter by the boost rectifier circuit to generate a high-frequency DC voltage. The high voltage generator 21 applies the high-frequency DC voltage to the X-ray source 22.

  The X-ray source 22 receives the application of the tube voltage from the high voltage generator 21 and the supply of the tube current, and generates X-rays that irradiate the subject S placed on the top board 41 from the focal point of the X-rays. For example, an X-ray tube is used as the X-ray source 22. Specifically, an anode and a cathode are housed inside the X-ray tube, and the inside of the X-ray tube is kept in a vacuum. A target material is provided on the anode side. For example, tungsten or molybdenum is used as the target material. A filament is provided on the cathode side. For the filament, for example, tungsten is used. First, in response to the application of the tube voltage from the high voltage generator 21, thermal electrons are emitted from the filament in the cathode. Next, the emitted thermoelectrons collide with the target material. Thereby, the X-ray tube generates X-rays.

  The X-ray detector 23 is attached to the rotating frame 28 at a position and an angle facing the X-ray source 22 across the rotation axis. The X-ray detector 23 detects X-rays generated from the X-ray source 22 and transmitted through the subject S. The X-ray detector 23 mounts a plurality of X-ray detection elements (not shown) arranged on a two-dimensional curved surface. Each X-ray detection element detects the X-ray from the X-ray source 22 and converts it into an electric signal having a peak value corresponding to the detected X-ray intensity. Each X-ray detection element has, for example, a scintillator and a photoelectric converter. The scintillator receives X-rays and generates fluorescence. The photoelectric converter converts the generated fluorescence into a charge pulse. The charge pulse has a peak value corresponding to the intensity of the X-ray. Specifically, a device that converts photons such as a photomultiplier tube or a photodiode (Photo Diode) into an electrical signal is used as the photoelectric converter. The X-ray detector 23 according to the present embodiment is not limited to an indirect detection type detector that converts X-rays into fluorescence and then converts them into electrical signals, and converts X-rays directly into electrical signals. It may be a direct detection type detector (semiconductor detector).

  The DAS 24 collects digital data indicating the intensity of the X-ray attenuated by the subject S for each view. The DAS 24 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor integrated circuit in which an integrator, an amplifier, and an A / D converter provided for each of a plurality of X-ray detection elements are mounted in parallel. The DAS 24 is connected to the X-ray detector 23 in the gantry 2. The integrator integrates the electric signal from the X-ray detection element over a predetermined view period to generate an integration signal. The amplifier amplifies the integrated signal output from the integrator. The A / D converter performs A / D conversion on the amplified integration signal, and generates digital data having a data value corresponding to the peak value of the integration signal. The converted digital data is called raw data. The raw data is a set of digital values of x-ray intensity identified by the channel number, column number, and view number indicating the collected view of the source x-ray detector. For example, the DAS 24 transmits raw data to the contactless data transmission circuit 26.

  The optical camera 25 optically shoots the subject S placed on the top 41 or the state around the subject S according to control by the gantry control circuit 27. The optical camera 25 outputs, for example, a captured image of the subject S or the periphery of the subject S (hereinafter referred to as an optical image) to the non-contact data transmission circuit 26. The optical camera 25 is connected to the non-contact data transmission circuit 26 with a cable, for example. The optical image may be a still image or a moving image. The optical camera 25 is installed in the vicinity of the X-ray source 22 of the rotating frame 28. By installing in the vicinity of the X-ray source 22, the optical camera 25 can image the subject S in a direction substantially coinciding with the X-ray irradiation direction. Further, by photographing the subject S in a direction substantially coincident with the X-ray irradiation direction, it is possible to associate the raw data collected by the DAS 24 with the optical image photographed by the optical camera 25 for each view. Since the optical camera 25 is installed on the rotating frame 28 together with the X-ray source 22 and the X-ray detector 23, a smaller camera than that installed separately from the gantry 2 is adopted. Thereby, it becomes possible to reduce the increase in the scale of the apparatus.

  In the present embodiment, the optical camera 25 is installed in the vicinity of the X-ray source 22, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. The optical camera 25 in the present embodiment may be installed at an arbitrary position on the rotating frame 28. For example, the optical camera 25 may be installed at a viewing angle such as 90 ° or 270 °. Thereby, the state in the opening of the subject S placed on the CT bed 4 can be monitored. Further, when monitoring the entire subject S or the state around the subject S, the optical camera 25 may be installed at a position where the subject S can be looked down on. In addition, although one optical camera 25 is installed on the rotary frame 28, the present embodiment is not limited to this. In the present embodiment, for example, a plurality of optical cameras 25 may be installed as necessary.

  The non-contact data transmission circuit 26 is realized by a transmission device using a magnetic transmission / reception method, a wireless transmission / reception method, or an optical transmission / reception means. The non-contact data transmission circuit 26 transmits the raw data collected by the DAS 24 and the optical image data related to the optical image taken by the optical camera 25 to the CT console 3. That is, the non-contact data transmission circuit 26 in the present embodiment transmits the raw data and the optical image data to the CT console 3 using the same transmission path. The non-contact data transmission circuit 26 includes, for example, a first memory 261, a second memory 262, a transmission circuit 263, a reception circuit 264, a transfer circuit 265, and a transmission control circuit 266. The first memory 261, the second memory 262, and the transmission circuit 263 are provided in the rotating frame 28. The reception circuit 264, the transfer circuit 265, and the transmission control circuit 266 are provided in the main frame.

  The first memory 261 stores the raw data output from the DAS 24. The second memory 262 stores the optical image data output from the optical camera 25.

  The transmission circuit 263 transmits the raw data stored in the first memory 261 to the reception circuit 264 and transmits the optical image data stored in the second memory 262 to the reception circuit 264 according to the control by the transmission control circuit 266. The transmission circuit 263 transmits the raw data and the optical image data to the reception circuit 264 by, for example, a magnetic transmission / reception method, a wireless transmission / reception method, or an optical transmission / reception method. The reception circuit 264 receives the raw data transmitted from the transmission circuit 263 and the optical image. The reception circuit 264 outputs the received raw data and optical image data to the transfer circuit 265.

  The transfer circuit 265 transmits the raw data output from the receiving circuit 264 and the optical image data to the CT console 3. The transfer circuit 265 in the present embodiment is connected to the communication interface (IF) circuit 33 of the CT console 3 by wire, for example. The transfer circuit 265 transfers raw data and optical image data to the communication IF circuit 33 of the CT console 3. The transfer circuit 265 may transfer the raw data and the optical image data to the communication IF circuit 33 of the CT console 3 by a magnetic transmission / reception method, a wireless transmission / reception method, or an optical transmission / reception method.

  The transmission control circuit 266 controls transmission of raw data and optical image data by the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264 according to the control by the gantry control circuit 27. The transmission control circuit 266 is realized by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) and a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory of the transmission control circuit 266 stores a setting program. The processor of the transmission control circuit 266 reads the setting program stored in the memory. The processor of the transmission control circuit 266 implements the setting function 267 by executing the read setting program. By realizing the setting function 267, the transmission control circuit 266 assigns the transmission capacity of the raw data to the predetermined transmission capacity per unit time of the transmission circuit 263 according to the collection status of the raw data and the optical image data. Controls allocation of transmission capacity of optical image data.

  The gantry control circuit 27 includes, as hardware resources, a processor such as a CPU and an MPU, and a memory such as a ROM and a RAM. The processor of the gantry control circuit 27 comprehensively controls the operation of each component provided in the gantry 2 in accordance with a control signal output from the CT console 3.

  The operation panel 30 is realized by a switch button, a touch pad that performs an input operation by touching an operation surface, a touch panel display in which a display screen and a touch pad are integrated, and the like. The operation panel 30 converts an input operation received from an operator (including an operator who performs operations such as puncturing and infusion in this embodiment) into an electrical signal and outputs the electrical signal to the gantry control circuit 27.

  The CT console 3 is a computer or a workstation for controlling the gantry 2 that executes CT scanning and the CT bed 4 on which the subject S that is the subject of CT scanning is placed. The CT console 3 according to the present embodiment includes, for example, an image reconstruction circuit 31, an input interface (IF) circuit 32, a communication IF circuit 33, a display circuit 34, a storage circuit 35, and a console control circuit 36. Have.

  The image reconstruction circuit 31 is realized by a predetermined processor such as a CPU and a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit) and a predetermined memory such as a ROM and a RAM. The memory of the image reconstruction circuit 31 stores a preprocessing program. The processor of the image reconstruction circuit 31 implements the preprocessing function 311 by executing the preprocessing program. By realizing the preprocessing function 311, the image reconstruction circuit 31 performs preprocessing on the raw data output from the non-contact data transmission circuit 26. Pre-processing includes, for example, logarithmic conversion processing for raw data, non-uniform sensitivity correction processing between channels, X-ray strong absorbers, processing for correcting signal signal drop or extreme signal intensity drop mainly due to metal parts, etc. included.

  The memory of the image reconstruction circuit 31 stores a reconstruction program. The processor of the image reconstruction circuit 31 implements a reconstruction function 312 by executing a reconstruction program. By realizing the reconstruction function 312, the image reconstruction circuit 31 reconstructs a CT image based on the raw data set. The image reconstruction circuit 31 transmits the reconstructed CT image to the storage circuit 35.

  The input IF circuit 32 is an input device such as a trackball, a scroll wheel, a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch pad that performs an input operation by touching an operation surface, and a touch panel display in which the display screen and the touch pad are integrated. It is realized by. The input IF circuit 32 converts, for example, an input operation received from the operator into an electrical signal and outputs it to the console control circuit 36. In the present embodiment, the input IF circuit 32 is not limited to one having physical operation parts such as a trackball, a scroll wheel, a switch button, a mouse, and a keyboard. For example, an electric signal processing circuit that receives an electric signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the apparatus and outputs the electric signal to the console control circuit 36 is also an example of the input IF circuit 32. included.

  The communication IF circuit 33 is a circuit for communicating with an external device by wire or wireless. The external device is, for example, a server included in a system such as a radiation department information management system (RIS), a hospital information system (HIS), and a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System), or other work Station etc. In the present embodiment, the communication IF circuit 33 is connected to the transfer circuit 265 of the gantry 2 by wire.

  The display circuit 34 displays various data, the medical image, and the like according to control by the console control circuit 36. In the present embodiment, the display circuit 34 displays, for example, an optical image captured by the optical camera 25 and output via the non-contact data transmission circuit 26. Thereby, the positional relationship between the subject S and the gantry 2 can be grasped, and the subject S can be positioned manually or automatically from the CT console 3. In addition, since the subject S or the state around the subject S can be monitored while in the operation room, it is easy to set the start timing of the CT scan. The display circuit 34 includes a display interface circuit and a display device. The display interface circuit converts data representing a display target into a video signal. The display signal is supplied to the display device. The display device displays a video signal representing a display target. Examples of the display device include a CRT display (Cathode Ray Tube Display), a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL display (OELD), a plasma display, or others known in the art. Any display can be used as appropriate.

  The storage circuit 35 is an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like that can store a relatively large amount of data. For example, the storage circuit 35 stores an optical image captured by the optical camera 25 of the gantry 2 and transmitted via the communication IF circuit 33. The storage circuit 35 may use a magneto-optical disk and an optical disk such as a CD (Compact Disc) and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) in addition to a magnetic disk such as an HDD. The storage area of the storage circuit 35 may be in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 or in an external storage device connected by a network.

  The console control circuit 36 is realized by a predetermined processor such as a CPU and an MPU and a predetermined memory such as a ROM and a RAM as hardware resources. The processor of the console control circuit 36 comprehensively controls the operation and processing of each component in the CT console 3 by a control program stored in the memory. Specifically, the console control circuit 36 controls power supply to the high voltage generator 21 via the slip ring so as to perform imaging according to a predetermined scan sequence. The console control circuit 36 controls the rotation drive device 29 via the gantry control circuit 27 to rotate the rotating frame 28. The console control circuit 36 moves the couchtop 41 by controlling the bed driving device 42. Due to the movement of the top plate 41, the subject S placed on the top plate 41 is moved along the rotation axis.

  The CT bed 4 includes a top board 41 on which the subject S is placed and a bed driving device 42. The top plate 41 is supported by the CT bed 4 so as to be movable along the central axis of the rotary frame 28. Here, the top 41 is positioned so that the body axis of the subject S placed on the top 41 coincides with the central axis of the rotating frame 28.

  The couch driving device 42 moves the top board 41 according to the control by the CT console 3 via the gantry control circuit 27 or the control by the gantry control circuit 27. For example, the bed driving device 42 moves the table top 41 in a direction orthogonal to the subject S so that the body axis of the subject S placed on the table top 41 coincides with the central axis of the opening of the rotary frame 28. To do. Further, the couch driving device 42 moves the top 41 along the body axis direction of the subject S in accordance with a CT scan executed using the gantry 2.

  Here, the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

Example 1
In the first embodiment, an operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 related to transmission of raw data and optical image data from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264 according to the collection status of the raw data and optical image data will be described. As specific examples, detailed description will be given separately for the case of transmitting only optical image data, the case of transmitting only raw data, and the case of transmitting raw data and optical image data simultaneously.

(Example 1-1)
Example 1-1 describes a case where the subject S or the periphery of the subject S is optically imaged from an arbitrary view angle designated by an operator who performs operations such as puncture or infusion before performing a CT scan. That is, Example 1-1 describes a case where only the optical image data is transmitted from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264.

  First, the gantry control circuit 27 controls the rotation driving device 29 so as to rotate the rotating frame 28 according to the rotation instruction of the rotating frame 28 from the operator via the input IF circuit 32 or the operation panel 30. Next, according to an imaging instruction from the operator via the input IF circuit 32 or the operation panel 30, the gantry control circuit 27 controls the optical camera 25 to optically image the subject S or the periphery of the subject S. .

  Here, the operation of the transmission control circuit 266 in the embodiment 1-1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the transmission control circuit 266 when raw data and optical image data are transmitted from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264.

  In step S <b> 1, the transmission control circuit 266 acquires the scanning conditions for CT scanning executed by the gantry 2 and the imaging conditions for optical imaging executed by the optical camera 25. The scan conditions in this embodiment are the examination site, examination purpose, imaging range, scan method (helical scan and non-helical scan, etc.), tube current, tube voltage, number of views, view rate, sampling period, reconstruction condition, window level (WL: Window Level), window width (WW: Window Width), and the like. The shooting conditions for optical shooting include image resolution, shooting range, shooting view interval, and the like.

  In Example 1-1, in order to collect only optical images, the transmission control circuit 266 acquires imaging conditions for optical imaging executed by the optical camera 25. Specifically, the transmission control circuit 266 obtains an arbitrary view angle for photographing the optical image as a photographing condition for optical photographing. The view angle corresponds to the opposite side of the subject S viewed from the operator.

  In step S2, the transmission control circuit 266 sets, as the setting function 267, the transmission capacity of the raw data occupying a predetermined transmission capacity per unit time of the transmission circuit 263 according to the collection status of the raw data and the optical image data. Set allocation and allocation of transmission capacity of optical image data. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing allocation of raw data and optical image data occupying the predetermined transmission capacity. FIG. 4 shows allocation of the predetermined transmission capacity when data is transmitted for each view, for example. Raw data has a data capacity collected in one view. The optical image data has a data capacity for one frame corresponding to one view. As shown in FIG. 4A, the transmission control circuit 266 assigns a predetermined transmission capacity per view included in the transmission circuit 263 as the transmission capacity of the optical image data. Also, the transmission control circuit 266 allocates dummy data (meaningless data) to the remaining transmission capacity in accordance with the allocated transmission capacity of the optical image data. Note that dummy data may not be assigned to the remaining transmission capacity, and there may be simply no data.

  Here, the transmission capacity of the optical image data can be set before the optical photographing is executed based on the photographing condition. For example, the transmission control circuit 266 calculates the total amount of optical image data per view acquired by the optical imaging based on the acquired imaging conditions. The total amount of optical image data per view can be calculated from the image resolution, shooting range, shooting view interval, and the like. The transmission control circuit 266 sets allocation of the transmission capacity of the optical image data occupying the predetermined transmission capacity based on the calculated total amount of optical image data.

  In step S3, the gantry control circuit 27 starts CT scanning based on the acquired scanning condition and optical imaging based on the acquired imaging condition. In Example 1-1, in order to collect only optical images, the gantry control circuit 27 starts optical imaging based on the acquired imaging conditions. After the start of optical imaging, the optical camera 25 outputs the captured optical image to the second memory 262 via a cable. The second memory stores optical image data related to the optical image output from the optical camera 25. The transmission control circuit 266 controls the transmission circuit 263 to read and transmit the optical image data from the second memory 262 based on the set transmission capacity allocation of the optical image data.

  Thereby, the transmission circuit 263 can read the optical image data from the second memory 262 and transmit the optical image data to the reception circuit 264.

(Example 1-2)
In Example 1-2, a case where a CT scan is simply performed on the subject S will be described. That is, Example 1-2 describes a case where only raw data is transmitted from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264.

  First, according to the CT scan execution instruction from the operator via the input IF circuit 32 or the operation panel 30, the console control circuit 36 instructs the gantry control circuit 27 to start the CT scan. The gantry control circuit 27 receives an instruction from the console control circuit 36 and starts a CT scan.

  Here, the operation of the transmission control circuit 266 in the embodiment 1-2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In step S <b> 1, the transmission control circuit 266 acquires the scan conditions for the CT scan executed by the gantry 2.

  In step S2, the transmission control circuit 266 sets, as the setting function 267, the transmission capacity of the raw data occupying a predetermined transmission capacity per unit time of the transmission circuit 263 according to the collection status of the raw data and the optical image data. Set allocation and allocation of transmission capacity of optical image data. As shown in FIG. 4B, the transmission control circuit 266 allocates a predetermined transmission capacity per view as a transmission capacity of raw data. The transmission control circuit 266 allocates dummy data to the remaining transmission capacity according to the allocated transmission capacity of the raw data.

  Here, the transmission capacity of the raw data can be set before the CT scan is executed based on the scan condition. For example, the transmission control circuit 266 calculates the total amount of raw data per view acquired by the CT scan based on the acquired scan condition. The total amount of raw data per view can be calculated from the imaging range, scan method, sampling period, number of views, number of channels of the X-ray detector 23, number of detector rows, and the like. The transmission control circuit 266 sets allocation of the transmission capacity of the raw data occupying the predetermined transmission capacity according to the calculated total amount of raw data.

  In step S3, the gantry control circuit 27 starts a CT scan based on the acquired scan condition. After starting the CT scan, the DAS 24 outputs the collected raw data to the first memory 261. The first memory stores raw data output from the DAS 24. The transmission control circuit 266 controls the transmission circuit 263 to read and transmit the raw data from the first memory 261 based on the set transmission capacity of the raw data set.

  Thereby, the transmission circuit 263 can read the raw data stored in the first memory 261 and transmit it to the reception circuit 264.

(Example 1-3)
Example 1-3 describes a case where a CT scan is performed while optically imaging the subject S or the periphery of the subject S. That is, Example 1-3 describes a case where raw data and optical image data are transmitted from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264 simultaneously.

  First, similarly to Example 1-1, the gantry control circuit 27 controls the optical camera 25 according to the imaging instruction from the operator via the input IF circuit 32 or the operation panel 30, and the subject S or the subject. Optically shoot around S. Similarly to the embodiment 1-2, the gantry control circuit 27 receives an instruction from the console control circuit 36 and starts a CT scan.

  Here, the operation of the transmission control circuit 266 in the embodiment 1-3 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In step S <b> 1, the transmission control circuit 266 acquires the scan conditions for the CT scan executed by the gantry 2 and the imaging conditions for the optical imaging executed by the optical camera 25 before starting the CT scan and optical imaging.

  In step S <b> 2, the transmission control circuit 266 sets, as the setting function 267, the transmission capacity of the raw data that occupies a predetermined transmission capacity per unit time of the transmission circuit 263 according to the collection status of the raw data and the optical image. The assignment and the assignment of optical image data transmission capacity are set. In Embodiment 1-3, the transmission control circuit 266 preferentially assigns the predetermined transmission capacity as the raw data transmission capacity, and assigns the remaining transmission capacity as the optical image data transmission capacity. For example, the transmission control circuit 266 occupies the predetermined transmission capacity so that an optical image obtained by photographing the subject S or the periphery of the subject S can be transmitted from the designated view angle at the transmission timing of the designated view angle. Assignment of transmission capacity for raw data and transmission capacity for optical image data is set.

  In step S3, the gantry control circuit 27 starts CT scanning based on the acquired scanning condition and optical imaging based on the acquired imaging condition. The transmission control circuit 266 controls the transmission circuit 263 to read and transmit the raw data from the first memory 261 based on the set transmission capacity of the raw data set. The transmission control circuit 266 controls the transmission circuit 263 to read and transmit the optical image from the second memory 262 based on the set transmission capacity of the optical image data.

  Thereby, the transmission circuit 263 can read the raw data stored in the first memory 261 and transmit it to the reception circuit 264. Further, the transmission circuit 263 can read the optical image data from the second memory 262 and transmit the optical image data to the reception circuit 264.

  According to the first embodiment, when only the optical image data is transmitted from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 transmits the optical image data stored in the second memory 262 with a predetermined transmission capacity. Assign as capacity. When only the raw data is transmitted from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 assigns a predetermined transmission capacity as the transmission capacity of the raw data stored in the first memory 261. When the X-ray CT apparatus 1 transmits the raw data and the optical image simultaneously from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 preferentially assigns a predetermined transmission capacity as the transmission capacity of the raw data, and assigns the remaining transmission capacity to the optical image. Allocate as data transmission capacity.

  That is, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 transmits the raw data from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264 and the optical image data from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264 according to the collection state of the raw data and the optical image. The transmission capacity can be varied. Further, the view angle for photographing with the optical camera 25 is manually set by an input instruction from the operator via the input IF circuit 32 before starting CT scan or the operation panel 30. The transmission control circuit 266 captures an optical image every rotation at the set view angle. Thereby, the state of the arbitrary view angle of the subject S designated by the operator can be constantly monitored.

  Here, in the first embodiment, the unit time is one view, but the first embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the unit time may be set as a plurality of views, and raw data and optical image data collected in the plurality of views may be transmitted from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264. In the first embodiment, the subject S or the periphery of the subject S is optically captured from an arbitrary view angle designated by the operator. However, the first embodiment is not limited to this. For example, even if a wide range is imaged by specifying a plurality of view angles, an all-round imaging that images the entire periphery of the subject S may be performed. In the first embodiment, the raw data and the optical image data collected in one view are transmitted from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264 at one transmission timing. However, the first embodiment is not limited to this. For example, at one transmission timing, raw data and optical image data collected in a plurality of views may be transmitted from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264 a plurality of times.

  In addition, in order to transmit optical image data within a limited transmission capacity, the transmission capacity of optical image data may be reduced by reducing the image resolution, for example. Further, the transmission capacity of the optical image data may be reduced by lowering the frame rate of the optical camera 25.

(Application example of Example 1-3)
In the first to third embodiments, when the raw data and the optical image data are simultaneously transmitted from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264, the transmission control circuit 266 preferentially uses the predetermined transmission capacity as the transmission capacity of the raw data. The remaining transmission capacity is allocated as the transmission capacity of the optical image data. FIG. 5 shows allocation of raw data and optical image data in a predetermined transmission capacity per unit time when the total transmission capacity of raw data and optical image data exceeds a predetermined transmission capacity in the application example. FIG.

  For example, the total transmission capacity of raw data and optical image data may exceed a predetermined transmission capacity due to changes in scanning conditions, imaging conditions, and the like. In the application example of Example 1-3, an operation of the transmission control circuit 266 when the total transmission capacity of the raw data and the optical image data exceeds a predetermined transmission capacity will be described. As a specific example, the transmission capacity of the optical image data shown in FIG. 5A becomes larger than the transmission capacity of the optical image data shown in Example 1-3 due to the change of the imaging condition, and the total transmission capacity is a predetermined transmission capacity. Describe the case of exceeding. In addition, about the description which overlaps with Example 1-3, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted and it demonstrates suitably as needed. Further, FIG. 5 shows allocation of the predetermined transmission capacity when data is transmitted for each view, as in FIG. FIGS. 5B to 5D show data transmission timing for each view arranged in time series. That is, after the data in FIG. 5B is transmitted, the data in FIG. 5C is transmitted. Further, after the data of FIG. 5C is transmitted, the data of FIG. 5D is transmitted.

  In step S2, the transmission control circuit 266 preferentially assigns the predetermined transmission capacity as the raw data transmission capacity and assigns the remaining transmission capacity as the optical image data transmission capacity, as in the embodiment 1-3. Here, as shown in FIG. 5A, the optical image data of the A section that fits within the predetermined transmission capacity can be transmitted from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264. On the other hand, optical image data of the B section exceeding the predetermined transmission capacity cannot be transmitted from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264 at the same transmission timing as the optical image data of the A section.

  The transmission control circuit 266 controls the transmission circuit 263 so that the optical image data is divided and transmitted over a plurality of transmission timings. For example, the optical image data is divided into A section and B section and transmitted over a plurality of transmission timings. For example, the transmission control circuit 266 transmits the optical image data of the A section at the transmission timing illustrated in FIG. 5B, and transmits the optical image data of the B section at the transmission timing illustrated in FIG. 263 is controlled. Further, the transmission control circuit 266 allocates dummy data to the remaining transmission capacity in accordance with the allocated transmission capacity of the B-section optical image data at the transmission timing illustrated in FIG.

  According to the application example of the first to third embodiments, the transmission control circuit 266 controls the transmission circuit 263 so that the optical image data is divided and transmitted at a plurality of transmission timings. Thereby, even when the total transmission capacity of the raw data and the optical image data exceeds the predetermined transmission capacity, the optical image data can be transmitted from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264.

  In the application example, the optical image data is divided into data that can be accommodated in the predetermined transmission capacity and data that exceeds the predetermined transmission capacity. However, the application example is not limited to this. For example, the optical image data may be divided into arbitrary sections such as dividing the optical image data in half.

(Modification 1)
In the above embodiment, transmission of raw data and optical image data from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264 of the non-contact data transmission circuit 26 has been described, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first modification. As shown in FIG. 6, this embodiment can also be applied to transfer of raw data and optical image data from the gantry 2 to the CT console 3. In addition, about the description which overlaps with FIG. 1, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted and it demonstrates suitably as needed.

  The non-contact data transmission circuit 26 shown in FIG. 6 is realized by a transmission device using a magnetic transmission / reception method, a wireless transmission / reception method, or an optical transmission / reception means. The non-contact data transmission circuit 26 transmits the raw data collected by the DAS 24 and the optical image data photographed by the optical camera 25 to the CT console 3. That is, the non-contact data transmission circuit 26 in the present embodiment transmits the raw data and the optical image data to the CT console 3 using the same transmission path. The non-contact data transmission circuit 26 includes, for example, a transmission circuit 263, a reception circuit 264, a transfer circuit 265, a first memory 268, a second memory 269, and a transfer control circuit 270.

  The transfer control circuit 270 controls the transfer of raw data and optical image data to the CT console 3 by the transfer circuit 265 according to the control by the gantry control circuit 27. The transfer control circuit 270 is realized by a processor such as a CPU and an MPU and a memory such as a ROM and a RAM. The memory of the transfer control circuit 270 stores a setting program. The processor of the transfer control circuit 270 reads the setting program stored in the memory. The processor of the transfer control circuit 270 implements the setting function 271 by executing the read setting program. By realizing the setting function 271, the transfer control circuit 270 controls allocation of raw data transfer capacity and optical image data transfer capacity in a predetermined transfer capacity per unit time of the transfer circuit 265.

  Specifically, the transfer control circuit 270 controls the transfer circuit 265 to read and transfer the raw data from the first memory 268 based on the set transfer capacity of the raw data. The transfer control circuit 270 controls the transfer circuit 265 to read and transfer the optical image data from the second memory 269 based on the set transfer capacity of the optical image data.

  Thereby, the transfer circuit 265 transfers the raw data and the optical image to the CT console 3 based on the set assignment.

  According to the first modification, the transfer control circuit 270 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 controls the transfer of raw data and optical image data to the CT console 3 by the transfer circuit 265 according to the control by the gantry control circuit 27. Thereby, the transfer circuit 265 can transfer raw data and optical image data from the gantry 2 to the CT console 3.

(Modification 2)
In the above embodiment, the raw data and the optical image from the transmission circuit 263 of the non-contact data transmission circuit 26 to the reception circuit 264 in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 for performing a CT scan on the subject S in the prone position. Although transmission with data has been described, the present embodiment is not limited to this. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a standing CT gantry 6 provided in the standing CT apparatus 5 according to the second modification. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a standing CT apparatus 5 according to the second modification. For example, the present embodiment can also be applied to a standing CT apparatus 5 including a standing CT gantry 6 for performing a CT scan on a subject S in a standing or sitting position. In addition, about the description which overlaps with FIG. 1, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted and it demonstrates suitably as needed.

  The standing CT gantry 6 shown in FIG. 8 includes a support 61 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. The column 61 is a base that supports the gantry 2 away from the floor surface. The support column 61 has, for example, a columnar shape such as a columnar shape or a prismatic shape. The support 61 is made of an arbitrary material such as plastic or metal. The support 61 is attached to the side surface of the gantry 2, for example. Since the column 61 performs a CT scan on the subject S in the standing position, the column 61 supports the gantry 2 so as to be movable in the vertical direction in a state where the central axis of the opening is maintained in a direction perpendicular to the floor surface.

  The support 61 accommodates a drive device 62 (hereinafter referred to as a support device) for moving the gantry 2 in the vertical direction with respect to the vertical direction. The column driving device 62 generates power for moving the gantry 2 in the vertical direction in accordance with the control from the gantry control circuit 27. Specifically, the column drive device 62 generates power by driving at a rotational speed corresponding to the duty ratio of the drive signal from the gantry control circuit 27. The column 61 receives power from the column driving device 62 and moves the gantry 2 with respect to the column 61 in the vertical direction. The column driving device 62 is realized by a motor such as a direct drive motor or a servo motor, for example.

  The column 61 is configured to support the gantry 2 so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis (also referred to as a rotation axis, hereinafter referred to as a tilt axis) of the gantry 2, for example. In this case, the support 61 and the gantry 2 are connected via a rotating shaft or the like so that the gantry 2 can rotate around the tilt axis.

  The support 61 accommodates a drive device for tilting about the tilt axis of the gantry 2 (hereinafter referred to as a tilt drive device 63). The tilt driving device 63 generates power for rotating the gantry 2 about the tilt axis according to the control from the gantry control circuit 27. Specifically, the tilt drive device 63 generates power by driving at a rotational speed corresponding to the duty ratio of the drive signal from the gantry control circuit 27. The column 61 receives the power from the tilt driving device 63 and tilts the gantry 2 with respect to the tilt axis. The tilt drive device 63 is realized by a motor such as a direct drive motor or a servo motor, for example.

  It is difficult for the conventional standing CT apparatus to confirm the interference between the subject S and the gantry 2 because of the structure. On the other hand, the standing CT apparatus 5 according to the modified example 2 can monitor the state of the subject S in the gantry 2 by the optical camera 25, so that the interference state between the subject S and the gantry 2 can be easily confirmed. Can be done.

(Modification 3)
In the above embodiment, for example, a view angle for photographing with the optical camera 25 is manually set by an input instruction from an operator. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. The optical camera 25 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment may image the subject S every time a predetermined view angle corresponding to the scan mode is reached.

(Modification 4)
In the above embodiment, for example, a view angle for photographing with the optical camera 25 is manually set by an input instruction from an operator. Further, a view angle for photographing with the optical camera 25 is set according to the scan mode. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the setting of the view angle when photographing a puncture image may be estimated from operator information in addition to the manual setting. Specifically, it may be estimated from puncture angle information in which the operator information and the examination purpose are linked.

(Summary)
As described above, the X-ray CT apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, an optical camera, a rotating frame, a fixed frame, a transmission circuit, and a transmission control circuit. . The transmission circuit receives detection data (raw data) relating to X-rays detected by the X-ray detector and an optical image taken by the optical camera from a transmission circuit installed in the rotating frame and installed in a fixed frame. Send to circuit. The transmission control circuit controls the allocation of the transmission capacity of the optical image data that occupies a predetermined transmission capacity per unit time of the transmission circuit, according to the collection status of the detection data and the optical image.

  With the above configuration, the X-ray CT apparatus according to the present embodiment can easily monitor the subject or the state around the subject regardless of the operator's position by installing the optical camera. In addition, it is not necessary to install a dedicated transmission path for transmitting an image captured by the optical camera to the console of the X-ray CT apparatus.

  Thus, the X-ray CT apparatus according to the present embodiment can reduce the burden of monitoring the subject or the periphery of the subject by the operator and the increase in the scale of the apparatus.

  Note that the transfer circuit 265 and the transfer control circuit 270 described in Modification 1 may be mounted on the X-ray CT apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 and the standing CT apparatus 5 shown in FIG.

  Note that the X-ray CT apparatus in the above embodiment is a so-called third generation. In other words, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is assumed to be a rotation / rotation-type in which the X-ray source and the X-ray detector are integrated and transmitted around the rotation axis. However, the X-ray CT apparatus according to the present embodiment is not limited to that. For example, the X-ray CT apparatus may be a fixed / rotate-type in which a large number of light receiving bands arranged in a ring shape are fixed, and only the X-ray source rotates around the rotation axis. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 may be a fifth generation in which a large number of light receiving bands arranged in a ring shape are fixed, an anode is arranged in a ring shape, and an electron beam is irradiated to the anode by electromagnetic deflection.

  The term “predetermined processor” used in the above description is, for example, a dedicated or general-purpose processor, circuit (circuitry), processing circuit (circuitry), operation circuit (circuitry), arithmetic circuit (circuitry), or specific Application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), programmable logic device (for example, simple programmable logic device (SPLD), complex programmable logic device (CPLD)), and field programmable gate array (FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array) etc. Each component (each processing circuit) of the present embodiment is not limited to a single processor, and may be realized by a plurality of processors. , Multiple components (multiple processing circuits), It may be realized by a single processor.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. The novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... X-ray CT apparatus, 2 ... Mount, 3 ... CT console, 4 ... CT bed, 5 ... Standing CT apparatus, 6 ... Standing CT mount, 21 ... High voltage generator, 22 ... X-ray source, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 23 ... X-ray detector, 24 ... Data acquisition circuit (DAS), 25 ... Optical camera, 26 ... Non-contact data transmission circuit, 27 ... Mount control circuit, 28 ... Rotation frame, 29 ... Rotation drive device, 29 ... Rotation drive Device 30 ... Operation panel 31 ... Image reconstruction circuit 32 ... Input interface (IF) circuit 33 ... Communication interface (IF) circuit 34 ... Display circuit 35 ... Storage circuit 36 ... Console control circuit 41 ... Top plate, 42 ... bed driving device, 61 ... column, 62 ... column driving device, 63 ... tilt driving device, 100 ... mylar plate, 101 ... transparent part, 261 ... first memory, 262 ... second memory, 263 ... transmission circuit 264: Reception circuit, 265 ... Transfer circuit, 266 ... Transmission control circuit, 267 ... Setting function, 268 ... First memory, 269 ... Second memory, 270 ... Transfer control circuit, 271 ... Setting function, 311 ... Preprocessing function, 312: Reconfiguration function.

Claims (9)

An X-ray source generating X-rays;
An X-ray detector for detecting X-rays exposed to the subject from the X-ray source;
An optical imaging unit for optically imaging the subject;
A rotating unit that holds the X-ray source, the X-ray detector, and the optical imaging unit;
A fixed portion that rotatably supports the rotating portion;
A transmission unit that transmits detection data related to X-rays detected by the X-ray detector and optical image data related to an optical image captured by the optical imaging unit from the rotating unit to the fixed unit;
A transmission control unit that controls allocation of a transmission capacity of the optical image data in a predetermined transmission capacity per unit time of the transmission unit according to a collection situation of the detection data and the optical image data;
An X-ray computed tomography apparatus comprising:   The transmission control unit, when collecting the detection data and collecting the optical image, preferentially assigns the predetermined transmission capacity as the transmission capacity of the detection data, and allocates the remaining transmission capacity of the optical image data. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1 assigned as a transmission capacity. A data collection circuit for collecting the detection data;
A first storage unit that is provided between the data collection circuit and the transmission unit and stores detection data output from the data collection circuit;
A second storage unit that is provided between the optical imaging unit and the transmission unit and stores optical image data output from the optical imaging unit;
Further comprising
The transmission control unit
Based on the allocation of the transmission capacity of the allocated detection data, the transmission unit is controlled to read and transmit the detection data from the first storage unit,
Controlling the transmission unit to read and transmit the optical image data from the second storage unit, based on the allocated transmission capacity of the optical image data.
The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1.   The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit divides the optical image data and transmits it at a plurality of transmission timings according to an instruction from the transmission control unit.   The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optical imaging unit images the subject every time a predetermined view angle is reached. A transfer unit that transfers the detection data and the optical image data transmitted from the rotating unit to the fixed unit from the fixed unit to an external device;
According to the collection status of the detection data and the optical image data, the transfer data is allocated to a predetermined transfer capacity per unit time of the transfer unit, and the transfer capacity of the optical image data is allocated. A transfer control unit for controlling
The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   The said fixing | fixed part supports the said rotation part so that the center axis | shaft of opening may orthogonally cross with respect to a floor surface, and supports the said rotation part so that a movement to an up-down direction is possible. X-ray computed tomography apparatus. And further comprising a cover for covering a gantry having a rotating unit that holds the X-ray source, the X-ray detector, and the optical imaging unit;
The cover includes a mylar plate provided along an inner periphery forming an opening,
The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mylar plate has a transparent portion at a position corresponding to an imaging field of view of the optical imaging unit. An X-ray source generating X-rays;
An X-ray detector for detecting X-rays exposed to the subject from the X-ray source;
An optical imaging unit for optically imaging the subject;
A rotating unit that holds the X-ray source, the X-ray detector, and the optical imaging unit;
A fixed portion that rotatably supports the rotating portion;
A transfer unit that transfers detection data related to X-rays detected by the X-ray detector and optical image data related to an optical image captured by the optical imaging unit from the fixed unit to an external device;
A transfer control unit that controls allocation of a transfer capacity of the optical image data in a predetermined transfer capacity per unit time of the transfer unit according to a collection situation of the detection data and the optical image data;
An X-ray computed tomography apparatus comprising: