JP2022023795A - Medical image diagnostic device and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To acquire a medical image of excellent quality.SOLUTION: A medical image diagnostic device of the present invention includes a gantry, at least one pillar, an image generation part, a support moving mechanism, and a mechanism control part. The gantry includes an imaging system involved in imaging of a subject. The at least one pillar supports the gantry so as to move it in a vertical direction. The image generation part generates an image on the basis of output from the imaging system. The support moving mechanism is installed so as to move in a direction intersecting with a moving direction of the gantry, and supports the subject from below. The mechanism control part controls the movement of the support moving mechanism.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Embodiments disclosed herein and in the drawings relate to medical diagnostic imaging equipment and control methods.

Conventionally, medical image diagnostic devices such as an X-ray computed tomography (CT) device capable of photographing a subject in a standing or sitting state are known. When the subject is positioned at a position desired by the user in the imaging space of the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus, the user executes a call to the subject and the subject moves according to the user's instruction. Since the subject cannot be freely moved by the user's will, there is a problem that a good quality medical image cannot be obtained in the medical image diagnosis device.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-322828

One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and the drawings is to obtain a good quality medical image. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problems. The problem corresponding to each effect by each configuration shown in the embodiment described later can be positioned as another problem.

The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a gantry, at least one support column, an image generation unit, a support movement mechanism, and a mechanism control unit. The gantry has an imaging system for imaging a subject. At least one strut supports the gantry so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The image generation unit generates an image based on the output from the imaging system. The support moving mechanism is movably installed in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the gantry, and supports the subject from below. The mechanism control unit controls the movement of the support movement mechanism.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a standing CT device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the alignment process according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a prescan execution for a subject located in a standing position on a support / movement mechanism according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the region of interest, the opening, and the support / movement mechanism set in the prescan image according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the movement of the support / movement mechanism by the mechanism control function with respect to the prescan image shown in FIG. 4 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example after the movement of the support movement mechanism in FIG. 5 according to the embodiment, together with a prescan image, a region of interest, and an imaging center. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a standing CT device according to a modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship of a plurality of gas bags with respect to a subject according to a modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the pump control process according to the modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a positional relationship between a region of interest in a subject, an opening, and a plurality of gas bags at the time of prescan, according to a modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of injecting gas into each of a plurality of gas bags and discharging gas from each of the plurality of gas bags with respect to FIG. 10 according to a modification of the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the center of gravity tracking process according to the first application example of the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which the center of gravity changes due to the inclination of the subject according to the first application example of the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a support movement mechanism that is moved in the X direction as the center of gravity of the subject moves due to the inclination of the posture of the subject according to the first application example of the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a standing CT device according to a third application example of the embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of motion tracking processing according to the third application example of the embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of sensors provided between the support moving mechanism and the top plate according to the fourth application example of the embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a standing CT device according to a sixth application example of the embodiment. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the alignment process according to the sixth application example of the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. To make the explanation concrete, the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus is an X-ray computed tomography apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a standing CT (computed tomography) apparatus) capable of photographing a subject in a standing state or a sitting state. And. The standing state is a state in which the subject stands on the floor surface on which the standing CT device 1 is installed. The sitting position is a state in which the subject is sitting on a wheelchair or a chair (hereinafter referred to as a wheelchair or the like). The standing CT device 1 may at least be capable of capturing an image of a subject in a standing position.

The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the embodiment is not limited to the standing CT apparatus 1. For example, the technical idea in the present embodiment can be appropriately realized by a magnetic resonance imaging device capable of photographing a subject in a standing state or a sitting state, or a nuclear medicine diagnostic device. In the following embodiments, the parts with the same reference numerals perform the same operation, and duplicate description will be omitted as appropriate.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a standing CT device 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the standing CT device 1 according to the present embodiment has a gantry device 10 and a console device 100. For example, the gantry device 10 is installed in the CT imaging room, and the console device 100 is installed in the control room adjacent to the CT examination room. The gantry device 10 and the console device 100 are connected by wire or wirelessly so as to be able to communicate with each other. In the present embodiment, the axial direction perpendicular to the floor surface, that is, the vertical direction is defined as the Z-axis direction and the two directions orthogonal to the Z-axis direction as the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, respectively. It shall be.

The gantry device 10 is a scanning device having a configuration for taking an X-ray CT image of a subject in a sitting state or a standing state. The console device 100 is a computer that controls the gantry device 10. The gantry device 10 includes a gantry (mount) 11, a support column 13, a rotation drive device 23, a gantry control circuit 25, a support column drive device 27, an operation panel 29, and a support / movement mechanism 35.

The gantry 11 has an opening 15 that forms an imaging space for imaging a subject. For example, the gantry 11 is a substantially cylindrical structure in which an opening 15 is formed. As shown in FIG. 1, the gantry 11 accommodates an X-ray tube 17 and an X-ray detector 19 arranged so as to face each other with the opening 15 interposed therebetween. The X-ray tube 17 and the X-ray detector 19 are included in the imaging system for imaging a subject in the present embodiment. The imaging system may further include a data acquisition circuit (hereinafter referred to as a DAS (Data Acquisition System)) 33, a high voltage generator 31, a collimator, a wedge, and the like. That is, the gantry 11 has an imaging system for imaging a subject. The gantry 11 is supported by the support column 13 so as to be movable in the vertical direction along the support column 13.

The gantry 11 has a main frame (not shown) made of a metal such as aluminum, and a rotating frame 21 rotatably supported by the main frame around the rotating shaft A1 via a bearing or the like. An annular electrode (not shown) is provided at the contact portion between the main frame and the rotating frame 21. A conductive slider (not shown) is attached to the contact portion of the main frame so as to be in sliding contact with the annular electrode.

The support column 13 is a substrate that supports the gantry 11 away from the floor surface. The support column 13 has a columnar shape such as a columnar shape or a prismatic shape. The strut 13 is formed of any material such as plastic or metal. The support column 13 is attached to, for example, a side surface portion of the gantry 11. In order to take an X-ray CT image of a subject in a sitting or standing posture, the support column 13 provides a gantry 11 in a state in which the rotation axis A1 of the opening 15 faces substantially perpendicular to the floor surface in a direction perpendicular to the floor surface. Supports slidable.

Typically, the columns 13 are provided on both sides of the gantry 11. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, one strut 13 may be connected to only one of both sides of the gantry 11. That is, at least one support column 13 supports the gantry 11 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. Further, although the support column 13 has a columnar shape, the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the support column 13 may have any shape such as a U-shape as long as it can support at least one side portion of the gantry 11.

The support column 13 does not need to fix the gantry 11 so that the rotation axis A1 faces perpendicular to the floor surface. That is, the support column 13 may be configured to rotatably support the gantry 11 around a horizontal axis (hereinafter, referred to as a tilt axis) parallel to the floor surface. In this case, the column 13 and the gantry 11 may be connected to each other via a bearing or the like so that the gantry 11 can rotate around the tilt axis.

The X-ray tube 17 is a vacuum tube that generates X-rays by irradiating thermoelectrons from the cathode (filament) toward the anode (target) by applying a high voltage from the high voltage generator 31 and supplying a filament current. be. X-rays are generated when thermions collide with the target. The X-rays generated at the focal point of the tube in the X-ray tube 17 are formed into a cone beam shape, for example, via a collimator, and are applied to the subject P. For example, the X-ray tube 17 has a rotating anode type X-ray tube that generates X-rays by irradiating a rotating anode with thermions. In the present embodiment, a so-called multi-tube standing CT device in which a plurality of pairs of an X-ray tube 17 and an X-ray detector 19 are mounted on a rotating frame 21 is also provided in a single-tube standing CT device. It can also be applied to a standing CT device.

The X-ray detector 19 detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 17 and passed through the subject P, and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the X-ray dose to the DAS 33. The X-ray detector 19 has, for example, a plurality of detection element trains in which a plurality of detection elements are arranged in the channel direction along one arc centering on the focal point of the X-ray tube 17. The X-ray detector 19 has, for example, a structure in which a plurality of detection element rows are arranged in a slice direction (row direction, row direction). In the standing CT device 1, the X-ray tube 17 and the X-ray detector 19 are integrally arranged around the subject P in a Rotate / Rotate-Type (third generation CT) and in a ring shape. There is a Stationary / Rotate-Type (4th generation CT) in which a large number of X-ray detection elements are fixed and only the X-ray tube 17 rotates around the subject P, and any type can be applied to this embodiment. be. Hereinafter, in order to make the description concrete, the standing CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described by taking a third generation CT as an example.

Further, the X-ray detector 19 is an indirect conversion type detector having, for example, a grid, a scintillator array, and an optical sensor array. The scintillator array has a plurality of scintillators, and the scintillator has a scintillator crystal that outputs a photon amount of light according to an incident X dose. The grid is arranged on the surface of the scintillator array on the X-ray incident side and has an X-ray shielding plate having a function of absorbing scattered X-rays. The grid may also be called a collimator (one-dimensional collimator or two-dimensional collimator). The optical sensor array has a function of converting into an electric signal according to the amount of light from the scintillator, and has, for example, an optical sensor such as a photomultiplier tube (PMT). The X-ray detector 19 may be a direct conversion type detector having a semiconductor element that converts incident X-rays into an electric signal. Further, the X-ray detector 19 may be a photon counting type X-ray detector. The X-ray detector 19 is an example of an X-ray detector.

The rotating frame 21 has an opening 15 to which an X-ray tube 17 that generates X-rays is attached. Specifically, the rotating frame 21 has an annular shape in which the X-ray tube 17 and the X-ray detector 19 are opposed to each other and the X-ray tube 17 and the X-ray detector 19 are rotated by a gantry control circuit 25 described later. It is a frame. The rotary frame 21 is rotatably supported by the main frame via a support bearing. The rotating frame 21 receives power from the rotation driving device 23 under the control of the gantry control circuit 25, and rotates at a constant angular velocity around the rotation axis A1.

The rotating frame 21 further includes and supports a high voltage generator 31 and a DAS 33 in addition to the X-ray tube 17 and the X-ray detector 19. Such a rotating frame 21 is housed in a substantially cylindrical housing in which an opening 15 forming an imaging space is formed. The central axis of the opening 15 coincides with the rotation axis A1 of the rotation frame 21. The detection data generated by the DAS 33 is transmitted from a transmitter having a light emitting diode (LED) to a receiver having a photodiode provided in a non-rotating portion (for example, a main frame) of the gantry device 10 by optical communication, for example. , Transferred to the console device 100. The method of transmitting the detection data from the rotating frame 21 to the non-rotating portion of the gantry device 10 is not limited to the above-mentioned optical communication, and any method may be adopted as long as it is a non-contact type data transmission.

The rotation drive device 23 generates power for rotating the rotation frame 21 according to the control from the gantry control circuit 25. The rotation drive device 23 generates power by driving at a rotation speed according to the duty ratio and the like of the drive signal from the gantry control circuit 25. The rotary drive device 23 is realized by, for example, a motor such as a direct drive motor or a servo motor. The rotation drive device 23 is housed in, for example, the gantry 11.

The gantry control circuit 25 controls the high voltage generator 31, the rotation drive device 23, the column drive device 27, and the DAS 33 in accordance with a command from the console device 100. The gantry control circuit 25 has a function of receiving an input signal from an input interface attached to the console device 100 or the gantry device 10 and controlling the operation of the gantry device 10. For example, the gantry control circuit 25 controls to rotate the rotating frame 21 in response to an input signal, controls to tilt the gantry device 10, and the like. The gantry control circuit 25 may be provided in the gantry device 10 or in the console device 100.

The gantry control circuit 25 has, as hardware resources, a processing device (processor) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) and a storage device (Random Access Memory) such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). It has a memory). In addition, the gantry control circuit 25 includes an integrated circuit (Application Specific Integrated Circuit: ASIC) for a specific application, a field programmable gate array (Field Programmable Gate Array: FPGA), and another complex programmable logic device (Complex Program). CPLD), may be realized by a simple programmable logic device (SPLD).

The processing device realizes the above function by reading and executing a program stored in the storage device. Instead of storing the program in the storage device, the program may be directly incorporated in the circuit of the processing device. In this case, the processing device realizes the above function by reading and executing a program incorporated in the circuit.

A drive device (hereinafter referred to as a support device) 27 for sliding the gantry 11 in the vertical direction is housed in the support column 13 as shown in FIG. The strut drive device 27 generates power for sliding the gantry 11 in the vertical direction according to the control from the gantry control circuit 25. Specifically, the support column drive device 27 generates power by driving at a rotation speed according to the duty ratio of the drive signal from the gantry control circuit 25 and the like. The strut 13 receives power from the strut drive device 27 and slides the gantry 11 in the vertical direction with respect to the strut 13. The strut drive device 27 is realized by a motor such as a servo motor, for example.

The operation panel 29 is realized by a switch button, a touch pad for performing 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 29 converts the input operation received from the user into an electric signal and outputs it to the gantry control circuit 25. The operation panel 29 accepts, for example, a selection operation of selecting a sitting shooting mode for shooting a subject in a sitting posture or a standing shooting mode for shooting a subject in a standing posture.

The high voltage generator 31 has an electric circuit such as a transformer and a rectifier, and generates a high voltage applied to the X-ray tube 17 and a filament current supplied to the X-ray tube 17. Further, the high voltage generator 31 controls the output voltage according to the X-rays emitted by the X-ray tube 17. The high voltage generator 31 may be of a transformer type or an inverter type. The high voltage generator 31 may be provided on the rotating frame 21 or on the main frame side of the gantry device 10.

A wedge (not shown) is a filter for adjusting the X-ray dose of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 17. Specifically, the wedge transmits and attenuates the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 17 so that the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 17 to the subject P have a predetermined distribution. It is a filter. The wedge is, for example, a wedge filter or a bow-tie filter, and is a filter obtained by processing aluminum so as to have a predetermined target angle and a predetermined thickness.

The collimator (not shown) is a lead plate or the like for narrowing the X-rays transmitted through the wedge to the X-ray irradiation range, and a slit is formed by a combination of a plurality of lead plates or the like.

The DAS 33 has an amplifier that amplifies the electric signal output from each X-ray detection element of the X-ray detector 19, and an A / D converter that converts the electric signal into a digital signal, and has detection data. To generate. The detection data generated by the DAS 33 is transferred to the console device 100.

The support moving mechanism 35 is movably installed in a direction (X-axis direction and Y-axis direction) intersecting the vertical direction (Z direction) which is the moving direction of the gantry 11. The support movement mechanism 35 supports the subject from below, that is, upward in the vertical direction. The support moving mechanism 35 is installed, for example, on the floor surface below the opening 15 in the gantry 11. Specifically, the support / movement mechanism 35 has a top plate that supports the subject and a movement mechanism that moves the top plate along at least one of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, that is, in the horizontal direction. The top plate corresponds to the scaffolding of the subject. When the subject is in an upright position below the opening 15, the top plate on the upper surface of the support / movement mechanism 35 supports the footpad of the subject. Further, the top plate is provided with a footpad guide that guides the arrangement of the footpad of the subject. The footpad guide is provided near the center of gravity of the top plate, that is, in the central portion of the top plate.

The moving mechanism moves, for example, at least one guide having a block supporting the top plate and a rail for guiding the block (for example, a linear guide such as a linear guide) and a block in the guide along the rail. It has a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes, for example, various motors that generate a driving force and various transmission mechanisms (ball screws, chains, belts, etc.) that transmit the driving force to the block. The support movement mechanism 35 generates a driving force by the driving mechanism according to the control signal output from the mechanism control function 119 described later. The support moving mechanism 35 moves the top plate along the horizontal direction by the generated driving force. The support / movement mechanism 35 may have a structure capable of supporting the subject in the sitting position. For example, a chair or the like may be installed on the top plate or the block.

The console device 100 includes a memory 101, a display 103, an input interface 105, and a processing circuit 107. Data communication between the memory 101, the display 103, the input interface 105, and the processing circuit 107 is performed, for example, via a bus (BUS).

The memory 101 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or an integrated circuit storage device that stores various information. The memory 101 stores, for example, projection data and reconstructed image data. In addition to HDDs and SSDs, the memory 101 is located between a portable storage medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versaille Disc), and a flash memory, and a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). It may be a drive device that reads and writes various information. Further, the storage area of the memory 101 may be in the standing CT device 1 or in an external storage device connected by a network. Further, the memory 101 stores the control program according to the present embodiment. The memory 101 stores volume data and the like generated by the pre-scan and the main scan. Further, the memory 101 stores the center position of the image pickup in the opening 15 (hereinafter referred to as the image pickup center) according to the position of the gantry 11 with respect to the support column 13.

The display 103 displays various information. For example, the display 103 outputs a medical image (CT image) generated by the processing circuit 107, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various operations from the user, and the like. For example, as the display 103, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display), a CRT (Casode Ray Tube) display, an organic EL display (OELD: Organic Electro Luminescence Display), a plasma display or any other display may be appropriately used. , Can be used. Further, the display 103 may be provided on the gantry device 10. Further, the display 103 may be a desktop type or may be composed of a tablet terminal or the like capable of wireless communication with the console device 100 main body. The display 103 corresponds to a display unit.

The input interface 105 receives various input operations from the user, converts the received input operations into electric signals, and outputs the received input operations to the processing circuit 107. For example, the input interface 105 receives from the user a collection condition for collecting projection data, a reconstruction condition for reconstructing a CT image, an image processing condition for generating a post-processed image from a CT image, and the like. As the input interface 105, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, a switch, a button, a joystick, a touch pad, a touch panel display, and the like can be appropriately used.

In the present embodiment, the input interface 105 is not limited to the one provided with physical operation parts such as a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, a switch, a button, a joystick, a touch pad, and a touch panel display. For example, an example of the input interface 105 includes an electric signal processing circuit that receives an electric signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs the electric signal to the processing circuit 107. .. Further, the input interface 105 is an example of an input unit. Further, the input interface 105 may be provided in the gantry device 10. Further, the input interface 105 may be composed of a tablet terminal or the like capable of wireless communication with the console device 100 main body. The input interface 105 corresponds to an input unit.

The processing circuit 107 controls the operation of the entire standing CT device 1 according to the electric signal of the input operation output from the input interface 105. For example, the processing circuit 107 has a processor such as a CPU, an MPU, and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and a memory such as a ROM and a RAM as hardware resources. The processing circuit 107 executes the system control function 111, the preprocessing function 113, the reconstruction function 115, the image processing function 117, and the mechanism control function 119 by the processor that executes the program expanded in the memory. The processing circuit 107 that executes the system control function 111, the preprocessing function 113, the reconstruction function 115, the image processing function 117, and the mechanism control function 119, respectively, includes a system control unit, a preprocessing unit, an image generation unit, and an image processing unit. And corresponds to the mechanism control unit. The system control function 111, the preprocessing function 113, the reconstruction function 115, the image processing function 117, and the mechanism control function 119 are not limited to the case where they are realized by a single processing circuit. A processing circuit is configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and each processor executes a program to perform a system control function 111, a preprocessing function 113, a reconstruction function 115, an image processing function 117, and a mechanism control function 119. It does not matter if it is realized.

The processing circuit 107 controls each function of the processing circuit 107 based on the input operation received from the user via the input interface 105 by the system control function 111. Specifically, the system control function 111 reads out the control program stored in the memory 101, expands it on the memory in the processing circuit 107, and controls each part of the standing CT device 1 according to the expanded control program. .. For example, the processing circuit 107 controls each function of the processing circuit 107 based on an input operation received from the user via the input interface 105.

The processing circuit 107 generates data in which the detection data output from the DAS 33 is preprocessed by the preprocessing function 113, such as logarithmic conversion processing, offset correction processing, sensitivity correction processing between channels, and beam hardening correction. do. The data before preprocessing is referred to as raw data, and the data after preprocessing is referred to as projection data.

The processing circuit 107 reconstructs the projection data generated by the preprocessing function 113 by the reconstruction function 115 by using a filter correction back projection method (FBP method: Filtered Back Projection), a successive approximation reconstruction method, or the like. The configuration process is performed to generate CT image data. That is, the reconstruction function 115 generates an image based on the output from the imaging system. The reconstruction function 115 stores the reconstructed CT image data in the memory 101.

The processing circuit 107 performs various image processing on the CT image reconstructed by the reconstructing function 115 by the image processing function 117. For example, the image processing function 117 performs three-dimensional image processing such as volume rendering, surface volume rendering, image value projection processing, MPR (Multi-Planar Reduction) processing, and CPR (Curved MPR) processing on the CT image for display. Generate an image. Further, in the medical image generated by the prescan (hereinafter referred to as a prescan image), when the region of interest (hereinafter referred to as ROI (Region Of Interest)) is input via the input interface 105, image processing is performed. Function 117 calculates the center position of the ROI.

The processing circuit 107 controls the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 by the mechanism control function 119. For example, the mechanism control function 119 controls the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 based on the ROI in the prescan image and the image pickup center in the image pickup system. Specifically, the mechanism control function 119 controls the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 so as to match the position of the center of the ROI with the position of the center of imaging. The position of the ROI aligned with the position of the center of imaging is not limited to the center position, and may be, for example, the center of gravity of the ROI.

More specifically, the mechanism control function 119 provides information corresponding to at least one of the movement direction and the movement amount of the support movement mechanism 35 (hereinafter, recommended movement amount) based on the center position of the ROI and the position of the image pickup center. Is called) is output. The recommended movement amount corresponds to a control value for controlling the movement of the support movement mechanism 35. At this time, the mechanism control function 119 controls the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 based on the output information, that is, according to the control value which is the recommended movement amount. The mechanism control function 119 that outputs the recommended movement amount corresponds to the output unit.

The mechanism control function 119 may output information corresponding to at least one of the movement direction and the movement amount of the support movement mechanism 35 to the display 103. At this time, when an operation related to the movement of the support / movement mechanism 35 is input by the user based on the displayed information, the mechanism control function 119 controls the movement of the support / movement mechanism 35 according to the input operation. Further, the mechanism control function 119 may control the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 according to a user's instruction based on the ROI in the prescan image and the image pickup center in the image pickup system. Further, the mechanism control function 119 may control the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 according to the instruction of the user who aligns the center position of the ROI with the position of the image pickup center.

The alignment process executed by the standing CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. The alignment process is to control the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 so that the center position of the ROI is aligned with the image pickup center. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the alignment process according to the embodiment.

(Alignment processing)
(Step S201)
The ROI is set on the prescan image generated by the prescan. Specifically, the subject is placed in a standing position on the support / moving mechanism 35 installed below the opening 15. The imaging system then performs a prescan on the subject under the control of the system control function 111. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a prescan execution for a subject P located in a standing position on the support movement mechanism 35. As shown in FIG. 3, a prescan is performed on the subject P included in the imaging space at the opening 15.

The processing circuit 107 generates projection data related to prescan by the preprocessing function 113. Next, the processing circuit 107 generates volume data by executing the reconstruction process using the generated projection data by the reconstruction function 115. The processing circuit 107 generates a prescan image by executing MPR processing on the volume data by the image processing function 117. The display 103 displays a prescan image. The input interface 105 sets the ROI in the prescan image according to the user's instruction.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the ROI set in the prescan image PSI, the opening 15, and the support moving mechanism 35. As shown in FIG. 4, the image center CI at which good image quality can be obtained may be different from the ROI center.

(Step S202)
The processing circuit 107 calculates the center position of the ROI in the displayed image by the image processing function 117. The center position corresponds to the center of the circle when the ROI is circular. Further, when the ROI is elliptical, the center position corresponds to, for example, the midpoint of the major axis or the minor axis of the ellipse. If the ROI is polygonal, the center position corresponds to the center of gravity of the ROI. At this time, the processing circuit 107 may superimpose the ROI, the center position of the ROI, and the position of the image pickup center on the prescan image PSI and display them on the monitor or the display 103 provided on the gantry 11 or the support column 13. .. At this time, the user may input the moving direction and the moving amount of the support moving mechanism 35 as a vector such as an arrow via the input interface 105.

(Step S203)
The processing circuit 107 outputs the recommended movement amount based on the center position of the ROI and the position of the image pickup center by the mechanism control function 119. The mechanism control function 119 may display the recommended movement amount on the monitor, the display 103, or the like provided on the gantry 11 or the support column 13, together with the position of the center of the ROI and the position of the center of imaging. As a result, the recommended movement amount can be notified to the user. The recommended movement amount corresponds to, for example, the direction from the center position of the ROI toward the position of the image pickup center (movement direction) or the distance between the center position of the ROI and the position of the image pickup center. In other words, the recommended movement amount corresponds to the vector quantity from the center position of the ROI to the position of the image pickup center. The mechanism control function 119 may display the recommended movement amount on the display 103 together with the prescan image PSI. At this time, the user may appropriately modify the recommended movement amount via the input interface 105.

(Step S204)
The processing circuit 107 moves the top plate by the operation of the drive mechanism based on the movement direction and the movement amount by the mechanism control function 119. The mechanism control function 119 manually (manually) moves the support movement mechanism 35 according to the movement amount input or corrected by the user or the recommended movement amount according to the instruction of the operator via the input interface 105. May be good. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 by the mechanism control function 119 with respect to the prescan image PSI shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the center position of the ROI is located on the left side of the imaging center CI on the X-axis. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the mechanism control function 119 moves the support movement mechanism 35 with the output movement amount MM along the + direction of the X axis.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the support movement mechanism 35 after movement in FIG. 5, together with prescan images PSI, ROI, and an imaging center. As shown in FIG. 6, after the support movement mechanism 35 is moved by the movement amount MM, the center position of the ROI and the position of the image pickup center are aligned. As a result, the center position of the ROI and the position of the image pickup center are substantially the same, and a good quality medical image can be obtained in the main scan performed after this step in the alignment process.

According to the standing CT apparatus 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the gantry 11 having an imaging system for imaging the subject P, at least one support column 13 that movably supports the gantry 11 in the vertical direction, and imaging. An image generation unit that generates a prescan image PSI based on the output from the system, a support movement mechanism 35 that is movably installed in a direction intersecting the movement direction of the gantry 11 and supports the subject P from below, and a support movement mechanism 35. A mechanism control unit for controlling the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 is provided. As a result, according to the standing CT apparatus 1, the support movement is performed so that, for example, the center position of the region of interest and the position of the center of imaging are aligned with each other based on the region of interest in the prescan image PSI and the imaging center in the imaging system. The movement of the mechanism 35 can be controlled.

Further, according to the standing CT apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, it corresponds to at least one of the moving direction and the moving amount of the support moving mechanism 35 based on the region of interest in the subject P and the imaging center of the imaging system. Information is output, and the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 is controlled based on the output information. Further, according to the standing CT apparatus 1 according to the embodiment, the user's instruction based on the region of interest in the prescan image PSI and the imaging center in the imaging system, for example, the center position of the region of interest and the position of the imaging center are aligned. The movement of the support movement mechanism 35 can be controlled according to the user's instruction. For example, when the output information is displayed on the display 103 and an operation related to the movement of the support / movement mechanism 35 is input by the user via the input interface 105 based on the information, the support / movement mechanism is in accordance with the input operation. The movement of 35 can be controlled.

From the above, according to the standing CT apparatus 1 according to the embodiment, the center position of the ROI set in the prescan image PSI can be automatically aligned with the image pickup center according to the user's instruction. That is, the ROI can be arranged at the center of the imaging by the user's intention without calling out to the subject P. From these facts, according to the main standing CT apparatus 1, it is possible to generate a high-quality medical image in the main scan for the subject P. Further, according to the standing CT apparatus 1, the ROI can be arranged at the center of the imaging without calling out to the subject P, so that the throughput of the examination for the subject P can be improved.

(Modification example)
In this modification, a plurality of gas bags that can be expanded by injecting gas to maintain (fix) the subject P are provided on the side surface of the opening 15, and the gas bags are controlled by controlling the movement of the support movement mechanism 35. The purpose is to control the injection of gas into the gas bag and the discharge of gas from the gas bag. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the standing CT device 2 according to the present modification. The standing CT device 2 shown in FIG. 7 further includes a plurality of gas bags 37 and a plurality of pumps 39 in the standing CT device 1 shown in FIG. In addition, the technical feature in this modification may be carried out independently without being accompanied by the control of the movement of the support movement mechanism 35. That is, in carrying out this modification, the support movement mechanism 35 can be omitted.

The plurality of gas bags 37 are provided on the wall surface of the gantry 11 having the opening 15. The plurality of gas bags 37 are made of a material that can be expanded by injecting gas and contracted by discharging gas, and does not attenuate radiation such as X-rays. The plurality of gas bags 37 expand by injecting gas to maintain the posture of the subject P. The plurality of gas bags 37 are connected to the plurality of pumps 39 via the hose 41. The gas is, for example, air. At this time, the gas bag 37 may be referred to as an air bag. The gas is not limited to air and may be a gas other than air. The plurality of gas bags 37 may be removable from the gantry 11. Further, the plurality of gas bags 37 may be provided with a cover, a drape, or the like that covers the plurality of gas bags 37 and is removable. The cover and drape are made of a material that does not attenuate radiation such as X-rays. Further, a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the gas packed in the gas bag 37 may be arranged in each of the plurality of gas bags 37.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship of the plurality of gas bags 37 with respect to the subject P. In FIG. 8, the gantry 11 is not shown. As shown in FIG. 8, each of the plurality of gas bags 37 is provided with a hose 41 used for injecting gas and discharging gas. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a gas bag 37 filled with gas is arranged around the subject P in the opening 15. That is, since the gas bag 37 filled with gas is located at a predetermined pressure between the wall surface of the gantry 11 and the subject P at the opening 15, the posture of the subject P is maintained.

As shown in FIG. 8, each of the plurality of gas bags 37 is in close contact with the adjacent gas bag. Although only two of the plurality of gas bags 37 and the plurality of pumps 39 are shown in FIG. 7, in reality, as shown in FIG. 8, two or more gas bags are formed on the wall surface of the gantry 11 at the opening 15. It will be provided. In addition, a plurality of pumps 39 are provided in the gantry device 10 and the like according to the number of gas bags 37. Instead of the plurality of gas bags 37, one gas bag divided into a plurality of sections may be used. At this time, the plurality of pumps 39 are associated with the plurality of compartments, respectively, and are connected to the plurality of compartments via the plurality of hoses 41.

The plurality of pumps 39 inject gas into the plurality of gas bags 37 and discharge the gas from the plurality of gas bags 37 under the control of the mechanism control function 119. The plurality of pumps 39 and hoses 41 can be installed in any place other than the imaging space as long as they do not interfere with the rotation of the rotating frame 21, the movement of the gantry 11, and the movement of the support moving mechanism 35. Is.

The processing circuit 107 further controls the injection of gas and the discharge of gas by the plurality of pumps 39 in accordance with the control of the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 by the mechanism control function 119. When the pressure inside the gas bag 37 (hereinafter referred to as the pressure inside the bag) reaches a predetermined threshold value (hereinafter referred to as the pressure threshold value) at the time of injecting the gas into the gas bag 37, the mechanism control function 119 The pump 39 connected to the gas bag 37 is controlled so as to stop the injection of gas. A process relating to control of a plurality of pumps 39 relating to gas injection and gas discharge (hereinafter referred to as pump control process) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the pump control process.

(Pump control processing)
(Step S901)
Prior to the execution of the prescan, the subject P is placed on the support moving mechanism 35 in a state where the gas is removed from the plurality of gas bags 37. If the gas bag 37 is filled with gas before the subject P is placed on the support moving mechanism 35, the mechanism control function 119 controls the pump 39 so as to discharge the gas from the gas bag 37. At this time, the pump 39 discharges the gas from the gas bag 37 under the control of the mechanism control function 119. Next, the subject P is arranged in the support movement mechanism 35.

(Step S902)
Gas is injected into the gas bag 37 by the control of the pump 39 by the mechanism control function 119. The amount of gas injected into the gas bag 37 (hereinafter referred to as the amount of gas injected) is determined by the mechanism control function 119, for example, based on the body weight and height in the patient information of the subject P regarding the test. At this time, the mechanism control function 119 controls the pump 39 until the determined injection amount is reached. The mechanism control function 119 may control the pump 39 until the pressure inside the bag detected by the pressure sensor provided in the gas bag 37 reaches the pressure threshold value. The pressure threshold value is stored in the memory 101 in advance.

(Step S903)
The imaging system performs a prescan on the subject P under the control of the system control function 111. The processing circuit 107 generates projection data related to prescan by the preprocessing function 113. The processing circuit 107 generates volume data by executing a reconstruction process using the projected projection data generated by the reconstruction function 115. The processing circuit 107 generates a prescan image PSI by executing MPR processing on the volume data by the image processing function 117. The display 103 displays the prescan image PSI.

(Step S904)
The input interface 105 sets the ROI in the prescan image PSI according to the user's instruction. The processing circuit 107 calculates the center position of the ROI in the displayed image by the image processing function 117.

(Step S905)
The processing circuit 107 uses the mechanism control function 119 to inject gas and discharge gas (hereinafter referred to as gas discharge amount) in each of the plurality of gas bags 37 based on the position of the center of ROI, the position of the center of imaging, and the correspondence table. Call) and decide. The correspondence table shows, for example, the difference between the center position of the ROI and the position of the image pickup center, the direction from the center position of the ROI to the position of the image pickup center, and the weight and height of the subject P in each of the plurality of gas bags 37. It is a correspondence table (hereinafter, referred to as a ROI movement correspondence table) which shows the correspondence relationship between the said gas injection amount and the said gas discharge amount with respect to. The ROI movement correspondence table is stored in the memory 101 in advance.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the ROI, the opening 15, and the plurality of gas bags 37 in the subject P at the time of prescan. As shown in FIG. 10, the imaging center CI, which can obtain good image quality, is different from the ROI center. In this step, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the gas injection amount and the gas discharge amount for aligning the center of the ROI with the imaging center are determined. The processing circuit 107 may display the gas injection amount and the gas discharge amount on the monitor provided in the display 103, the gantry 11, or the like for each of the plurality of gas bags 37. At this time, the mechanism control function 119 can manually correct the gas injection amount and the gas discharge amount according to the instruction of the operator via the input interface 105.

(Step S906)
The processing circuit 107 controls each of the plurality of pumps 39 according to the gas injection amount and the gas discharge amount determined in each of the plurality of gas bags 37 by the mechanism control function 119. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of injecting gas into each of a plurality of gas bags 37 and discharging gas from each of the plurality of gas bags 37 with respect to FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 11, gas is injected into the two gas bags on the left side of the ROI via each of the two hoses 411, and gas is injected from the two gas bags on the right side of the ROI via each of the two hoses 413. Is discharged. As a result, the subject P is moved along the direction PM as shown in FIG. When the process in this step is executed, the process in step S204 is also executed at the same time. That is, the mechanism control function 119 further controls the injection of gas and the discharge of gas by the pump 39 in accordance with the control of the movement of the support movement mechanism 35. The mechanism control function 119 may manually control the pump 39 according to the instruction of the operator via the input interface 105.

(Step S907)
If the pressure of at least one of the plurality of gas bags 37 exceeds the threshold value (YES in step S907), the process of step S909 is executed. If the pressure does not exceed the threshold value in any of the plurality of gas bags 37 (NO in step S907), the process of step S908 is executed.

(Step S908)
When the gas injection amount and the gas discharge amount in the plurality of gas bags 37 reach the amounts determined in step S905 (YES in step S908), the process of step S909 is executed. If the gas injection amount and the gas discharge amount in the plurality of gas bags 37 do not reach the amounts determined in step S905 (NO in step S908), the process of step S906 is executed.

(Step S909)
Following the user's instructions via the input interface 105, this scan is performed on the subject P under the control of the system control function 111. At this time, the processing circuit 107 generates projection data by the preprocessing function 113. Next, the processing circuit 107 reconstructs the volume data based on the projection data by the reconstruction function 115. Subsequently, the processing circuit 107 generates a medical image (hereinafter, referred to as a main scan image) related to the main scan based on the volume data by the image processing function 117.

(Step S910)
In the next test, if the subject P is not changed (NO in step S910), that is, when a further test is performed on the same subject, the processes after step S904 are repeated. If there is no change in the ROI in the further examination of the subject P, step S909 may be executed. In the next test, if the subject P is changed (YES in step S910), the process of step S911 is executed.

(Step S911)
The gas bag 37 is replaced by the user. Instead of replacing the gas bag 37, the gas bag 37 may be disinfected. If the gas bag 37 is provided with a cover or drape, the cover or drape is replaced by the user. From after YES in step S910 to the end of this step, a monitor provided on the gantry 11 and the support column 13 is provided with character strings and information prompting the replacement of the gas bag 37, the cover and the drape, the disinfection of the gas bag 37, and the like. It may be displayed on the display 103 or the like. As a result, the user can be urged to replace the gas bag 37, the cover or the drape, disinfect the gas bag 37, and the like. Further, at this time, the character string or information, in other words, information prompting the replacement of the gas bag 37, the cover or the drape, the disinfection of the gas bag 37, etc., is not provided by the user's instruction via the input interface 105, for example. It may be displayed. Further, the treatment in this step 911 (replacement of the gas bag 37, the cover and the drape, disinfection of the gas bag 37) may be performed once a day, for example, after the completion of all inspections on the day.

According to the standing CT device 2 according to the above-described modification, the support / movement mechanism 35 relates to gas injection and gas discharge into each of the plurality of gas bags 37 provided on the wall surface of the gantry 11 at the opening 15. With the control of the movement of the gas, the injection of the gas and the discharge of the gas by the pump 39 are further controlled. As a result, the posture of the subject P can be maintained, that is, fixed, and the center position of the ROI set in the prescan image PSI can be automatically aligned with the imaging center. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of positioning the ROI with respect to the image pickup center and improve the stability of the subject P during movement. Further, according to the main standing CT device 2, it is possible to prevent the CT image due to the main scan from being blurred due to the wobbling of the upper body of the subject P. As a result, according to the main standing CT device 2, it is possible to generate a high-quality main scan image. Since other effects are the same as those in the embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

(First application example)
An example of this application is to move the support / movement mechanism 35 according to the displacement of the center of gravity of the subject P in the support / movement mechanism 35. Specifically, the main standing CT device 1 detects the center of gravity of the subject P supported by the support movement mechanism 35, and supports and moves so as to compensate for the displacement amount based on the detected displacement amount of the center of gravity. Controls the movement of the mechanism 35.

The support movement mechanism 35 further includes a detection unit that detects the center of gravity of the subject P supported by the support movement mechanism 35. The detection unit is realized by, for example, a center of gravity sensor. The center of gravity sensor is realized by, for example, a pressure sensor and a processor. The pressure sensor detects the pressure on the top plate by the foot of the subject and the pressure on the top plate or the block by a wheelchair or the like supporting the subject P. The processor calculates the center of gravity of the subject P based on the output from the pressure sensor. Since the calculation of the center of gravity based on the output from the pressure sensor can be appropriately realized by the existing technology, the description thereof will be omitted. As described above, the detection unit detects the center of gravity of the subject P supported by the support movement mechanism 35. The detection unit outputs the calculated position of the center of gravity to the console device 100. That is, the detection unit has a function of monitoring the position of the center of gravity of the subject P.

The configuration of the detection unit is not limited to the above, and various sensors such as an ultrasonic sensor or an optical camera may be used instead of the pressure sensor. When various sensors or optical cameras are used instead of the pressure sensor, the detection unit is not the support / movement mechanism 35, but at an angle different from the angle facing the rotation axis A1 on the wall surface of the gantry 11 at the opening 15, for example. , Multiple installations. For example, when an optical camera is used as the detection unit, the optical camera monitors the position and posture of the subject P. The installation location of the optical camera is not limited to the wall surface of the gantry 11 in the opening 15, and may be provided, for example, on the ceiling directly above the opening 15.

When the detector is realized by various sensors or optical cameras, the processor calculates the inclination of the subject based on the data output from the various sensors or the optical camera, and calculates the center of gravity based on the calculated inclination. .. Since the calculation of the center of gravity based on the output from various sensors or optical cameras can be appropriately realized by the existing technology, the description thereof will be omitted. Further, the detection unit may be realized by the image processing function 117 in the processing circuit 107. At this time, the image processing function 117 detects the inclination of the subject P, for example, based on a plurality of prescan image PSIs along the Z direction. Next, the image processing function 117 detects the center of gravity of the subject P based on the detected inclination.

The processing circuit 107 controls the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 so as to compensate for the displacement amount based on the displacement amount of the center of gravity of the subject P by the mechanism control function 119. For example, the mechanism control function 119 calculates the displacement amount of the center of gravity of the subject P monitored by the detection unit and the displacement direction of the center of gravity based on the position of the center of gravity along the time series. The mechanism control function 119 moves the top plate by the operation of the drive mechanism based on the movement direction and the displacement amount, with the direction opposite to the displacement direction as the movement direction.

Hereinafter, a process of moving the support / movement mechanism 35 following a change in the center of gravity of the subject P in the support / movement mechanism 35 (hereinafter referred to as a center of gravity tracking process) will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the center of gravity tracking process. The center of gravity tracking process can be appropriately executed at any time before the execution of the main scan, for example.

(Center of gravity tracking process)
(Step S1301)
The processing circuit 107 calculates the change in the center of gravity (displacement amount of the center of gravity) and the displacement direction of the center of gravity based on the position of the center of gravity of the subject P detected by the detection unit by the mechanism control function 119. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which the center of gravity is changed by the inclination PT of the subject P. As shown in FIG. 13, when the center of gravity of the subject P moves due to the inclination PT of the posture of the subject P, the mechanism control function 119 calculates the displacement amount of the center of gravity corresponding to the movement of the center of gravity and the displacement direction of the center of gravity. ..

(Step S1302)
If the displacement amount of the center of gravity exceeds a predetermined threshold value (hereinafter referred to as the center of gravity threshold value) (YES in step S1302), the process of step S1303 is executed. If the displacement amount of the center of gravity is less than the threshold value of the center of gravity (NO in step S1302), the process of step S1304 is executed. The center of gravity threshold is set in advance and stored in the memory 101.

(Step 1303)
The processing circuit 107 controls the support movement mechanism 35 by the mechanism control function 119 based on the movement direction opposite to the displacement direction of the center of gravity and the displacement amount of the center of gravity. Under the control of the mechanism control function 119, the support movement mechanism 35 moves the top plate in the moving direction by the amount of displacement of the center of gravity by the drive mechanism. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a support movement mechanism 35 that is moved in the X direction by the movement amount GM as the center of gravity of the subject P moves due to the tilt PT of the posture of the subject P. As shown in FIG. 14, even when the center of gravity changes due to the inclination PT of the posture of the subject P or the like, the support / movement mechanism 35 moves so as to compensate for the movement of the center of gravity.

The processing circuit 107 may display the displacement amount of the center of gravity corresponding to the movement of the center of gravity and the displacement direction of the center of gravity on a monitor provided on the display 103, the gantry 11, or the like. At this time, the mechanism control function 119 may manually move the support movement mechanism 35 according to the instruction of the operator via the input interface 105.

(Step S1304)
If the center of gravity of the subject P changes due to the output from the detection unit (YES in step S1304), the processes after step S1301 are executed. If the center of gravity of the subject P does not change due to the output from the detection unit (NO in step S1304), the process of step S1305 is executed.

(Step S1305)
If the main scan is executed according to the instruction of the user via the input interface 105 (YES in step S1305), the center of gravity tracking process ends. If this scan is not executed (NO in step S1305), the process of step S1304 is repeated.

According to the standing CT device 1 according to the first application example described above, the center of gravity of the subject P supported by the support movement mechanism 35 is detected, and the displacement amount is based on the detected displacement amount of the center of gravity. The movement of the support movement mechanism 35 is controlled so as to compensate for the above. As a result, according to the main standing CT device 1, even if the center of gravity changes due to the inclination PT of the posture of the subject P or the like, the support / movement mechanism 35 can be moved so as to compensate for the change in the center of gravity. From this, according to the main standing CT device 1, even if the center of gravity changes, the displacement of the center of gravity can be compensated, so that the main scan can be executed at the position desired by the user. As a result, according to the main standing CT device 1, it is possible to generate a high-quality main scan image. Since other effects are the same as those in the embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

(Second application example)
This application example controls the injection of gas into the plurality of gas bags 37 and the discharge of gas from the plurality of gas bags 37 according to the displacement of the center of gravity of the subject P in the support movement mechanism 35. There is something in it. That is, the mechanism control function 119 controls the pump 39 so as to compensate for the displacement based on the displacement of the center of gravity of the subject P. The configuration of this application example is the same as that shown in FIG. Hereinafter, in the center of gravity tracking process in this application example, a process different from that in the first application example will be described.

(Step S1303)
The processing circuit 107 uses the mechanism control function 119 to control the gas in each of the plurality of gas bags 37 based on the correspondence table regarding the displacement direction of the center of gravity, the displacement amount of the center of gravity, and the displacement of the center of gravity (hereinafter referred to as the center of gravity displacement correspondence table). Determine the injection volume and gas discharge volume. The table of gravity displacement correspondence table shows the correspondence between the gas injection amount and the gas discharge amount with respect to, for example, the displacement direction of the center of gravity and the displacement amount of the center of gravity, and the weight and height of the subject P in each of the plurality of gas bags 37. It is a correspondence table showing. The center of gravity displacement correspondence table is stored in the memory 101 in advance.

The processing circuit 107 controls each of the plurality of pumps 39 according to the gas injection amount and the gas discharge amount determined in each of the plurality of gas bags 37 by the mechanism control function 119. The mechanism control function 119 controls the pump 39 until the pressure inside the bag detected by the pressure sensor provided in the gas bag 37 reaches the pressure threshold value. For example, when the internal pressure of the bag reaches the pressure threshold value at the time of injecting gas into the gas bag 37, the mechanism control function 119 causes the pump 39 connected to the gas bag 37 to stop the injection of gas. Control. Since the control of the other pumps 39 conforms to the modified example, the description thereof will be omitted.

According to the standing CT device 2 according to the second application example described above, the center of gravity of the subject P supported by the support moving mechanism 35 is detected, and the displacement amount is based on the detected displacement amount of the center of gravity. The operation of the pump 39 is controlled so as to compensate for the above. Since the effect in this application example is the same as that in the first application example, the description thereof will be omitted.

(Third application example)
An example of this application is to move the support movement mechanism 35 without using the displacement of the center of gravity of the subject P. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the standing CT device 3 in this application example. Hereinafter, in FIG. 15, a configuration different from that in FIG. 1 will be described. The beam 50 extends along the horizontal direction from the upper end of the column 13. The beam 50 is hung on the upper ends of the pair of columns 13, for example. That is, the beam 50 is arranged so as to bridge the pair of columns 13. When there is only one support column 13, the beam 50 is cantilevered at the upper end of the support column 13. The beam 50 supports a camera (for example, an optical camera) 51, for example, directly above the axis of rotation A1. That is, the optical camera 51 is arranged on the beam 50 extending in the horizontal direction from the upper end of the support column 13, and can photograph the subject P located at the opening 15 of the gantry 11. As a modification of this application example, the optical camera 51 may be arranged on the ceiling of the examination room where the standing CT device 3 is installed, for example. At this time, the beam 50 becomes unnecessary.

The optical camera 51 is arranged on the ceiling of the inspection room where the beam 50 extending horizontally from the upper end of the support column 13 or the standing CT device 3 is installed. The angle of view of the optical camera 51 includes an aperture (bore) 15. As a result, the optical camera 51 can take a picture of the subject P located in the opening 15 of the gantry 11. The optical camera 51 photographs the subject P at a predetermined time interval (frame rate). As a result, the optical camera 51 outputs a plurality of images of the subject P (hereinafter, referred to as subject images) along the time series to the processing circuit 107.

The processing circuit 107 recognizes the position of the subject P in the subject image (for example, the head of the subject P, etc.) by the image processing function 117. The recognition of the position of the subject P (hereinafter referred to as the subject position) in the subject image will be omitted because known techniques such as a pre-learned model and a segmentation process can be used. The image processing function 117 determines the amount of movement of the subject P based on a plurality of subject positions along the time series. For example, the image processing function 117 moves the subject P by the difference between the subject position (hereinafter referred to as a reference position) when the scanno image is taken and the subject position acquired after the scanno image is taken. The amount is determined at predetermined time intervals. The image processing function 117 may determine the amount of movement of the subject P at predetermined time intervals based on the difference between the positions of two subjects adjacent to each other in time series. Further, the image processing function 117 determines the moving direction of the subject P based on the difference.

The processing circuit 107 controls the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 so as to compensate for the movement amount based on the movement amount of the subject P in the image acquired by the optical camera 51 by the mechanism control function 119. Hereinafter, a process of moving the support / movement mechanism 35 according to a change in the movement of the subject P in the support / movement mechanism 35 (hereinafter referred to as a movement following process) will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of motion tracking processing. The motion tracking process can be appropriately executed at any time before the execution of the main scan, for example.

(Motion tracking process)
(Step S1601)
When the subject image is acquired by the optical camera 51, the processing circuit 107 uses the image processing function 117 to determine the amount of movement of the subject P and the direction of movement of the subject P based on the subject image along the time series. And decide.

(Step S1602)
The processing circuit 107 compares the amount of movement with a predetermined threshold value (hereinafter referred to as a movement threshold value) by the mechanism control function 119. The motion threshold value is preset and stored in the memory 101. If the amount of movement exceeds the movement threshold value (YES in step S1602), the process of step S1603 is executed. If the amount of motion is less than the motion threshold value (NO in step S1602), the process of step S1604 is executed.

(Step 1603)
The processing circuit 107 controls the support movement mechanism 35 by the mechanism control function 119 based on the movement direction and the movement amount which are opposite to the movement direction. Specifically, the mechanism control function 119 reads a table in which the movement amount and the movement amount of the support movement mechanism 35 are associated with each other from the memory 101. Next, the mechanism control function 119 collates the determined movement amount with the read table, and determines the movement amount. The support movement mechanism 35 moves the top plate in the movement direction by the amount of movement by the drive mechanism under the control of the mechanism control function 119. As a result, the mechanism control function 119 controls the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 so as to compensate for the amount of movement.

The processing circuit 107 may display the amount of movement and the direction of movement on a monitor provided on the display 103, the gantry 11, or the like. At this time, the mechanism control function 119 may manually move the support movement mechanism 35 according to the amount of movement according to the instruction of the operator via the input interface 105.

(Step S1604)
If there is a change in the amount of movement of the subject P by the image processing function 117 (YES in step S1604), the processing after step S1601 is executed. If there is no change in the amount of movement of the subject P by the image processing function 117 (NO in step S1604), the processing of step S1605 is executed.

(Step S1605)
If the main scan is executed according to the instruction of the user via the input interface 105 (YES in step S1605), the motion tracking process ends. If this scan is not executed (NO in step S1605), the process of step S1604 is repeated.

According to the upright CT device 3 according to the third application example described above, the beam 50 extending horizontally from the upper end of the column 13 or the upright CT device 3 is arranged on the ceiling of the inspection room installed and gantry. An optical camera 51 capable of photographing the subject P located in the opening 15 of the 11 is provided, and the support movement mechanism 35 is provided so as to compensate the movement amount based on the movement amount of the subject P in the image acquired by the optical camera 51. Control the movement of. As a result, according to the main standing CT device 3, even if the subject P moves, the support movement mechanism 35 is provided so as to compensate for the movement of the subject P in real time without calculating the center of gravity of the subject P. Can be moved. From this, according to the standing CT device 3, even if the subject P moves, the movement of the subject P can be compensated by the feedback in real time, so that the main scan is executed at the position desired by the user. can do. Since other effects are the same as those in the embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

(4th application example)
An example of this application is to move the support movement mechanism 35 without using the displacement of the center of gravity of the subject P. Specifically, in this application example, the load distribution of the subject P supported by the support / movement mechanism 35 is detected, and the movement of the support / movement mechanism 35 is performed so as to compensate the change amount based on the change amount of the load distribution. Control. Hereinafter, the difference between the first application example and the present application example will be described.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of sensors (SA, SB, SC, SD) provided between the support moving mechanism 35 and the top plate TT in this application example. A footpad FG is provided on the top plate TT. Subject P rides on the top plate TT with his soles aligned with the footpad FG. The plurality of sensors shown in FIG. 17 correspond to a detection unit. The relative positional relationship between the plurality of sensors, the support moving mechanism 35, and the top plate TT is not limited to the example shown in FIG. Further, the detection unit may be realized by, for example, a plurality of sensors of n × m (n and m are two or more natural numbers). At this time, a plurality of n × m sensors are arranged in a plane between the support moving mechanism 35 and the top plate TT along the X direction and the Y direction, for example.

The plurality of sensors that realize the detection unit are realized by, for example, a pressure sensor or a load sensor (load sensor). Hereinafter, for the sake of specificity, the plurality of sensors will be described as being load sensors. The load sensor SA outputs the detected load Wa to the processing circuit 107. The load sensor SB outputs the detected load Wb to the processing circuit 107. The load sensor SC outputs the detected load Wc to the processing circuit 107. The load sensor SD outputs the detected load Wd to the processing circuit 107.

The processing circuit 107 is a top plate by the subject P based on a plurality of loads (Wa, Wb, Wc, Wd) output from a plurality of load sensors (SA, SB, SC, SD) by the mechanism control function 119. The load distribution on the TT is measured at predetermined time intervals. The load distribution corresponds to, for example, the distribution of measured values of a plurality of loads according to the relative positional relationship of the plurality of load sensors with respect to the top plate TT. The mechanism control function 119 determines the movement of the subject P based on a plurality of load distributions along the time series. For example, the image processing function 117 determines the movement of the subject P by the difference between the load distribution at the time of shooting the scanno image (hereinafter referred to as the reference load distribution) and the load distribution acquired after the time of shooting the scanno image. Judgment is made at predetermined time intervals. The image processing function 117 may determine the movement of the subject P at predetermined time intervals based on the difference between two load distributions that are adjacent to each other in time series.

Specifically, the mechanism control function 119 compares the above difference with a predetermined threshold value (hereinafter, referred to as a distribution threshold value). The distribution threshold is set in advance and stored in the memory 101. If the difference exceeds the distribution threshold, the mechanism control function 119 determines that the subject has moved. At this time, the mechanism control function 119 determines the amount of movement in the support movement mechanism 35 based on the latest load distribution. For example, when a plurality of load sensors are installed as shown in FIG. 17, the mechanism control function 119 determines the amount of deviation in the + Y direction with the magnitude of (Wa + Wb) /2-(Wc + Wd) / 2. , (Wb + Wc) /2-(Wd + Wa) / 2 determines the amount of deviation in the + X direction.

When a plurality of load sensors are arranged planewise (n × m) under the top plate TT, the mechanism control function 119 obtains an in-plane peak of the load on the top plate TT. Can detect the positions of the left and right feet of the subject P. The mechanism control function 119 can determine the displacement of the subject, that is, the amount of movement of the subject P by tracking the positions of the left and right feet.

According to the standing CT apparatus 1 according to the fourth application example described above, the load distribution of the subject P supported by the support movement mechanism 35 is detected, and based on the amount of change in the detected load weight distribution, The movement of the support movement mechanism 35 is controlled so as to compensate for the change amount. As a result, according to the main standing CT device 1, even if the subject P moves, the support movement mechanism 35 is provided so as to compensate for the movement of the subject P in real time without calculating the center of gravity of the subject P. Can be moved. Since other effects are the same as those in the embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

(Fifth application example)
This application example is fixed to a beam extending horizontally from the upper end of the support column 13, the ceiling of the inspection room where the standing CT device 1 is installed, or the bottom surface of the inspection room, and is located at the opening 15 of the gantry 11. It is provided with a grip portion that can be gripped by the sample P. The grip portion has, for example, a bar in the shape of a rod that the subject P can grip.

For example, when the grip portion is fixed to a beam or a ceiling, the grip portion is formed in, for example, a substantially L-shape. At this time, in the grip portion, one end of the L-shaped grip portion is fixed to the beam or the ceiling, and the first portion extending vertically downward and the other end of the first portion are parallel to the ground (or floor surface). It has a horizontal second portion that extends to. Further, when the grip portion is fixed to a beam or a ceiling, the grip portion has two rods and one rod. Each of the two rods has one end fixed to a beam or ceiling and extends vertically downward. One bar is fixed near the other end of the two bars and extends parallel to the ground (or floor). Further, when the grip portion is fixed to the bottom surface of the inspection room, it is realized by a bar extending vertically upward from the floor surface or the support moving mechanism 35 in the opening.

According to the standing CT device 1 according to the fifth application example described above, the beam 50 extending horizontally from the upper end of the support column 13, the ceiling of the inspection room where the standing CT device 1 is installed, or the inspection room. The subject P located in the opening 15 of the gantry 11 can be gripped by the grip portion (bar) fixed to the bottom surface. Thereby, according to this application example, the stability of the subject P can be improved when the subject P is moved with respect to the alignment of the ROI with respect to the image pickup center. Further, according to the main standing CT device 1, it is possible to prevent the CT image due to the main scan from being blurred due to the swaying of the upper body of the subject P.

(6th application example)
In this application example, the grip portion in the fifth application example is fixed to a beam or the ceiling of the inspection room via a horizontally movable moving frame, and the movement of the moving frame is controlled by the mechanism control function 119. It is in. Hereinafter, in order to make the explanation concrete, it is assumed that the shape of the grip portion is L-shaped and is installed on the beam via the moving frame.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the standing CT device 4 according to this application example. As shown in FIG. 18, the moving frame 53 is fixed to the beam 50. The moving frame 53 movably supports the grip portion 55 in the horizontal direction (XY direction). The moving frame 53 moves the grip portion 55 in the horizontal direction under the control of the mechanism control function 119. The moving frame 53 has a moving mechanism for moving the grip portion 55 along at least one of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, that is, the horizontal direction.

The moving mechanism moves, for example, at least one guide having a block supporting the grip portion 55 and a rail for guiding the block (for example, a linear guide such as a linear guide) and a block in the guide along the rail. It has a drive mechanism to make it. The drive mechanism includes, for example, various motors that generate driving force and various transmission mechanisms that transmit the driving force to the block. The moving frame 53 generates a driving force by the driving mechanism according to the control signal output from the mechanism control function 119. The moving frame 53 moves the grip portion 55 along the horizontal direction by the generated driving force.

Hereinafter, the alignment process in this application example will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the alignment process according to this application example. Step S1901 and step S1902 in FIG. 19 correspond to steps S201 and S202 in FIG. 2, and the same processing as these corresponds to them, so the description thereof will be omitted.

(Alignment processing)
(Step S1903)
The processing circuit 107 outputs the movement amount and the movement direction of the movement frame 53 based on the center position of the ROI and the position of the image pickup center by the mechanism control function 119. The mechanism control function 119 may display the movement amount and the movement direction of the movement frame 53 on the monitor or the display 103 provided on the gantry 11 or the support column 13 together with the position of the center position of the ROI and the position of the image pickup center. .. As a result, the user can be notified of the movement amount and the movement direction of the movement frame 53. The mechanism control function 119 may display the movement amount and the movement direction of the movement frame 53 on the display 103 together with the prescan image PSI. At this time, the user may appropriately modify the movement amount and the movement direction of the movement frame 53 via the input interface 105.

(Step S1904)
The processing circuit 107 moves the moving frame 53 by the operation of the drive mechanism based on the moving direction and the moving amount by the mechanism control function 119. The mechanism control function 119 may manually move the movement frame 53 according to the movement amount and the movement direction input or corrected by the user according to the instruction of the operator via the input interface 105. ..

According to the standing CT device 4 according to the sixth application example described above, the moving frame is placed on the beam 50 extending horizontally from the upper end of the support column 13 or on the ceiling of the inspection room where the standing CT device 4 is installed. The grip portion 55 is fixed via the 53 to control the movement of the moving frame 53. Since the effect in this application example is the same as the effect in the embodiment and the effect in the fifth application example, the description thereof will be omitted. As a modification of this application example, only the grip portion 55 may move without moving the top plate TT. At this time, the support moving mechanism 35 may be omitted. In this case, the user can promote the movement of the subject P.

(7th application example)
In this application example, for example, based on the movement amount and the movement direction obtained by the center position of the ROI and the position of the imaging center CI, the position corresponding to the contact between a part of the subject P and the gantry 11 (hereinafter referred to as “the position”). , Called the contact position) is determined whether or not the top plate is moved, and the amount of movement is corrected based on the determination result. The contact position corresponds to, for example, the position of the support / movement mechanism 35 in a state where a part of the subject P and the gantry 11 are in contact with each other.

The mechanism control function 119 determines whether or not the top plate is moved to the contact position based on the movement amount and the movement direction obtained by the center position of the ROI and the position of the image pickup center CI. When it is determined that the top plate is moved to the contact position, the mechanism control function 119 reduces (corrects) the movement amount so that the top plate is not moved to the contact position. The mechanism control function 119 controls the support movement mechanism 35 according to the corrected movement amount. That is, the mechanism control function 119 controls the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 so that a part of the subject P and the gantry 11 do not come into contact with each other.

According to the standing CT apparatus 1 according to the seventh application example described above, the support movement mechanism 35 moves to the contact position based on the region of interest (ROI) in the prescan image PSI and the image pickup center CI in the image pickup system. If it is determined that the support / movement mechanism 35 moves to the contact position, the movement amount of the support / movement mechanism 35 is corrected so that a part of the subject P and the gantry 11 do not come into contact with each other. The support movement mechanism 35 is controlled according to the corrected movement amount. As a result, according to the standing CT apparatus 1 according to the present application example, the ROI can be arranged in the vicinity of the imaging center CI without contacting a part of the subject P with the gantry 11. Therefore, the subject P can be arranged. The throughput of the inspection can be improved.

(8th application example)
In this application example, for example, based on the movement amount and the movement direction obtained by the center position of the ROI and the position of the image pickup center CI, the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 causes a part of the region of the subject P to be in the image pickup system. It is determined whether or not the area deviates from the imaging field of view (FOV: Field of View), and if it is determined that the partial region deviates from the imaging field of view, the range deviating from the imaging field of view is displayed on the display 103. Next, in this application example, the movement amount of the support movement mechanism 35 is changed according to the user's instruction input according to the out-of-range range, and the support movement mechanism 35 is controlled according to the changed movement amount.

In the mechanism control function 119, a part of the subject P is imaged in the image pickup system by the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 based on the movement amount and the movement direction obtained by the center position of the ROI and the position of the image pickup center CI. Determine if it is out of the field of view. When it is determined that the partial region is out of the imaging field of view, the mechanism control function 119 uses the prescan image PSI to display the range out of the imaging field of view (hereinafter referred to as the out-of-field range) on the display 103. do. As a result, the out-of-field range is visible to the user. The mechanism control function 119 changes the movement amount of the support movement mechanism 35 according to a user's instruction via the input interface 105. The mechanism control function 119 controls the support movement mechanism 35 according to the changed movement amount.

According to the standing CT apparatus 1 according to the eighth application example described above, the subject is moved by the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 based on the region of interest (ROI) in the prescan image PSI and the image pickup center CI in the image pickup system. It is determined whether or not a part of P is out of the field of view, and if it is determined that the part of P is out of the field of view, the out-of-field range is displayed on the display 103 and input according to the out-of-field range. The movement amount of the support movement mechanism 35 is changed according to the instruction of the user, and the support movement mechanism 35 is controlled according to the changed movement amount. As a result, according to the standing CT apparatus 1 according to the present application example, when it is determined that the partial area is out of the imaging field of view, the out-of-field range is displayed on the display 103 so that the user can see the out-of-field range. Can be notified. Therefore, according to the standing CT device 1 according to the present application example, the support movement mechanism 35 can be controlled according to the movement amount changed by the user. From these facts, according to the standing CT apparatus 1 according to the present application example, the movement amount can be changed according to the user's instruction according to the out-of-field range, and therefore the main scan is executed for the ROI according to the user's request. be able to. Since other effects in this application example are the same as those in the embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

(9th application example)
In this application example, for example, based on the movement amount and the movement direction obtained by the center position of the ROI and the position of the image pickup center CI, the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 causes a part of the region of the subject P to be moved from the image pickup field of view. When it is determined whether or not the region is out of the imaging field of view, the movement amount of the support / movement mechanism 35 is changed so that the partial region does not deviate from the imaging field of view, and the movement is changed. The support moving mechanism 35 is controlled according to the amount.

In the mechanism control function 119, a part of the subject P is imaged in the image pickup system by the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 based on the movement amount and the movement direction obtained by the center position of the ROI and the position of the image pickup center CI. Determine if it is out of the field of view. When it is determined that the partial region is out of the imaging field of view, the mechanism control function 119 changes the movement amount of the support / movement mechanism 35 so that the partial region does not deviate from the imaging field of view. Specifically, the mechanism control function 119 changes (decreases) the amount of movement so that the partial region does not deviate from the imaging field of view. The mechanism control function 119 controls the support movement mechanism 35 according to the changed movement amount.

According to the standing CT apparatus 1 according to the ninth application example described above, the subject is moved by the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 based on the region of interest (ROI) in the prescan image PSI and the image pickup center CI in the imaging system. It is determined whether or not a part of P is out of the imaging field of view, and if it is determined that the part of P is out of the imaged field of view, the support / movement mechanism 35 is moved so that the part of the area does not deviate from the imaged field of view. The amount is changed, and the support movement mechanism 35 is controlled according to the changed movement amount. As a result, according to the standing CT apparatus 1 according to the present application example, the ROI can be arranged in the vicinity of the imaging center CI without the partial region of the subject P deviating from the imaging field of view. The inspection throughput can be improved.

(10th application example)
The present application example is to execute the eighth application example or the ninth application example according to the scan plan of the present scan for the subject P. The scan plan has, for example, the number of scans, the range of scans, the timing of exposure, the conditions of exposure, and the conditions of image processing.

In the mechanism control function 119, a part of the subject P is imaged in the image pickup system by the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 based on the movement amount and the movement direction obtained by the center position of the ROI and the position of the image pickup center CI. Determine if it is out of the field of view. When it is determined that the partial area is out of the imaging field of view, the mechanism control function 119 displays the out-of-field range on the display 103 according to the scan plan of this scan regarding the subject P, or the partial area is the imaging field of view. The movement amount of the support movement mechanism 35 is changed so as not to deviate from. When the out-of-field range is displayed on the display 103, the mechanism control function 119 changes the movement amount of the support movement mechanism 35 according to the user's instruction input according to the out-of-field range. The mechanism control function 119 controls the support movement mechanism 35 according to the changed movement amount. Since the effects in this application example are the same as those in the 8th application example and the 9th application example, the description thereof will be omitted.

When the technical idea in the embodiment is realized by the control method, the control method is a direction intersecting the moving direction of the gantry 11 by the image pickup system in the gantry 11 movably supported in the vertical direction by at least one support column 13. The subject P supported from below by the support moving mechanism 35 movably installed in the image is imaged, an image is generated based on the output from the imaging system, and the movement of the support moving mechanism 35 is controlled. Since the procedure and effect of the alignment process executed by the control method are the same as those in the embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

According to at least one embodiment, a plurality of application examples, modifications, and the like described above, a high-quality medical image can be obtained.

Although some embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, changes, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and variations thereof are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof, as are included in the scope and gist of the invention.

Regarding the above embodiments and the like, the following appendices are disclosed as one aspect and selective features of the invention.
(Appendix 1)
At least one strut that supports the gantry for imaging the subject so that it can move vertically.
A support movement mechanism that is movably installed in a direction intersecting the movement direction of the gantry and supports the subject, and a support movement mechanism.
A mechanism control unit that controls the movement of the support movement mechanism,
Medical diagnostic imaging equipment equipped with.
(Appendix 2)
An image generation unit that generates an image based on the output from the imaging system may be further provided.
(Appendix 3)
The gantry may have an imaging system for imaging a subject.
(Appendix 4)
The mechanism control unit may control the movement of the support movement mechanism based on the region of interest in the image and the image pickup center in the image pickup system.
(Appendix 5)
The mechanism control unit may control the movement of the support movement mechanism so as to match the center position of the region of interest with the position of the image pickup center.
(Appendix 6)
The mechanism control unit may control the movement of the support movement mechanism according to a user's instruction based on the region of interest in the image and the image pickup center in the image pickup system.
(Appendix 7)
The mechanism control unit may control the movement of the support movement mechanism according to a user's instruction to align the center position of the region of interest with the position of the image pickup center.
(Appendix 8)
Further, a detection unit for detecting the center of gravity of the subject supported by the support movement mechanism may be further provided.
The mechanism control unit may control the movement of the support movement mechanism so as to compensate for the displacement amount based on the displacement amount of the center of gravity.
(Appendix 9)
A camera located above the opening of the gantry and including the inside of the opening of the gantry in the imaging field of view may be further provided.
The mechanism control unit may control the movement of the support movement mechanism so as to compensate for the movement amount based on the movement amount of the subject in the image acquired by the camera.
(Appendix 10)
The camera may be an optical camera that is arranged on the ceiling of a beam extending horizontally from the upper end of the support column or a laboratory in which the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus is installed and can photograph the subject located at the opening of the gantry. good.
(Appendix 11)
Further, a detection unit for detecting the load distribution of the subject supported by the support movement mechanism may be further provided.
The mechanism control unit may control the movement of the support movement mechanism so as to compensate for the change amount based on the change amount of the load distribution.
(Appendix 12)
The gantry may have an opening that forms an imaging space for the imaging.
A plurality of gas bags provided on the wall surface of the gantry at the opening and expanded by injecting gas to maintain the posture of the subject.
It may further have a plurality of pumps for injecting the gas into the gas bag or discharging the gas from the gas bag.
The mechanism control unit may further control the injection of the gas and the discharge of the gas by the pump in accordance with the control of the movement.
(Appendix 13)
Further, a detection unit for detecting the center of gravity of the subject supported by the support movement mechanism may be further provided.
The mechanism control unit may control the pump so as to compensate for the displacement based on the displacement of the center of gravity.
(Appendix 14)
A grip portion that can be gripped by the subject located at the opening of the gantry may be further provided.
(Appendix 15)
The grip may be fixed to a beam extending horizontally from the upper end of the column, the ceiling of the examination room where the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus is installed, or the bottom surface of the examination room.
(Appendix 16)
The grip may be fixed to the beam or ceiling via a horizontally movable moving frame.
The mechanism control unit may control the movement of the moving frame.
(Appendix 17)
The mechanism control unit
Based on the region of interest in the image and the image pickup center in the image pickup system, it may be determined whether or not the support movement mechanism moves to a position corresponding to the contact between a part of the subject and the gantry.
When it is determined that the support / movement mechanism moves to a position corresponding to the contact, the movement amount of the support / movement mechanism may be corrected so that a part of the subject does not come into contact with the gantry.
The support movement mechanism may be controlled according to the corrected movement amount.
(Appendix 18)
The mechanism control unit
Based on the region of interest in the image and the imaging center in the imaging system, it may be determined whether or not a partial region of the subject deviates from the imaging field of view in the imaging system due to the movement of the support moving mechanism.
If it is determined that the image is out of the field of view, the range outside the field of view may be displayed on the display.
The movement amount of the support movement mechanism may be changed according to the user's instruction input according to the deviation range.
The support movement mechanism may be controlled according to the changed movement amount.
(Appendix 19)
The mechanism control unit
Based on the region of interest in the image and the imaging center in the imaging system, it may be determined whether or not a partial region of the subject deviates from the imaging field of view in the imaging system due to the movement of the support moving mechanism.
When it is determined that the area is out of the imaging field of view, the amount of movement of the support moving mechanism may be changed so that the partial region does not deviate from the imaged field of view.
The support movement mechanism may be controlled according to the changed movement amount.
(Appendix 20)
The mechanism control unit
Based on the region of interest in the image and the imaging center in the imaging system, it may be determined whether or not a partial region of the subject deviates from the imaging field of view in the imaging system due to the movement of the support moving mechanism.
When it is determined that the partial area is out of the imaging field of view, the range outside the imaging field of view is displayed on the display according to the scan plan for the subject, or the partial area is not out of the imaging field of view. In addition, the movement amount of the support movement mechanism may be changed.
When the out-of-range range is displayed on the display, the movement amount of the support movement mechanism may be changed according to the user's instruction input according to the out-of-range range.
The support movement mechanism may be controlled according to the changed movement amount.
(Appendix 21)
The medical image diagnostic apparatus may image the subject in a standing state.
(Appendix 22)
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus may be an X-ray computed tomography apparatus or a positron emission tomography apparatus.
(Appendix 23)
The gantry may perform a scannograph on the subject.
The region of interest may be identified in the image generated by the scannographing.
(Appendix 24)
An image pickup system in a gantry movably supported in the vertical direction by at least one support column, and an image of a subject supported from below by a support movement mechanism movably installed in a direction intersecting the movement direction of the gantry. death,
An image is generated based on the output from the imaging system,
Controlling the movement of the support movement mechanism,
Control method with.
(Appendix 25)
A gantry that has an imaging system for imaging a subject,
With at least one strut that supports the gantry so that it can move vertically,
An image generation unit that generates an image based on the output from the imaging system,
A support movement mechanism that is movably installed in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the gantry and supports the subject from below, and a support movement mechanism.
An output unit that outputs information corresponding to at least one of the movement direction and the movement amount of the support movement mechanism based on the region of interest in the subject and the image pickup center of the image pickup system.
Medical diagnostic imaging equipment equipped with.

1 Standing CT device 2 Standing CT device 3 Standing CT device 4 Standing CT device 10 Standing device 11 Gantry (mounting)
13 Strut 15 Opening 17 X-ray tube 19 X-ray detector 21 Rotating frame 23 Rotating drive device 25 Stand control circuit 27 Strut drive device 31 High voltage generator 33 DAS (Data Acquisition System)
35 Support movement mechanism 37 Gas bag 39 Pump 41 Hose 50 Beam 51 Optical camera 53 Moving frame 55 Grip 101 Memory 103 Display 105 Input interface 107 Processing circuit 111 System control function 113 Preprocessing function 115 Reconstruction function 117 Image processing function 119 Mechanism Control function 411 hose 413 hose

Claims (18)

A gantry that has an imaging system for imaging a subject,
With at least one strut that supports the gantry so that it can move vertically,
An image generation unit that generates an image based on the output from the imaging system,
A support movement mechanism that is movably installed in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the gantry and supports the subject from below, and a support movement mechanism.
A mechanism control unit that controls the movement of the support movement mechanism,
Medical diagnostic imaging equipment equipped with. The mechanism control unit controls the movement of the support movement mechanism based on the region of interest in the image and the image pickup center in the image pickup system.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1. The mechanism control unit controls the movement of the support movement mechanism so as to match the center position of the region of interest with the position of the image pickup center.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 2. The mechanism control unit controls the movement of the support movement mechanism according to a user's instruction based on the region of interest in the image and the image pickup center in the image pickup system.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1. The mechanism control unit controls the movement of the support movement mechanism according to a user's instruction to align the center position of the region of interest with the position of the image pickup center.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 4. Further, a detection unit for detecting the center of gravity of the subject supported by the support movement mechanism is provided.
The mechanism control unit controls the movement of the support movement mechanism so as to compensate for the displacement amount based on the displacement amount of the center of gravity.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Further provided with an optical camera located on the ceiling of the examination room where the beam extending horizontally from the upper end of the column or the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus is installed and capable of photographing the subject located at the opening of the gantry.
The mechanism control unit controls the movement of the support movement mechanism so as to compensate for the movement amount based on the movement amount of the subject in the image acquired by the optical camera.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Further, a detection unit for detecting the load distribution of the subject supported by the support movement mechanism is provided.
The mechanism control unit controls the movement of the support movement mechanism so as to compensate for the change amount based on the change amount of the load distribution.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The gantry has an opening that forms an imaging space for the imaging.
A plurality of gas bags provided on the wall surface of the gantry at the opening and expanded by injecting gas to maintain the posture of the subject.
It further comprises a plurality of pumps for injecting the gas into the gas bag or discharging the gas from the gas bag.
The mechanism control unit further controls the injection of the gas and the discharge of the gas by the pump in accordance with the control of the movement.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8. Further, a detection unit for detecting the center of gravity of the subject supported by the support movement mechanism is provided.
The mechanism control unit controls the pump so as to compensate for the displacement based on the displacement of the center of gravity.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 9. It is fixed to the beam extending horizontally from the upper end of the column, the ceiling of the examination room where the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus is installed, or the bottom surface of the examination room, and can be grasped by the subject located at the opening of the gantry. Further equipped with a grip
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The grip is fixed to the beam or ceiling via a horizontally movable moving frame.
The mechanism control unit controls the movement of the moving frame.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 11. The mechanism control unit
Based on the region of interest in the image and the image pickup center in the image pickup system, it is determined whether or not the support movement mechanism moves to a position corresponding to the contact between a part of the subject and the gantry.
When it is determined that the support movement mechanism moves to a position corresponding to the contact, the movement amount of the support movement mechanism is corrected so that a part of the subject and the gantry do not come into contact with each other.
The support movement mechanism is controlled according to the corrected movement amount.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12. The mechanism control unit
Based on the region of interest in the image and the imaging center in the imaging system, it is determined whether or not a part of the region of the subject deviates from the imaging field of view in the imaging system due to the movement of the support moving mechanism.
If it is determined that the image is out of the field of view, the range outside the field of view is displayed on the display.
The movement amount of the support movement mechanism is changed according to the user's instruction input according to the deviation range.
The support movement mechanism is controlled according to the changed movement amount.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13. The mechanism control unit
Based on the region of interest in the image and the imaging center in the imaging system, it is determined whether or not a part of the region of the subject deviates from the imaging field of view in the imaging system due to the movement of the support moving mechanism.
When it is determined that the area deviates from the imaging field of view, the amount of movement of the support moving mechanism is changed so that the partial region does not deviate from the imaging field of view.
The support movement mechanism is controlled according to the changed movement amount.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13. The mechanism control unit
Based on the region of interest in the image and the imaging center in the imaging system, it is determined whether or not a part of the region of the subject deviates from the imaging field of view in the imaging system due to the movement of the support moving mechanism.
When it is determined that the partial area is out of the imaging field of view, the range outside the imaging field of view is displayed on the display according to the scan plan for the subject, or the partial area is not out of the imaging field of view. In addition, the amount of movement of the support movement mechanism was changed.
When the out-of-range range is displayed on the display, the movement amount of the support movement mechanism is changed according to the user's instruction input according to the out-of-range range.
The support movement mechanism is controlled according to the changed movement amount.
The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13. An image pickup system in a gantry movably supported in the vertical direction by at least one support column, and an image of a subject supported from below by a support movement mechanism movably installed in a direction intersecting the movement direction of the gantry. death,
An image is generated based on the output from the imaging system,
Controlling the movement of the support movement mechanism,
Control method with. A gantry that has an imaging system for imaging a subject,
With at least one strut that supports the gantry so that it can move vertically,
An image generation unit that generates an image based on the output from the imaging system,
A support movement mechanism that is movably installed in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the gantry and supports the subject from below, and a support movement mechanism.
An output unit that outputs information corresponding to at least one of the movement direction and the movement amount of the support movement mechanism based on the region of interest in the subject and the image pickup center of the image pickup system.
Medical diagnostic imaging equipment equipped with.

Images