JP2019195481A - X-ray CT apparatus and medical image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To reduce power requirements of apparatus.SOLUTION: An X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiment comprises an X-ray projection unit, an X-ray detection unit, a plurality of operation units, and a power source control unit. The X-ray projection unit projects X-rays onto a subject. The X-ray detection unit detects X-rays transmitted through the subject and outputs electric signals on the basis of the X-rays. The plurality of operation units execute the processes involved in the generation of images based on the electric signals. The power source control unit controls the power sources of the plurality of operation units according to conditions of examination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus and a medical image processing apparatus.

  There is a medical image diagnostic apparatus that generates medical image data in which a body tissue of a subject is imaged. Examples of the medical image diagnostic apparatus include an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus and an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus. The X-ray CT apparatus generates CT image data and volume data of an axial tomography of a subject based on an electric signal based on the X-ray detected by the X-ray detector by irradiating the subject with X-rays.

  The X-ray CT apparatus processes an electrical signal output from the X-ray detector using a plurality of processing units. While the number of processing units is determined by the maximum calculation amount, the calculation amount in each processing unit varies depending on the inspection conditions.

JP 2017-64388 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to realize power saving of the apparatus.

  The X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiment includes an X-ray irradiation unit, an X-ray detection unit, a plurality of processing units, and a power supply control unit. The X-ray irradiation unit irradiates the subject with X-rays. The X-ray detection unit detects X-rays transmitted through the subject and outputs an electrical signal based on the X-rays. The plurality of processing units perform processing related to image generation based on the electrical signal. The power control unit performs power control of the plurality of processing units according to the inspection conditions.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a processing unit provided in the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship between a power control unit and a processing unit provided in the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a table showing a method for controlling the power supply of the processing unit included in the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment proceeds in the order of steps ST3, ST4, ST5, ST6, and ST7 in the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment proceeds in the order of steps ST3, ST4, ST5, and ST7 in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example in which the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment proceeds in the order of steps ST3, ST4, ST11, and ST7 in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment proceeds in the order of steps ST3, ST4, ST11, ST12, and ST7 in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. FIG. 11 is a table showing a method for controlling the power supply of the processing unit included in the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a table showing a method for controlling the power supply of the processing unit included in the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship between a degeneration control unit and a processing unit provided in the X-ray CT apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a medical image processing apparatus according to the embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an X-ray CT apparatus and a medical image processing apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  Note that the data collection method using the X-ray CT apparatus includes a rotation / rotation (RR) method in which an X-ray source and an X-ray detector are rotated as one body, and a ring shape. There are various systems such as a stationary / rotate (SR) system in which a large number of detection elements are arrayed and only the X-ray tube rotates around the subject. The present invention can be applied to any method. Hereinafter, in the X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiment, a case where the third generation rotation / rotation method, which currently occupies the mainstream, is described as an example.

1. X-ray CT Apparatus According to the First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 1 shows an X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes a gantry device 10, a couch device 30, and a console device 40. The gantry device 10 and the couch device 30 are installed in an examination room. The gantry device 10 collects X-ray detection data regarding the subject (for example, a patient) P placed on the couch device 30. In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, a plurality of gantry devices 10 are drawn on the upper left and lower sides, but as a practical configuration, there is one gantry device 10.

  The console device 40 is installed in a control room adjacent to the examination room, generates multi-directional raw data by pre-processing the multi-directional detection data, and reconstructs the multi-directional raw data. To reconstruct and display the CT image.

  The gantry device 10 includes an X-ray source (for example, an X-ray tube) 11, an X-ray detector 12, a rotating unit (for example, a rotating frame) 13, an X-ray high voltage device 14, a control device 15, a wedge 16, a collimator 17, A data acquisition circuit (DAS) 18 is provided. The gantry device 10 is an example of a gantry unit.

  The X-ray tube 11 is provided on the rotating frame 13. The X-ray tube 11 is a vacuum tube that generates X-rays by irradiating thermoelectrons from a cathode (filament) to an anode (target) when a high voltage is applied from an X-ray high-voltage device 14. For example, the X-ray tube 11 includes a rotating anode type X-ray tube that generates X-rays by irradiating a rotating anode with thermoelectrons.

  In the embodiment, both a single-tube X-ray CT apparatus and a so-called multi-tube X-ray CT apparatus in which a plurality of pairs of an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector are mounted on a rotating ring. Applicable. The X-ray source that generates X-rays is not limited to the X-ray tube 11. For example, instead of the X-ray tube 11, a focus coil that converges an electron beam generated from an electron gun, a deflection coil that electromagnetically deflects, and a target that generates X-rays by colliding with a deflected electron beam surrounding a half circumference of a patient P X-rays may be generated by a fifth generation method including a ring. The X-ray tube 11 is an example of an X-ray irradiation unit.

  The X-ray detector 12 is provided in the rotating frame 13 so as to face the X-ray tube 11. The X-ray detector 12 detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 11 and outputs detection data corresponding to the X-ray dose to the DAS 18 as an electrical signal. The X-ray detector 12 includes, for example, a plurality of X-ray detection element arrays in which a plurality of X-ray detection elements are arranged in the channel direction along one arc around the focal point of the X-ray tube. For example, the X-ray detector 12 has a structure in which a plurality of X-ray detection element arrays in which a plurality of X-ray detection elements are arrayed in the channel direction are arrayed in the slice direction (column direction, row direction).

  The X-ray detector 12 is an indirect conversion type detector having a grid, a scintillator array, and an optical sensor array, for example. The scintillator array has a plurality of scintillators, and the scintillator has a scintillator crystal that outputs a photon amount of light corresponding to the incident X-ray dose. The grid has an X-ray shielding plate that is disposed on the surface of the scintillator array on the X-ray incident side and has a function of absorbing scattered X-rays. The grid is sometimes called a collimator (a one-dimensional collimator or a two-dimensional collimator). The optical sensor array has a function of converting into an electric signal corresponding to the amount of light from the scintillator, and includes, for example, an optical sensor such as a photomultiplier tube (photomultiplier: PMT).

  Note that the X-ray detector 12 may be a direct conversion type detector having a semiconductor element that converts incident X-rays into electrical signals. The X-ray detector 12 is an example of an X-ray detection unit.

  The rotating frame 13 supports the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 so as to face each other. The rotating frame 13 is an annular frame that rotates the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 together under the control of the control device 15 described later. In addition to the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12, the rotating frame 13 may further include and support an X-ray high voltage device 14 and a DAS 18. The rotating frame 13 is an example of a rotating unit.

  As described above, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 rotates the rotating frame 13 supporting the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 so as to face each other around the patient P, that is, around the circumference of the patient P, that is, The detection data for 360 ° of the patient P is collected. The CT image reconstruction method is not limited to the full scan reconstruction method using 360 ° detection data. For example, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 may adopt a half reconstruction method in which a CT image is reconstructed based on detection data corresponding to a half circumference (180 °) + fan angle.

  The X-ray high voltage device 14 is provided on the rotating frame 13 or a non-rotating portion (for example, a fixed frame not shown) that rotatably supports the rotating frame 13. The X-ray high voltage device 14 has an electric circuit such as a transformer and a rectifier. The X-ray high voltage device 14 is controlled by a control device 15 to be described later, a high voltage generation device (not shown) having a function of generating a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube 11, and control by the control device 15 to be described later. And an X-ray control device (not shown) for controlling the output voltage corresponding to the X-rays irradiated by the X-ray tube 11. The high voltage generator may be a transformer system or an inverter system. In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, the X-ray high voltage device 14 is disposed at a position in the positive direction of the x axis with respect to the X-ray tube 11, but the x-ray negative voltage device 14 is negative with respect to the X-ray tube 11. You may arrange | position in the position of a direction.

  The control device 15 includes a processor and a memory, and a drive mechanism such as a motor and an actuator. The configuration of the control circuit and the memory is the same as that of the control unit 44 and the memory 41 of the control unit 44 of the console device 40, which will be described later, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The control device 15 has a function of performing operation control of the gantry device 10 and the couch device 30 in response to an input signal from an input interface (not shown), which will be described later, attached to the console device 40 or the gantry device 10. For example, the control device 15 performs control for receiving the input signal to rotate the rotary frame 13, control for tilting the gantry device 10, and control for operating the bed device 30 and the top plate 33. The tilt control of the gantry device 10 is controlled by the control device 15 about the axis parallel to the X-axis direction based on the tilt angle (tilt angle) information input by the input interface attached to the gantry device 10. It is realized by rotating. The control device 15 may be provided in the gantry device 10 or may be provided in the console device 40. The control device 15 is an example of a control unit.

  Further, the control device 15 attaches the rotation angle of the X-ray tube 11 and the wedges 16 and the collimators 17 described later based on the imaging conditions input from the input interface described later attached to the console device 40 and the gantry device 10. Control the behavior.

  The wedge 16 is provided on the rotary frame 13 so as to be disposed on the X-ray emission side of the X-ray tube 11. The wedge 16 is a filter for adjusting the X-ray dose irradiated from the X-ray tube 11 under the control of the control device 15. Specifically, the wedge 16 is a filter that transmits and attenuates the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11 so that the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11 to the patient P have a predetermined distribution. It is. For example, the wedge 16 (wedge filter, bow-tie filter) is a filter obtained by processing aluminum so as to have a predetermined target angle and a predetermined thickness.

  The collimator 17 is also referred to as an X-ray diaphragm or a slit, and is provided on the rotating frame 13 so as to be disposed on the X-ray emission side of the X-ray tube 11. The collimator 17 is a lead plate or the like for narrowing the irradiation range of X-rays transmitted through the wedge 16 under the control of the control device 15, and forms an X-ray irradiation opening by a combination of a plurality of lead plates and the like.

  The DAS 18 is provided in the rotating frame 13. The DAS 18 is an amplifier that performs amplification processing on the electric signal output from each X-ray detection element of the X-ray detector 12 under the control of the control device 15, and digitally converts the electric signal under the control of the control device 15. It has an A / D (Analog to Digital) converter for converting it into a signal, and generates detection data after amplification and digital conversion. The detection data generated by the DAS 18 is transferred to the console device 40.

  Here, the detection data generated by the DAS 18 is transmitted from a transmitter having a light emitting diode (LED) provided in the rotating frame 13 to a receiver having a photodiode provided in the fixed frame of the gantry device 10 by optical communication. And transferred to the console device 40. The detection data transmission method from the rotating frame 13 to the fixed frame of the gantry device 10 is not limited to the optical communication described above, and any method may be adopted as long as it is a non-contact type data transmission. The rotating frame 13 is an example of a rotating unit.

  The couch device 30 includes a base 31, a couch driving device 32, a top plate 33, and a support frame 34. The couch device 30 is a device that places the patient P to be scanned and moves the patient P under the control of the control device 15.

  The base 31 is a housing that supports the support frame 34 so as to be movable in the vertical direction (y-axis direction). The couch driving device 32 is a motor or actuator that moves the top plate 33 on which the patient P is placed in the long axis direction (z-axis direction) of the top plate 33. The top plate 33 provided on the upper surface of the support frame 34 is a plate having a shape on which the patient P can be placed.

  The couch driving device 32 may move the support frame 34 in the long axis direction (z-axis direction) of the top plate 33 in addition to the top plate 33. Further, the bed driving device 32 may be moved together with the base 31 of the bed device 30. When the present invention is applied to standing CT, a method of moving a patient moving mechanism corresponding to the top board 33 may be used. In addition, when performing imaging with relative change in the positional relationship between the imaging system of the gantry 10 and the top board 33, such as scano imaging for helical scanning and positioning, the relative change in the positional relationship is It may be performed by driving the top plate 33, may be performed by running the fixed portion of the gantry device 10, or may be performed by combining them.

  In the embodiment, the axis of rotation of the rotating frame 13 in the non-tilt state or the longitudinal direction of the top plate 33 of the couch device 30 is perpendicular to the z-axis direction and the z-axis direction and is horizontal to the floor surface. An axial direction perpendicular to the x-axis direction and the z-axis direction and perpendicular to the floor surface is defined as a y-axis direction.

  The console device 40 includes a memory 41, a display 42, an input interface 43, and a control unit 44. Although the console device 40 is described as a separate body from the gantry device 10, the gantry device 10 may include the console device 40 or a part of each component of the console device 40. In the following description, it is assumed that the console device 40 executes all functions with a single console, but these functions may be executed by a plurality of consoles. The console device 40 is an example of a medical image processing device.

  The memory 41 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 memory 41 stores, for example, detection data before preprocessing (sometimes referred to as “pure raw data”), raw data after preprocessing and before reconstruction, and CT images after reconstruction. The detection data and raw data may be collectively referred to as projection data. In addition, a cloud server that can be connected to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 via a communication network such as the Internet is configured to store detection data, raw data, and CT images in response to a storage request from the X-ray CT apparatus 1. May be. The memory 41 is an example of a storage unit.

  The display 42 displays various information. For example, the display 42 outputs a CT image generated by the control unit 44, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various operations from the user, and the like. For example, the display 42 is a liquid crystal display, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display, or the like. The display 42 may be provided in the gantry device 10. Further, the display 42 may be a desktop type, or may be configured by a tablet terminal or the like capable of wireless communication with the console device 40 main body. The display 42 is an example of a display unit.

  The input interface 43 includes an input device that can be operated by an operator such as an engineer, and an input circuit that inputs a signal from the input device. The input device is a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, touchpad that performs input operations by touching the scanning surface, touchscreen that integrates the display screen and touchpad, and non-optical sensors. It is realized by a contact input circuit, a voice input circuit, or the like. When the input device receives an input operation from the operator, the input circuit generates an electrical signal corresponding to the input operation and outputs it to the control unit 44. Further, the input interface 43 may be provided in the gantry device 10. Further, the input interface 43 may be configured by a tablet terminal or the like capable of wireless communication with the console device 40 main body. The input interface 43 is an example of an input unit.

  The control unit 44 controls the overall operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1. The control unit 44 includes a processing unit 51, a power supply control unit 52, and a degeneration control unit 53. Note that the X-ray CT apparatus 1 only needs to include at least one of the power supply control unit 52 and the degeneration control unit 53. The former will be described in detail in the first embodiment, and in the second embodiment to be described later. The latter will be described in detail.

  The processing unit 51 performs processing related to image generation based on the electrical signal from the gantry device 10. The processing unit includes a plurality of processing units.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the processing unit 51.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the processing unit 51 includes a plurality of processing units. The processing unit 51 includes a first preprocessing unit 611 and a second preprocessing unit 612 as a preprocessing unit 61 that performs preprocessing on the detection data output from the gantry device 10. Pre-processing means at least one of logarithmic conversion processing, offset correction processing, sensitivity correction processing between channels, beam hardening processing, and the like for detection data. In addition, although the case where the pre-processing part 61 contains the two pre-processing parts 611 and 612 is demonstrated, it is not limited to that case. When the reconfiguration processing unit 62 includes a plurality of processing units, the preprocessing unit 61 may include one or more processing units. When the reconstruction processing unit 62 includes one processing unit, the preprocessing unit 61 may include two or more processing units.

  On the other hand, the processing unit 51 includes a first reconstruction processing unit 621 and a second reconstruction processing unit 62 that perform reconstruction processing on the raw data after the preprocessing is performed by the preprocessing unit 61. The reconfiguration processing unit 622 is provided. The reconstruction process means a process using a filtered back projection method, a successive approximation reconstruction method, or the like for raw data. In addition, although the case where the reconstruction process part 62 contains the two reconstruction process parts 621 and 622 is demonstrated, it is not limited to that case. When the preprocessing unit 61 includes a plurality of processing units, the reconstruction processing unit 62 may include one or more processing units. When the preprocessing unit 61 includes one processing unit, the reconstruction processing unit 62 may include two or more processing units.

  Here, the configuration for realizing the functions of the four processing units 611, 612, 621, and 622 is roughly classified into two types. In the first configuration, the control unit 44 itself includes a control circuit, and the control circuit reads out and executes the program stored in the memory 41, thereby realizing the functions of the processing units 611, 612, 621, and 622. .

  In the second configuration, (1) the first preprocessing unit 611 of the control unit 44 includes a control circuit and a memory, and the control circuit of the preprocessing unit 611 reads and executes a program stored in the memory. (2) The second pre-processing unit 612 of the control unit 44 includes a control circuit and a memory, and the control circuit of the pre-processing unit 612 reads a program stored in the memory. (3) the first reconfiguration processing unit 621 of the control unit 44 includes a control circuit and a memory, and the control circuit of the reconfiguration processing unit 621 includes the control circuit of the second preprocessing unit 612. The function of the first reconstruction processing unit 621 is realized by reading and executing the program stored in the memory. (4) The second reconstruction processing unit 622 of the control unit 44 includes a control circuit and a memory. Reconfiguration processor Control circuit 22 is configured to realize the function of the second reconstruction processing unit 622 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory. That is, according to the latter, each part of the processing units 611, 612, 621, and 622 constitutes a computer including a control circuit and a memory. Hereinafter, the latter case will be described as an example.

  The control circuits of the processing units 611, 612, 621, and 622 include dedicated or general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processor Unit), or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC, and programmable logic. Means device. Examples of the programmable logic device include a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and the like. Can be mentioned.

  Moreover, the control circuit of each part of the process parts 611,612,621,622 may be comprised by a single circuit, and may be comprised by the combination of several independent control circuit elements. In the latter case, the memory of each part of the processing units 611, 612, 621, and 622 may be individually provided for each control circuit element, or a single memory stores programs corresponding to the functions of a plurality of control circuit elements. You may do.

  The memory of each unit of the processing units 611, 612, 621, and 622 includes a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, and the like. The storage circuit 38 may be configured by a portable medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and a DVD (Digital Video Disk). The memory stores various processing programs used in the control circuit (including application programs as well as an OS (Operating System) and the like) and data necessary for executing the programs. In addition, the OS may include a GUI that uses a lot of graphics for displaying information on the display 42 for the operator and can perform basic operations by the input interface 43.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 1, the power control unit 52 has a function of performing power control of the processing units 611, 612, 621, and 622 (shown in FIG. 2) according to the inspection conditions. The configuration for realizing the function of the power control unit 52 is also roughly divided into two types. In the first configuration, the control unit 44 itself includes a control circuit, and the control circuit reads out and executes the program stored in the memory 41, thereby realizing the function of the power control unit 52 in addition to the function of the processing unit 51. It is a configuration. In the second configuration, the power supply control unit 52 includes a control circuit and a memory, and the control circuit of the power supply control unit 52 reads and executes a program stored in the memory, thereby realizing the function of the power supply control unit 52. is there. That is, according to the latter, the power supply control part 52 comprises a computer different from the process part 51 provided with a control circuit and memory. Hereinafter, the latter case will be described as an example.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 1, the power control unit 52 performs power control of a plurality of processing units according to the inspection conditions. The inspection condition means, for example, the number of rows used for the detection element rows of the X-ray detector 12, the spatial resolution, and whether or not reconstruction processing is necessary. First, a case will be described in which the inspection condition is the number of columns used in the detection element column of the X-ray detector 12.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship between the power control unit 52 and the processing unit 51.

  The power control unit 52 is electrically connected to the power source S, the host unit (not shown), and the processing units 611, 612, 621, and 622. When the operator presses the main switch of the X-ray CT apparatus 1, the host unit (not shown) and the power supply control unit 52 start to start. Thereafter, activation of the processing units 611, 612, 621, and 622 is started. First, the power control unit 52 turns on the power of the processing units 611, 612, 621, and 622, and confirms that the processing units 611, 612, 621, and 622 are activated. The preprocessing units 611 and 612 download preprocessing firmware from the host unit via the power control unit 52, and the reconfiguration processing units 621 and 622 reconfigure from the host unit via the power control unit 52, respectively. By downloading the firmware, the processing units 611, 612, 621, and 622 are activated as devices.

  In addition, after performing an inspection in the 320-column inspection mode, which is a normal inspection mode, when performing an inspection in an inspection mode of 80 columns or less, which is a labor-saving inspection mode, the power supply control unit 52 supplies power to a specific processing unit that is not required. Switch to “OFF”. The preprocessing units 611 and 612 operate by performing redownloading of preprocessing firmware corresponding to 80 columns from the host unit via the power supply control unit 52, and the reconfiguration processing units 621 and 622 are operated by the power supply control unit 52. The reconfiguration processing firmware corresponding to 80 columns is re-downloaded from the host unit. On the other hand, when the inspection in the 320-column inspection mode is resumed, the power supply control unit 52 switches the power supply of the processing unit in the state where the power supply is “OFF” to “ON”. The preprocessing units 611 and 612 operate by performing redownloading of preprocessing firmware corresponding to 320 columns from the host unit via the power supply control unit 52, and the reconfiguration processing units 621 and 622 are operated by the power supply control unit 52. The reconfiguration firmware corresponding to 320 columns is re-downloaded from the host unit via the operation.

  FIG. 4 is a table showing a method of controlling the power supply of the processing unit 51 as a table.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the 320-column inspection mode that is a normal inspection condition, the power supply control unit 52 turns on all the power supplies of the preprocessing unit 61, that is, both the preprocessing units 611 and 612. The pre-processing unit 61 is controlled so that the power source is “ON”, and all the power sources of the reconstruction processing unit 62 are “ON”, that is, both the power sources of the reconstruction processing units 621 and 622 are “ON”. Thus, the reconstruction processing unit 62 is controlled.

  On the other hand, in the inspection mode of 80 columns or less, which is a labor-saving inspection condition, the power supply control unit 52 turns off a part of the power supply of the preprocessing unit 61, that is, the power supply of any of the preprocessing units 611 and 612. The pre-processing unit 61 is controlled so that “OFF” is set to “OFF”, and a part of the power source of the reconstruction processing unit 62 is “OFF”, that is, one of the power sources of the reconstruction processing units 621 and 622 is “OFF”. The reconstruction processing unit 62 is controlled so that

  Here, when a part of the power supply of the preprocessing unit 61 is turned “OFF” or when a part of the power supply of the reconstruction processing unit 62 is “OFF”, the power of which processing unit remains “ON”. Whether or not to do so may be set in advance. Further, the preprocessing unit 611 may have the function of the power control unit 52. In this case, when a part of the power supply of the preprocessing unit 61 is set to “OFF”, the power supply of the preprocessing unit 612 is preferentially set to “OFF” and the power supply of the preprocessing unit 611 is kept “ON”.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the labor-saving inspection condition, that is, when the inspection mode is 80 columns or less, a part of the power of the processing unit 51 is turned “OFF”, so that power consumption can be suppressed and labor saving can be achieved. realizable.

  Subsequently, the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 will be described.

  5 and 6 are diagrams showing the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 as a flowchart. In FIGS. 5 and 6, reference numerals with numerals added to “ST” indicate steps in the flowchart. Here, the labor saving of the reconstruction processing unit 62 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. However, the present invention is not limited to this case. The pre-processing unit 61 may be labor-saving, and both the pre-processing unit 61 and the reconstruction processing unit 62 may be labor-saving.

  When the operator operates the input interface 43, the system of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is activated (step ST1). In step ST1, energization of all units constituting the X-ray CT apparatus 1 in addition to the reconstruction processing units 621 and 622 is started.

  The X-ray CT apparatus 1 indicates an examination request from an external apparatus such as an RIS (Radiology Information System) or MWM (Modality Worklist Management) server, and receives an examination order including patient information and examination conditions (step ST2). The X-ray CT apparatus 1 sequentially executes patient examinations, that is, CT scans according to the examination order.

  The X-ray CT apparatus 1 places a patient scheduled to be scanned among a plurality of patients on the top board 33 according to the examination order received in step ST2, and prepares for examination related to the patient (step ST3). Preparations for inspection include, for example, pre-scanning (also called “scano imaging” or “scout imaging”) performed prior to scanning for obtaining a CT image, setting of scanning conditions such as tube voltage and tube current, and the like. included. The power supply control unit 52 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 determines whether or not the examination related to the patient scheduled to be scanned corresponds to labor-saving examination conditions (step ST4).

  If YES in step ST4, that is, if it is determined that the examination related to the patient scheduled to be scanned corresponds to the labor-saving examination conditions (for example, the rightmost column in FIG. 4), the power supply control unit 52 performs the reconfiguration. It is determined whether or not all the processing units 62, that is, both the processing units 621 and 622 are currently “ON” (step ST5). When the determination in step ST5 is YES, that is, when it is determined that all the power sources of the reconstruction processing unit 62 are currently “ON”, the power source control unit 52 turns off some of the power sources of the reconstruction processing unit 62. “OFF” (step ST6).

  The X-ray CT apparatus 1 controls the X-ray tube 11, the X-ray detector 12, the rotating frame 13, and the like according to the examination conditions, and causes the patient scheduled to perform the scan to execute a scan. The preprocessing unit 61 performs preprocessing on the detected data, and the processing unit 621 whose power is “ON” among the reconfiguration processing units 62 performs reconfiguration processing on the preprocessed raw data. A CT image is generated (step ST7).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the case where the process proceeds in the order of steps ST3, ST4, ST5, ST6, and ST7 in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. FIGS. 7A and 7B show an example in which an image is generated by switching from the normal inspection mode to the labor-saving inspection mode.

  FIG. 7A shows an inspection mode in which the scan scheduled to be performed is 80 columns or less, for example, an inspection using 16 columns of the X-ray detector 12, and there is no inspection before the scan scheduled to be scanned. An example of the case is shown. In this case, the power supply control unit 52 determines that the inspection scheduled to execute the scan corresponds to the labor-saving inspection condition (YES in step ST4), and then activates all of the reconfiguration processing unit 62 by starting the system in step ST1, that is, It is determined that both power sources of processing units 621 and 622 are in the “ON” state (YES in step ST5). Then, the power control unit 52 switches the power of a part of the processing units 621 and 622, that is, the processing unit 622 (shown in FIG. 4) to “OFF” (step ST6).

  FIG. 7B shows an inspection mode in which an inspection scheduled to perform a scan is 80 columns or less, for example, an inspection using 16 columns of the X-ray detector 12, and an inspection immediately before the inspection scheduled to perform a scan is 320. An example in the column inspection mode is shown. In this case, the power supply control unit 52 determines that the inspection scheduled to be scanned corresponds to the labor-saving inspection condition (YES in step ST4), and then performs all of the reconstruction processing unit 62, that is, the processing unit 621 by the previous inspection. , 622 are determined to be in the “ON” state (YES in step ST5). Then, the power control unit 52 switches the power of a part of the processing units 621 and 622, that is, the processing unit 622 (shown in FIG. 4) to “OFF” (step ST6).

  Returning to the description of FIG. 5, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 transmits the CT image generated in step ST7 to an external apparatus such as RIS or PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems) (step ST8). The X-ray CT apparatus 1 determines whether or not the operator has shut down the input interface 43, that is, whether or not to shut down the system activated in step ST1 (step ST9). If YES in step ST9, that is, if it is determined to shut down the system, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 shuts down the system (step ST10). In step ST10, energization of all the units constituting the X-ray CT apparatus 1 in addition to the processing units 621 and 622 is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step ST5 is NO, that is, if it is determined that a part of the power supply of the reconfiguration processing unit 62 is currently “ON”, the power supply control unit 52 maintains the power supply state. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 controls the X-ray tube 11, the X-ray detector 12, the rotating frame 13, and the like according to the examination conditions, and causes the patient scheduled to perform the scan to execute a scan. The preprocessing unit 61 performs preprocessing on the detected data, and the processing unit 621 whose power is “ON” among the reconfiguration processing units 62 performs reconfiguration processing on the preprocessed raw data. A CT image is generated (step ST7).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example in the case of proceeding in the order of steps ST3, ST4, ST5, and ST7 in the flowchart shown in FIG. FIGS. 8A and 8B both show an example of generating an image while maintaining the labor-saving inspection mode.

  FIG. 8A shows an inspection mode in which an inspection scheduled to be performed is 80 columns or less, for example, an inspection using 80 columns of the X-ray detector 12, and an inspection immediately before the inspection scheduled to be performed is also 80. An example of the inspection mode below the column is shown. In this case, the power supply control unit 52 determines that the inspection scheduled to execute the scan corresponds to the labor-saving inspection condition (YES in step ST4), and then performs a part of the reconstruction processing unit 62 by the immediately previous inspection, that is, the processing unit. It is determined that one of the power sources 621 and 622 is in an “OFF” state (NO in step ST5).

  FIG. 8B shows an inspection mode in which an inspection scheduled to perform a scan is 80 columns or less, for example, an inspection using four columns of the X-ray detector 12, and an inspection immediately before the inspection scheduled to perform a scan is 80. An example of the inspection mode below the column is shown. In this case, the power supply control unit 52 determines that the inspection scheduled to execute the scan corresponds to the labor-saving inspection condition (YES in step ST4), and then performs a part of the reconstruction processing unit 62 by the immediately previous inspection, that is, the processing unit. It is determined that one of the power sources 621 and 622 is in an “OFF” state (NO in step ST5).

  Returning to the description of FIG. 5, if it is determined in step ST4 that the determination is NO, that is, the examination related to the patient scheduled to be scanned corresponds to the normal examination conditions that are not labor-saving examination conditions (for example, FIG. 4). ), The power supply control unit 52 determines whether or not all the reconfiguration processing units 62, that is, both the power sources of the processing units 621 and 622 are currently “ON” (step ST11).

  If the determination in step ST11 is YES, that is, if it is determined that all the power sources of the reconstruction processing unit 62 are currently “ON”, the power source control unit 52 maintains the power source state. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 controls the X-ray tube 11, the X-ray detector 12, the rotating frame 13, and the like according to the examination conditions, and causes the patient scheduled to perform the scan to execute a scan. The preprocessing unit 61 performs preprocessing on the detected data, and the processing units 621 and 622 of the reconfiguration processing unit 62 whose power is “ON” perform reconfiguration processing on the preprocessed raw data. To generate a CT image (step ST7).

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the case where the process proceeds in the order of steps ST3, ST4, ST11, and ST7 in the flowcharts illustrated in FIGS. FIG. 9 shows an example in which an image is generated while maintaining the normal inspection mode.

  FIG. 9 shows that an inspection scheduled to be performed is a 320-column inspection mode, for example, an inspection using 320 columns of the X-ray detector 12, and an inspection immediately before an inspection scheduled to be scanned is also performed in the 320-column inspection mode. An example is given. In this case, the power supply control unit 52 determines that the inspection scheduled to be performed is a normal inspection condition (NO in step ST4), and then performs the entire reconstruction processing unit 62, that is, the processing unit 621 by the previous inspection. , 622 are determined to be in the “ON” state (YES in step ST11).

  Returning to the description of FIG. 6, when the determination in step ST <b> 11 is NO, that is, when it is determined that a part of the power supply of the reconfiguration processing unit 62 is currently “OFF”, the power supply control unit 52 All the power sources 62 are switched to “ON” (step ST12). The X-ray CT apparatus 1 controls the X-ray tube 11, the X-ray detector 12, the rotating frame 13, and the like according to the examination conditions, and causes the patient scheduled to perform the scan to execute a scan. The preprocessing unit 61 performs preprocessing on the detected data, and the processing units 621 and 622 of the reconfiguration processing unit 62 whose power is “ON” perform reconfiguration processing on the preprocessed raw data. To generate a CT image (step ST7).

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the case where the process proceeds in the order of steps ST3, ST4, ST11, ST12, and ST7 in the flowcharts illustrated in FIGS. FIGS. 10A and 10B both show an example in which an image is generated by switching from the labor-saving inspection mode to the normal inspection mode.

  FIG. 10A shows an inspection in which a scan is scheduled to be performed is a 320-column inspection mode, for example, an inspection using 320 columns of the X-ray detector 12, and an inspection immediately before the scan scheduled to be scanned is 80 columns. An example in the case of the inspection mode is shown below. In this case, the power supply control unit 52 determines that the inspection scheduled to be performed is a normal inspection condition (NO in step ST4), and then performs a part of the reconstruction processing unit 62 by the immediately previous inspection, that is, the processing unit. It is determined that one of the power sources 621 and 622 is in an “OFF” state (NO in step ST11). Then, the power supply control unit 52 switches all the power supplies of the reconfiguration processing unit 62, that is, both of the reconfiguration processing units 612 and 622 (shown in FIG. 4) to “ON” (step ST12).

  FIG. 10B shows that the inspection scheduled to be performed is a 320-column inspection mode, for example, an inspection using 320 columns of the X-ray detector 12, and the inspection immediately before the inspection scheduled to be scanned is 80 columns. An example in the case of the inspection mode is shown below. In this case, the power supply control unit 52 determines that the inspection scheduled to be performed is a normal inspection condition (NO in step ST4), and then performs a part of the reconstruction processing unit 62 by the immediately previous inspection, that is, the processing unit. It is determined that one of the power sources 621 and 622 is in an “OFF” state (NO in step ST11). Then, the power supply control unit 52 switches all the power supplies of the reconfiguration processing unit 62, that is, both of the reconfiguration processing units 612 and 622 (shown in FIG. 4) to “ON” (step ST12).

  As described above, according to the X-ray CT apparatus 1, the number of columns used in the detection element column of the X-ray detector 12 is used as an inspection condition, and the preprocessing unit 61 and the reconstruction processing unit 62 are configured according to the number of columns. By controlling at least one of the power supplies, power saving of the apparatus can be realized.

  The console device 40 has been described as realizing a plurality of functions (for example, the functions of the processing units 611, 612, 621, 622, the power supply control unit 52, and the degeneration control unit 53) with a single console. Multiple functions may be executed by different consoles. For example, the functions of the processing units 611, 612, 621, 622, the power supply control unit 52, and the degeneration control unit 53 may be distributed.

  The control unit 44 is not limited to being included in the console device 40, but is included in a so-called integrated server that collectively performs processing on detection data acquired by a plurality of medical image diagnostic apparatuses. Also good.

  Although the power supply control in the case where the inspection condition is the number of used rows of the detection element rows of the X-ray detector 12 has been described using FIGS. 1 to 10, the inspection condition is the detection of the X-ray detector 12. The number of element columns used is not limited. For example, the inspection condition may be spatial resolution, that is, the resolution of the CT image, or whether or not reconstruction processing is required. The former will be described with reference to FIG. 11, and the latter will be described with reference to FIG.

2. First Modification A first modification of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is that at least the pre-processing unit 61 and the reconstruction processing unit 62 depend on the spatial resolution required in the CT image, that is, the resolution of the CT image. Control one power supply.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a power control method for the processing unit 51 as a table.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the high resolution mode (also referred to as “high definition mode”) that is a normal inspection condition, the power control unit 52 indicates that all power sources of the preprocessing unit 61 are “ON”. The preprocessing unit 61 is controlled so that both power sources of the processing units 611 and 612 are “ON”, and all the power sources of the reconstruction processing unit 62 are “ON”, that is, both of the reconstruction processing units 621 and 622 The reconfiguration processing unit 62 is controlled so that the power source of the power supply is turned “ON”.

  On the other hand, in the case of the low resolution mode, which is a labor-saving inspection condition, the power supply control unit 52 turns off a part of the power supply of the preprocessing unit 61, that is, the power supply of any of the preprocessing units 611 and 612 is “ The pre-processing unit 61 is controlled to be “OFF”, and a part of the power of the reconstruction processing unit 62 is “OFF”, that is, one of the power of any of the reconstruction processing units 621 and 622 is “OFF”. The reconstruction processing unit 62 is controlled.

  In the high resolution mode, detection data is generated as many as the number of X-ray detection elements constituting the X-ray detector 12. Therefore, it is preferable to perform preprocessing of detection data using all the processing units 611 and 612 of the preprocessing unit 61 and perform reconstruction processing using all the processing units 621 and 622 of the reconstruction processing unit 62. is there. On the other hand, in the case of the low resolution mode, a plurality of X-ray detection elements constituting the X-ray detector 12 are grouped, and the detection data of the plurality of X-ray detection elements in the group are bundled, whereby the number of groups Only the detected data is generated. Therefore, it is possible to pre-process the detected data using a part of the processing units 611 of the pre-processing unit 61 and to perform a reconstruction process using a part of the processing units 621 of the reconstruction processing unit 62. .

  Here, when a part of the power supply of the preprocessing unit 61 is turned “OFF” or when a part of the power supply of the reconstruction processing unit 62 is “OFF”, the power of which processing unit remains “ON”. Whether or not to do so may be set in advance. Further, the preprocessing unit 611 may have the function of the power control unit 52. In this case, when a part of the power supply of the preprocessing unit 61 is set to “OFF”, the power supply of the preprocessing unit 612 is preferentially set to “OFF” and the power supply of the preprocessing unit 611 is kept “ON”.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the labor saving inspection condition, that is, in the low resolution mode, a part of the power of the processing unit 51 is turned “OFF”, so that the power consumption can be reduced and the labor saving can be realized. .

  The power supply control unit 52 combines the inspection conditions based on the resolution of the CT image shown in FIG. 11 with the inspection conditions based on the number of used detection element rows of the X-ray detector 12 shown in FIG. Power supply control may be performed.

  As described above, according to the first modification of the X-ray CT apparatus 1, the resolution of the CT image is used as the inspection condition, and at least one power source of the preprocessing unit 61 and the reconstruction processing unit 62 is set according to the resolution. By controlling the above, it is possible to realize power saving of the apparatus.

3. Second Modification A second modification of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 controls the power supply of the reconstruction processing unit 62 according to whether or not a reconstruction process is necessary.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a power control method for the processing unit 51 as a table.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the reconfiguration mode that requires a reconfiguration process, which is a normal inspection condition, the power supply control unit 52 turns on all the power supplies of the preprocessing unit 61, that is, The preprocessing unit 61 is controlled so that both power sources of the processing units 611 and 612 are “ON”, and all the power sources of the reconstruction processing unit 62 are “ON”, that is, both of the reconstruction processing units 621 and 622 The reconfiguration processing unit 62 is controlled so that the power source of the power supply is turned “ON”.

  On the other hand, in the non-reconfiguration mode that does not require reconfiguration processing, which is a labor-saving inspection condition, the power supply control unit 52 turns on all the power supplies of the preprocessing unit 61, that is, the preprocessing unit 611, The pre-processing unit 61 is controlled so that both the power sources of 612 are “ON”, and all the power sources of the reconstruction processing unit 62 are “OFF”, that is, both the power sources of the reconstruction processing units 621 and 622 are “ The reconstruction processing unit 62 is controlled to be “OFF”.

  The X-ray CT apparatus 1 may reconstruct the raw data after preprocessing after preprocessing the detection data output from the gantry device 10, but the raw data after preprocessing may be reconfigured. In some cases, the image data is transmitted to an external device, for example, a data server (also referred to as a “RAW data server”) or a medical image processing device 70 (shown in FIG. 15) to be described later without performing the reconstruction process. Therefore, the power control unit 52 supplies power to the processing unit 51 according to the case of the reconstruction mode in which the reconstruction process is required for the X-ray CT apparatus 1 and the case of the non-reconstruction mode in which the reconstruction process is not requested. Control can be performed.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the labor-saving inspection condition, that is, in the non-reconfiguration mode, a part of the power supply of the processing unit 51 is “OFF”, so that the power consumption is reduced and the labor saving is realized. it can.

  The power supply control unit 52 uses the inspection condition based on the resolution of the CT image shown in FIG. 12 as the inspection condition based on the number of used rows of detection element rows of the X-ray detector 12 shown in FIG. The power control of the processing unit 51 may be performed in combination with the inspection conditions based on the image resolution shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the second modification of the X-ray CT apparatus 1, whether or not it is necessary to perform reconstruction processing is used as an inspection condition, and depending on whether or not reconstruction processing needs to be performed. By controlling the power supply of the reconfiguration processing unit 62, it is possible to realize power saving of the apparatus.

4). X-ray CT apparatus according to the second embodiment In the X-ray CT apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment, the degeneration control unit 53 shown in FIG. 1 has a malfunction in some of the processing units. In this case, processing relating to image generation is performed using only a processing unit that is not malfunctioning. In a system in which power control of a plurality of processing units cannot be performed individually, if any of the plurality of processing units fails, the image generation process itself cannot be performed, which causes a problem that the downtime of the apparatus becomes long. .

  The configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 shown in FIG. The configuration of the processing unit 51 provided in the X-ray CT apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the processing unit 51 shown in FIG.

  The degeneration control unit 53 shown in FIG. 1 uses only the processing units that do not fail when some of the processing units 611, 612, 621, and 622 (shown in FIG. 2) fail. It has a function to perform processing related to generation. The configuration for realizing the function of the degeneration control unit 53 is also roughly divided into two types. In the first configuration, the control unit 44 itself includes a control circuit, and the control circuit reads out and executes a program stored in the memory 41, so that the function of the processing unit 51 and the power supply control unit 52, as well as the degeneration control unit 53. It is the structure which realizes the function of. In the second configuration, the degeneration control unit 53 includes a control circuit and a memory, and the control circuit of the degeneration control unit 53 reads and executes a program stored in the memory to realize the function of the degeneration control unit 53. is there. That is, according to the latter, the degeneration control unit 52 configures a computer that is different from the processing unit 51 and the power supply control unit 52 including a control circuit and a memory. Hereinafter, the latter case will be described as an example.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship between the degeneration control unit 53 and the processing unit 51.

  The degeneration control unit 53 is electrically connected to the power source S, the host unit (not shown), and the processing units 611, 612, 621, and 622. If any of the processing units 611, 612, 621, and 622 fails after the inspection in the 320-column inspection mode, the degeneration control unit 52 switches the power of the failed processing unit to “OFF”. Then, the remaining processing units whose power is “ON” operate by performing preprocessing corresponding to 80 columns and re-downloading of the reconfigured firmware from the host unit (not shown) via the degeneration control unit 52.

  Next, the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1A will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1A. In FIG. 14, reference numerals with numbers added to “ST” indicate steps in the flowchart. In FIG. 14, the same steps as those in FIG.

  The degeneration control unit 53 determines whether a failure (for example, process abnormality) of some of the processing units 611, 612, 621, and 622 of the processing unit 51 has been detected (step ST15). When the determination in step ST15 is YES, that is, when any failure of the processing units 611, 612, 621, and 622 is detected, the degeneration control unit 53 turns on the power supplies of some of the processing units in which the failure is detected. "OFF" is switched to the limited inspection mode (step ST16).

  In the limited examination mode, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 controls the X-ray tube 11, the X-ray detector 12, the rotating frame 13, and the like to execute a scan on a patient scheduled to be scanned. Then, the processing unit 51 of the power supply “ON” in the processing unit 51 performs preprocessing on the detected data and performs reconstruction processing on the raw data after the preprocessing to generate a CT image (step ST17). . For example, when it is determined that the preprocessing unit 612 of the processing unit 51 has failed, the preprocessing unit 611 performs preprocessing, and the reconstruction processing units 621 and 622 perform reconstruction processing. For example, when it is determined that the reconfiguration processing unit 622 out of the processing units 51 has failed, the preprocessing units 611 and 612 perform preprocessing, and the reconfiguration processing unit 621 performs reconfiguration processing.

  Note that the degeneration control unit 53 may be combined with the power supply control unit 52 described in the first embodiment.

  As described above, according to the X-ray CT apparatus 1A, the power supply control of the processing units 611, 612, 621, and 622 can be performed individually. Can be generated.

5. Medical Image Processing Device According to Embodiment The technical idea of the present invention described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14 can also be applied to a medical image processing device. The medical image processing apparatus is connected to the X-ray CT apparatus so that data can be transmitted and received via a network. As a medical image processing apparatus, for example, a workstation that performs various image processing on raw data or CT image before reconstruction generated by an X-ray CT apparatus, a portable information processing terminal such as a tablet terminal, etc. There is an image interpretation terminal for displaying a medical image and allowing a doctor to interpret the image. The medical image processing apparatus may be an off-line apparatus, and may be an apparatus that can read out raw data and CT images generated by the X-ray CT apparatus via a portable storage medium.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a medical image processing apparatus according to the embodiment.

  FIG. 15 shows a medical image processing apparatus 70 according to the embodiment. The medical image processing apparatus 70 includes a memory 71, a display 72, an input interface 73, and a control unit 74.

  The memory 71 has the same configuration as the memory 41 shown in FIG. The memory 71 stores, for example, detection data before preprocessing, raw data after preprocessing and before reconstruction, and CT images after reconstruction. The memory 71 is an example of a storage unit.

  The display 72 has the same configuration as the display 42 shown in FIG. The display 72 displays various information. For example, the display 72 outputs a CT image generated by the control unit 74, a GUI for receiving various operations from the user, and the like. The display 72 is an example of a display unit.

  The input interface 73 has the same configuration as the input interface 43 shown in FIG. When the input device of the input interface 73 receives an input operation from the operator, the input circuit generates an electrical signal corresponding to the input operation and outputs it to the control unit 74. The input interface 73 is an example of an input unit.

  The control unit 74 has the same configuration as the control unit 44 shown in FIG. The control unit 74 controls the overall operation of the medical image processing apparatus 70. The control unit 74 includes a processing unit 51, a power supply control unit 52, and a degeneration control unit 53.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the processing unit 51 includes a plurality of processing units. The processing unit 51 includes a first reconstruction processing unit 621, a first reconstruction processing unit 621, and a reconstruction processing unit 62 that performs reconstruction processing on raw data after the preprocessing by the preprocessing unit 61 of the X-ray CT apparatuses 10 and 10A. 2 reconstruction processing units 622. In FIG. 15, the same members as those shown in FIG.

  According to the medical image processing apparatus 70, the power saving of the apparatus can be realized by controlling the power supply of the reconstruction processing unit 62 according to the examination condition. Further, according to the medical image processing apparatus 70, since the power control of the reconstruction processing units 621 and 622 can be performed individually, even if one of them fails, a CT image can be generated without downtime. Can do.

  According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to realize power saving of the apparatus.

  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.

1,1A X-ray CT system 11 X-ray source (X-ray tube)
12 X-ray detector 44 Control unit 51 Processing unit 52 Power supply control unit 53 Degeneration control unit 61, 611, 612 Preprocessing unit 62, 621, 622 Reconstruction processing unit 70 Medical image processing device 74 Control unit

Claims (11)

An X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates the subject with X-rays;
An X-ray detector that detects X-rays transmitted through the subject and outputs an electrical signal based on the X-rays;
A plurality of processing units for performing processing related to image generation based on the electrical signal;
A power control unit that performs power control of the plurality of processing units according to inspection conditions;
An X-ray CT apparatus comprising: The power control unit performs power control of the plurality of processing units based on the number of detection element rows of the X-ray detection unit used at the time of inspection.
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1. The power control unit performs power control of the plurality of processing units based on a spatial resolution of a detection element of the X-ray detection unit used at the time of inspection.
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The power control unit performs power control of the plurality of processing units based on whether or not reconfiguration processing is necessary.
The X-ray CT apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3. The plurality of processing units correspond to a plurality of processing units for performing preprocessing.
The X-ray CT apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4. The plurality of processing units correspond to a plurality of processing units for performing a reconstruction process.
The X-ray CT apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5. A degeneration control unit that performs processing related to the image generation using only a processing unit that does not fail when a part of the processing units fails among the plurality of processing units;
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1. An X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates the subject with X-rays;
An X-ray detector that detects X-rays transmitted through the subject and outputs an electrical signal based on the X-rays;
A plurality of processing units for performing processing related to image generation based on the electrical signal;
A degeneration control unit that performs processing related to the image generation using only a processing unit that does not fail when a part of the processing units fails among the plurality of processing units;
An X-ray CT apparatus comprising: A plurality of processing units for performing processing related to image generation based on the electrical signal output from the X-ray CT apparatus;
A power control unit that performs power control of the plurality of processing units according to inspection conditions;
A medical image processing apparatus comprising: The plurality of processing units correspond to a plurality of processing units for performing a reconstruction process.
The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 9. A plurality of processing units for performing processing related to image generation based on the electrical signal output from the X-ray CT apparatus;
A degeneration control unit that performs processing related to the image generation using only a processing unit that does not fail when a part of the processing units fails among the plurality of processing units;
A medical image processing apparatus comprising:

Images