JP5329788B2 - X-ray computed tomography apparatus, respiratory instruction apparatus, and medical image imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To promote stabilization of respiratory motion of a subject. <P>SOLUTION: The X-ray computerized tomographic apparatus is provided with a gantry 100, comprising an X-ray tube to generate X-ray, and an X-ray detector to detect the X-ray transmitted through a subject, a tomographic image generating part 114 to generate tomographic image data based on output of the X-ray detector, a respiration detecting part 203 to detect respiratory waveform representing change by time of respiratory index values related to the subject, a regular respiratory waveform generating part 207 to generate respiratory waveform of a regular respiration cycle derived from the detected respiratory waveform, and a respiratory indicating part 201 to provide respiratory indication information based on the generated regular respiratory waveform. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray computed tomography apparatus, a breathing instruction apparatus, and a medical image imaging apparatus for imaging a subject and generating a medical image.

  Stable breathing is essential to reduce artifacts and improve image quality. Conventionally, stabilization of breathing motion has been achieved by voice instructions from the operator room to the subject through the microphone. However, with voice instructions, it is difficult to stabilize the respiratory motion, and there has also been a situation where the voice instructions are destabilized by an inappropriate instruction from an operator who does not grasp the stable breathing of the subject. Reference is made to US Pat.

  In X-ray computed tomography apparatuses, an imaging method and a reconstruction method that require an electrocardiographic waveform of the subject, such as an electrocardiogram synchronization scan and an electrocardiogram synchronization reconstruction method, are conventionally used. However, in the conventional X-ray computed tomography apparatus, the electrocardiogram capture state cannot be confirmed, and the electrocardiogram may not be well synchronized. Also, even if it is not ECG-synchronized imaging or ECG-synchronized reconstruction, it is preferable from the viewpoint of reducing artifacts to perform scanning when the heartbeat is stable, but this cannot be confirmed, and the operator From his own experience, he started scanning by judging the stable period by looking at the heart rate. Reference is made to US Pat.

Conventionally, an action to be taken during an examination is instructed to a subject by voice. For example, an instruction to stop breathing or an instruction not to move is given by an automatic voice reproducing device of the device or a voice of an operator from a microphone. The subject relies on voice for all information, and if it does not depend on the voice, information such as the remaining time of breath holding and the remaining time of examination cannot be known, and the occurrence of a situation in which the subject has anxiety is predicted Is done. In addition, it is desirable to keep the subject as quiet as possible and stabilize heartbeat and breathing in order to reduce body motion artifacts, but conventional devices do not have a technique to promote such relaxation. It was. Reference is made to Patent Document 1 below.
JP 2003-265464 A

An object of the present invention is to promote stabilization of respiratory motion of a subject.
Another object of the present invention is to provide information that can objectively confirm the state of incorporation of an electrocardiograph and the stability of heartbeat movement.

In the first aspect, the present invention provides a gantry having an X-ray tube that generates X-rays and an X-ray detector that detects X-rays transmitted through a subject, and a tomogram based on the output of the X-ray detector A tomographic image generation unit for generating data, a respiration detection unit for detecting a respiration waveform representing a temporal change in a respiration index value for the subject, and a respiration waveform having a regular respiration cycle derived from the detected respiration waveform There is provided an X-ray computed tomography apparatus comprising: a regular respiratory waveform generation unit that generates a respiratory instruction unit that provides respiratory instruction information based on the generated regular respiratory waveform.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, an image generation unit that captures an image of a subject and generates image data, a respiration detection unit that detects a respiration waveform representing a temporal change in a respiration index value related to the subject, and the detection A regular respiration waveform generating unit that generates a respiration waveform with a respiration cycle derived from the respiration waveform, and a respiration instruction unit that provides respiration instruction information based on the generated regular respiration waveform A medical image photographing apparatus characterized by the above is provided.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, a respiratory detector that detects a respiratory waveform that represents a temporal change in a respiratory index value related to the subject, and a respiratory cycle that is derived from the detected respiratory waveform generates a regular respiratory waveform. There is provided a breathing instruction apparatus comprising a regular breathing waveform generation unit and a display unit for displaying the generated regular breathing waveform.
In the fourth aspect, the present invention provides a gantry having an X-ray tube that generates X-rays and an X-ray detector that detects X-rays transmitted through the subject, and a tomogram based on the output of the X-ray detector A tomogram generating unit for generating data, a heart rate index calculating unit for immediately calculating a plurality of heart rate indexes related to a state of heartbeat based on an electrocardiogram relating to the subject, and among the calculated plurality of heart rate indexes, A heart rate index selection unit that selects at least one heart rate index according to a user instruction, and a display unit that is held in the housing of the gantry directly or via an arm and displays the selected heart rate index immediately. An X-ray computed tomography apparatus is provided.
In the fifth aspect, the present invention provides a gantry having an X-ray tube that generates X-rays and an X-ray detector that detects X-rays transmitted through the subject, and a tomogram based on the output of the X-ray detector A tomogram generating unit for generating data, a file storage unit for storing a plurality of audio files and a plurality of image files related to an instruction to the subject, and the audio file and the Instruction information to the subject based on the association information storage unit for storing information to associate with the image file, the audio file associated with the examination stage corresponding to the progress of the examination, and the image file An X-ray controller comprising: an instruction information providing unit to be provided; and a changing unit that changes the association information according to a user instruction. To provide a Yuta tomography apparatus.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, an image generation unit that images a subject and generates image data, and a file storage unit that stores a plurality of audio files and a plurality of image files related to instructions to the subject An association information storage unit that stores information for associating the audio file with the image file for each of a plurality of inspection stages, the audio file associated with the inspection stage according to the progress of the inspection, and the Provided is a medical image photographing apparatus comprising: an instruction information providing unit that provides instruction information to the subject based on an image file; and a changing unit that changes the association information according to a user instruction. .

According to an aspect of the present invention, stabilization of respiratory motion of a subject can be promoted.
According to the other aspect of this invention, the information which can objectively confirm the taking-in state of an electrocardiograph and the stability of a heartbeat exercise | movement can be provided.

(First embodiment)
Embodiments of an X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to an X-ray computed tomography apparatus, but other medical images that generate an image related to a subject such as an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (MRI), an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and a gamma camera. Applicable to photographing apparatus. The present invention can also be applied as a breathing instruction device specialized for the breathing instruction function. Here, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus will be described as an example. In addition, the X-ray computed tomography apparatus has a rotation / rotation (ROTATE / ROTATE) type in which an X-ray tube and a radiation detector are rotated as one body, and a large number of detection elements are arrayed in a ring shape. There are various types such as a fixed / rotation (STATIONARY / ROTATE) type in which only the X-ray tube rotates around the subject, and the present invention can be applied to any type. Here, the rotation / rotation type that currently occupies the mainstream will be described. In addition, to reconstruct one slice of tomographic image data, projection data for about 360 ° around the periphery of the subject is required, and projection data for 180 ° + view angle is also required in the half scan method. . The present invention can be applied to any reconstruction method. In addition, the mechanism for converting incident X-rays into electric charges is based on an indirect conversion type in which X-rays are converted into light by a phosphor such as a scintillator and the light is further converted into electric charges by a photoelectric conversion element such as a photodiode. The generation of electron-hole pairs in semiconductors and their transfer to the electrode, that is, the direct conversion type utilizing a photoconductive phenomenon, is the mainstream. Any of these methods may be employed as the X-ray detection element, but here, the former indirect conversion type will be described. In recent years, the so-called multi-tube type X-ray CT apparatus in which a plurality of pairs of X-ray tubes and X-ray detectors are mounted on a rotating ring has been commercialized, and the development of peripheral technologies has been advanced. The present invention can be applied to both a conventional single-tube X-ray CT apparatus and a multi-tube X-ray CT apparatus. Here, a single tube type will be described.

  FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the main part of the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to this embodiment. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus of this embodiment has a gantry 100. The gantry 100 has an annular rotating frame 102. The rotating frame 102 is driven by the rotation driving unit 107 and rotates about the rotation axis RA. An X-ray tube 101 and an X-ray detector 103 are mounted on the rotating frame 102. The X-ray detector 103 corresponds to the X-ray tube 101 across the rotation axis RA. The X-ray tube 101 receives application of tube voltage and supply of filament current from the high voltage generator 109 via the slip ring 108, and generates X-rays. The X-ray detector 103 detects X-rays that have passed through the subject and outputs an electrical signal that reflects the dose of incident X-rays. A signal (referred to as pure raw data) output from the X-ray detector 103 is supplied to the preprocessing device 106 via the data collection circuit 104 and the non-contact data transmission device 105. Data (referred to as projection data or raw data) that has undergone processing such as sensitivity correction and logarithmic conversion in the preprocessing device 106 is stored in the data storage device 112.

  A breathing detector 203 and a microphone 204 are provided in or near the gantry 100. The respiration detector 203 detects the respiration movement of the subject and outputs data relating to the respiration index value or data corresponding thereto (hereinafter simply referred to as respiration data). The respiratory data is stored in the data storage device 112. Various respiration detection methods, such as those that measure respiratory flow velocity and flow rate, are used. Here, as a simple method with a small psychological burden on the subject, the chest of the subject that periodically changes due to respiratory motion is used. Thickness shall be adopted. Here, the microphone 204 is provided mainly for detecting the breathing sound of the subject itself. This breathing sound is recorded and reproduced via the speaker unit 202 as a breathing guide together with a regular breathing waveform display.

  The gantry mount display 201 is disposed at the gantry 100 or in the vicinity thereof. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, on the housing surface of the gantry 100, a place that does not become an X-ray obstacle and is visible from the subject inserted into the opening 208, typically the opening. A gantry mount display 201 made of a liquid crystal panel or the like is disposed in a portion inclined like a mortar around 208. As shown in FIG. 3, the gantry mount display 201 may be held from the gantry 100 via a free articulated arm 221. The gantry speaker unit 202 is disposed at or near the gantry 100, specifically, the housing surface of the gantry 100, does not become an X-ray obstacle, and is easy to hear from a subject inserted into the opening 203. It is disposed in a place, typically a portion inclined like a mortar around the opening 203.

  The scan controller 110 controls operations of the rotation drive unit 107, the high voltage generator 109, and the like for data collection (scanning). The reconstruction device 114 reconstructs tomographic image data based on the projection data stored in the data storage device 112. The display device 116 is provided mainly for displaying tomographic image data. The operation device 115 includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like for inputting an operator's instruction.

  The display / speaker control unit 205 corresponds to the display of the regular breathing waveform generated by the regular breathing waveform generation unit 207 on the gantry mount display 201 and the regular breathing waveform generated by the memory breathing sound generation unit 208. The reproduction output from the gantry speaker unit 202 of the regular breathing sound is controlled. In the present embodiment, a regular respiratory waveform is generated and presented to the subject, and a respiratory sound (regular respiratory sound) corresponding to the regular respiratory waveform is reproduced, thereby causing the respiratory motion of the subject. It is characterized by promoting stabilization.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the respiration waveform detected by the respiration detector 203. The thickness of the chest as a respiratory index value increases rapidly during the inhalation period, reaches a maximum at the end of the inhalation period, gradually decreases during the expiration period, and reaches a minimum at the end of the expiration period. Here, the period from the end of the inspiratory period that is easily identified to the end of the next inspiratory period is referred to as a respiratory period, and the time width is defined as the respiratory cycle. Further, a partial waveform within one respiratory period is defined as a waveform element as the minimum unit of the respiratory waveform. In addition, in this embodiment, a period from the end of the inspiratory period to the point until a fixed time determined in advance is defined as a window period for determining whether or not the respiratory motion is stable. The portion of the respiratory waveform included in this window period is referred to as a waveform portion. In addition, a change in chest thickness due to breathing exercise, that is, a difference between a thickness at the end of the inhalation period (maximum thickness) and a thickness at the end of the expiration period (minimum thickness) is referred to as a breathing depth. As will be described later, the breathing depth is calculated for each breathing period.

  As described above, one of the features of this embodiment is the presentation of a regular respiratory waveform. A regular respiration waveform is a regular respiration waveform with a constant respiration cycle and fluctuations derived from the inherent respiration waveform that the subject himself / herself emitted during a period of stable respiration. It can be said that the subject can perform the most comfortable breathing exercise. It is particularly important to generate from the subject's own breathing waveform, which can reflect the subject's personal breathing habits and specifications, thereby simply stretching or shortening the so-called general-purpose breathing waveform. Compared with the presentation, the effect of promoting the stabilization of respiratory movement is significantly improved.

  In this embodiment, three types of methods for creating a regular respiration waveform are provided as described below. In practice, the regular respiration waveform generation unit 207 selectively executes three types of program codes according to these three types of generation methods in accordance with instructions from the operator, and applies any arbitrary generation method. Hereinafter, three types of regular respiratory waveform creation methods will be described in order. Note that before the creation of the regular respiration waveform, the respiration of the subject is detected by the respiration detector 203 and, for example, respiration data for several minutes is stored in the data storage device 112. At the same time, the respiratory sound of the subject is detected by the microphone 204, and the respiratory sound data is stored in the data storage device 112. The breathing data and the breathing sound data are typically associated with each other by a time stamp.

  FIG. 5 schematically shows a procedure for creating the first regular respiratory waveform. The regular respiration waveform generator 207 is supplied with respiration data collected by the respiration detector 203 during a period of at least 1 minute from the data storage device 112. In the regular respiration waveform generating unit 207, first, the end of the inspiration period is specified by the maximum value of the respiration waveform from the respiration waveform of at least 1 minute, and the entire respiration period is divided into a plurality of respiration periods. The respiratory waveform is divided into a plurality of waveform elements according to the plurality of divided respiratory periods. A respiratory cycle and a respiratory depth are calculated individually for a plurality of waveform elements. From the calculated respiratory cycle, the respiratory cycle having the highest appearance frequency is identified. The waveform element having the highest respiratory depth is alternatively specified from the plurality of respiratory elements corresponding to the specified respiratory cycle having the highest appearance frequency. The identified waveform elements are concatenated to generate a regular respiratory waveform. Naturally, this regular respiration waveform is completely constant in both respiration cycle and respiration depth. The waveform shape is a movement of breathing inherent to the subject.

  In accordance with the generated regular breathing waveform, the display / speaker control unit 205 configures a breathing guide screen based on the regular breathing waveform and displays it on the gantry mount display 201. FIG. 8 shows an example of a breathing guide screen. This screen covers both the subject and the operator, as well as the breathing guide display region (A), the display region (B) for providing various information related to instructions, examinations, etc. to the subject. And a display area (C). In the display area (B), for example, the remaining time until the next scan with respect to the remaining time of the scan, the time schedule of the inspection, and the rest time between the scans as information corresponding to the progress of the inspection or the scan Information such as time is displayed. In the display area (C), for example, patient information, imaging technician information, hospital guidance information, and advertisement information are displayed. The screens of these areas (B) and (C) are constructed by the control unit 205 or other dedicated components for each area.

  In the breathing guide display area (A), a pattern 301 of a regular breathing waveform is displayed so as to flow from the right side to the left side as the real time elapses, for example. A breathing guide mark 303 is superimposed on the pattern 301 of the regular breathing waveform. The horizontal position of the respiration guide mark 303 is fixed at a specific position in the screen, and the vertical position moves up and down according to the flow of the pattern 301 of the regular respiration waveform. The subject can gradually stabilize the breathing motion under the guidance of the movement of the breathing guide mark 303 along with the flow of the pattern 301 of the regular breathing waveform.

  In addition, the display / speaker control unit 205 records from the subject via the microphone 204 simultaneously when the waveform element is detected in synchronization with the flow of the pattern 301 of the regular respiratory waveform and the vertical movement of the respiratory guide mark 303. The respiration sound is reproduced and output from the speaker unit 202. This breathing sound is a breathing sound generated by itself, and it is possible to further promote stabilization of the breathing motion together with the flow of the pattern 301 of the regular breathing waveform and the vertical movement of the breathing guide mark 303.

  FIG. 6 schematically shows the procedure for creating the second regular respiratory waveform. As described above, the respiration data collected by the respiration detector 203 in a period of at least 1 minute is supplied from the data storage device 112 to the regular respiration waveform generation unit 207. In the regular respiratory waveform generation unit 207, first, the end of the inspiratory period is specified by the maximum value of the respiratory waveform from the respiratory waveform of at least one minute.

  A window period is defined in a section from the end of each specified intake period as a starting point until a predetermined fixed time elapses. The window period can be arbitrarily adjusted by the operator, and is typically set to any width of 5 to 10 seconds so that at least three breathing periods are included. For each window period, a change in respiratory cycle and a change in respiratory depth are calculated. The variation of the respiratory cycle is calculated as the difference between the longest respiratory cycle and the shortest respiratory cycle among a plurality of respiratory periods included in the window period. The variation in the breathing depth is calculated as the difference between the maximum breathing depth and the minimum breathing depth during a plurality of breathing periods included in the window period.

  The regular respiration waveform generation unit 207 narrows down a plurality of waveform portions corresponding to a plurality of window periods to a plurality of waveform portions whose respiration depth is deeper than a certain degree, that is, whose respiration depth is equal to or greater than a threshold, The waveform portion with the smallest fluctuation is specified. When there are a plurality of waveform portions with the smallest fluctuation in the respiratory cycle, the waveform portion with the deepest breathing depth is selected.

  This identified waveform portion represents the most stable breathing motion in which the breathing depth is sufficiently deep and the breathing is repeated at a constant cycle. The identified waveform portions are concatenated to generate a regular respiratory waveform. As shown in FIG. 8, according to this regular breathing waveform, under the control of the display / speaker control unit 205, a breathing guide screen is displayed on the gantry mount display 201, and the flow and breathing of the pattern 301 of the regular breathing waveform are displayed. In synchronization with the vertical movement of the guide mark 303, when the waveform portion is detected, a breathing sound recorded from the subject is reproduced via the microphone 204 and output from the speaker unit 202.

  FIG. 7 schematically shows a procedure for creating a third regular respiratory waveform. As described above, the respiration data collected by the respiration detector 203 in a period of at least 1 minute is supplied from the data storage device 112 to the regular respiration waveform generation unit 207. In the regular respiratory waveform generation unit 207, first, the end of the inspiratory period is specified by the maximum value of the respiratory waveform from the respiratory waveform of at least one minute. A window period is defined in a section from the end of each specified intake period as a starting point until a predetermined fixed time elapses. The window period includes at least three respiratory periods. For each window period, a change in respiratory cycle and a change in respiratory depth are calculated. The variation of the respiratory cycle is calculated as the difference between the longest respiratory cycle and the shortest respiratory cycle among a plurality of respiratory periods included in the window period. The variation in the breathing depth is calculated as the difference between the maximum breathing depth and the minimum breathing depth during a plurality of breathing periods included in the window period.

  In the regular respiration waveform generation unit 207, a plurality of waveform portions corresponding to a plurality of window periods are narrowed down to a plurality of waveform portions whose respiration depth is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and a predetermined number with the smallest fluctuation in the respiration cycle, for example, The top three waveform parts are identified from the one with the smallest fluctuation in the respiratory cycle.

  The three specified waveform portions are averaged to generate an averaged single waveform portion. Averaging means taking out three respiratory index values of the same time phase from three waveform parts and calculating the average value. That is, the average waveform portion represents a time change related to the average of the three respiratory index values.

  Note that the processing method for generating a single waveform portion from the three waveform portions is not limited to the averaging processing, and for example, a single waveform portion is obtained from the median value of the three respiratory index values of each time phase of the three waveform portions. The waveform portion may be generated, or a single waveform portion may be generated from the maximum value or the minimum value of the three respiratory index values.

  The generated average waveform portions are concatenated to generate a regular respiration waveform. As shown in FIG. 8, according to this regular breathing waveform, under the control of the display / speaker control unit 205, a breathing guide screen is displayed on the gantry mount display 201, and the flow and breathing of the pattern 301 of the regular breathing waveform are displayed. In synchronization with the vertical movement of the guide mark 303, when any one of the three waveform portions is detected, a breathing sound recorded from the subject is reproduced via the microphone 204 and output from the speaker unit 202. . Typically, out of the three waveform parts, the waveform part with the smallest respiratory cycle variation and the waveform part with the largest respiratory cycle variation are detected, and the waveform part with the respiratory cycle fluctuation centered is detected. Play the breathing sound when you do.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the respiratory waveform inherent to the subject himself / herself, which is generated by the subject himself / herself during the period of stable breathing, is presented as a breathing guide, and the actual breathing sound is played at that time. The effect of promoting the stabilization of respiratory movement is exceptional.

(Second embodiment)
Embodiments of an X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to an X-ray computed tomography apparatus, but other medical images that generate an image related to a subject such as an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (MRI), an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and a gamma camera. Applicable to photographing apparatus. The present invention can also be applied as an electrocardiogram information display device specialized for the electrocardiogram information display function. Here, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus will be described as an example. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes a rotation / rotation type in which an X-ray tube and a radiation detector are rotated as one body, and a large number of detection elements are arrayed in a ring shape. There are various types such as a fixed / rotation type in which only the subject rotates around the subject, and the present invention can be applied to any type. In addition, to reconstruct one slice of tomographic image data, projection data for about 360 ° around the periphery of the subject is required, and projection data for 180 ° + view angle is also required in the half scan method. However, the present invention can be applied to any reconstruction method. In addition, the mechanism for converting incident X-rays into electric charges is based on an indirect conversion type in which X-rays are converted into light by a phosphor such as a scintillator and the light is further converted into electric charges by a photoelectric conversion element such as a photodiode. The generation of electron-hole pairs in semiconductors and their transfer to electrodes, that is, the direct conversion type utilizing photoconductivity, is the mainstream, but any of these methods may be adopted as the X-ray detection element. . In recent years, the so-called multi-tube type X-ray CT apparatus in which a plurality of pairs of X-ray tubes and X-ray detectors are mounted on a rotating ring has been commercialized, and the development of peripheral technologies has been advanced. The present invention can be applied to both a conventional single-tube X-ray CT apparatus and a multi-tube X-ray CT apparatus. Here, a single tube type will be described.

  FIG. 9 shows the configuration of the main part of the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to this embodiment. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus of this embodiment includes a gantry 1100. The gantry 1100 has an annular rotating frame 1102. The rotating frame 1102 is driven by the rotation driving unit 1107 and rotates about the rotation axis RA. An X-ray tube 1101 and an X-ray detector 1103 are mounted on the rotating frame 1102. The X-ray detector 1103 corresponds to the X-ray tube 1101 across the rotation axis RA. The X-ray tube 1101 receives application of tube voltage and supply of filament current from the high voltage generator 1109 via the slip ring 1108 and generates X-rays. The X-ray detector 1103 detects X-rays that have passed through the subject and outputs an electrical signal that reflects the dose of incident X-rays. A signal output from the X-ray detector 1103 is supplied to the preprocessing device 1106 via the data collection circuit 1104 and the non-contact data transmission device 1105. Data output from the data collection circuit 1104 is generally called pure raw data. The pure raw data is subjected to preprocessing such as sensitivity correction and logarithmic conversion in a preprocessing device 1106. Pure name data that has undergone preprocessing is data in a stage immediately before reconstruction processing, and is generally called projection data or raw data. The projection data is stored in the data storage device 1112.

  An electrocardiograph 1203 is provided at or near the gantry 1100. The electrocardiograph 1203 detects an electrical phenomenon accompanied by the heartbeat of the subject and generates electrocardiogram data as a change over time. The electrocardiogram data is supplied together with the data storage device 1112 to an R wave detection unit 1206 described later.

  The gantry mount display 1201 is disposed at or near the gantry 1100. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the surface of the housing of the gantry 1100 does not become an X-ray obstacle, and is visually recognized from an object inserted into the opening 1210 and an operator standing in the vicinity of the gantry 1100. As a possible place, a gantry mount display 1201 such as a liquid crystal panel is typically disposed at a portion inclined like a mortar around the opening 1208. As shown in FIG. 11, the gantry mount display 1201 may be held from the gantry 1100 via a free articulated arm 1221.

  The scan controller 1110 controls operations of the rotation drive unit 1107, the high voltage generator 1109, and the like for data collection (scanning). The reconstruction device 1114 reconstructs tomographic image data based on the projection data stored in the data storage device 1112. The display device 1116 is provided mainly for displaying tomographic image data. The operation device 1115 includes an operation unit such as a keyboard and a mouse for inputting an operator's instruction and a display unit for displaying an operation screen.

  The display control unit 1205 displays the heart rate index, the electrocardiogram, and the like calculated by the heart rate index calculation unit 1208 according to the display layout designed by the operator via the operation device 1115 with the support of the display layout design support unit 1209. It is provided to perform processing and control necessary for laying out items and displaying them on the gantry mount display 1201. The R wave detection unit 1206 typically detects an R wave as a characteristic wave of the electrocardiogram supplied from the electrocardiograph 1203. The heartbeat cycle calculation unit 1207 calculates the cycle of the R wave detected by the R wave detection unit 1206, that is, the heartbeat cycle. The heartbeat index calculation unit 1208 calculates a plurality of heartbeat indexes related to the state of heartbeat of the subject based on the heartbeat cycle calculated by the heartbeat cycle calculation unit 1207.

The plurality of heart rate indexes that can be calculated by the heart rate index calculation unit 1208 are as follows.
Heart rate: The number of heartbeats per minute, which is calculated for each heartbeat cycle as a value obtained by dividing 60 seconds by the heartbeat cycle as the time required for one heartbeat (unit: second).
-Average average heart rate; calculated as an average value of a plurality of heart rates repeatedly calculated for each R wave detection (heart rate calculation), for example, for 10 seconds as a fixed interval.
Heart rate difference: Calculated by subtracting the heart rate from the interval average heart rate as a value representing the fluctuation of the heart rate relative to the interval average heart rate.
A value calculated by a free calculation formula; calculated by a calculation formula arbitrarily set with a heart rate, a heart cycle, a section average heart rate, a heart rate difference, etc. as variables.

  The display layout design support unit 1209 allows the operator to specify at least one display item to be actually displayed from among a plurality of display items that can be displayed, and how to arrange the specified display item in the display area Is provided for performing a screen for supporting the operation of designing the display layout and related processing. The display items include the heart rate calculated by the heart rate index calculation unit 1208, the section average heart rate, the difference in heart rate, the free calculation value, the waveform of the electrocardiogram generated by the electrocardiograph 1203, and the history of the heart rate. There is a history of heart rate differences. The history of heart rate is, for example, the latest heart rate for 10 heartbeats that are written in chronological order as numerical values. Also, the history of heart rate differences is, for example, the latest heart rate differences for 10 heartbeats that are directly written in time series in numerical notation.

  FIG. 12 shows a display screen example displayed on the gantry mount display 1201 under the control of the display control unit 1205. In the example of FIG. 12, heart rate, heart rate difference, and electrocardiogram waveform are laid out in the electrocardiogram information display area (A) as display items. In addition, the screen includes an electrocardiogram information display area (A), a display area (B) for providing various information related to instructions and examinations for the subject, and both the subject and the operator. Display area (C). In the display area (B), for example, the remaining time until the next scan with respect to the remaining time of the scan, the time schedule of the inspection, and the rest time between the scans as information corresponding to the progress of the inspection or the scan Information such as time is displayed. In the display area (C), for example, patient information, imaging technician information, hospital guidance information, and advertisement information are displayed. The screen construction of these areas (B) and (C) is performed by the display control unit 205 or other components dedicated to each area.

  As an actual operation for displaying the electrocardiogram information, an electrocardiogram relating to the subject is detected live by the electrocardiograph 1203, and an R wave by the R wave detection unit 1206 is detected based on the electrocardiogram detected in the live. The heartbeat cycle calculation processing by the detection processing and heartbeat cycle calculation unit 1207 is immediately executed one after another, and at the same time, a plurality of heartbeat indexes are immediately calculated one after another by the heartbeat index calculation unit 1208, and the gantry mount display 1201 Immediately reflected in the display. In other words, the electrocardiogram displayed on the gantry mount display 1201 naturally reflects the current heartbeat state of the subject in the electrocardiographic index. As a result, the operator can grasp the operation state of the electrocardiograph itself and the current heartbeat state of the subject, and objectively determine whether or not the movement is stable from the electrocardiographic index. be able to. This immediate display of electrocardiogram information is started from the previous stage of scanning (data collection), and the operator observes the electrocardiogram information and when the heartbeat becomes stable to some extent, the scan trigger By pressing the button, scanning can be started with actual generation of X-rays.

  FIG. 13 is a simple display item designation screen provided by the display layout design support unit 1209. The display layout design support function is activated by performing a specific operation via the operation device 1115, and the screen is displayed on the display unit of the operation device 1115. On the screen, the names 1301 of the plurality of display items described above are displayed in a list together with check boxes 1302. The operator checks one or a plurality of display items desired to be displayed and clicks an “OK” button so that the checked display items are laid out according to a predetermined position for each display item by the display control unit 1205. And displayed on the gantry mount display 1201. By clicking the “Clear” button 1304, all checks are released. When a “detail” button 1303 is clicked, the display layout design support unit 1209 displays a detailed display layout design screen shown in FIG. 14 on the display unit of the operation device 1115.

  A detailed display layout design screen shown in FIG. 14 is provided with a virtual display area 1401 corresponding to the display area (A) of the gantry mount display 1201. Below the virtual display area 1401, boxes 1402 to 1408 representing display items are displayed. As the size ratio of the boxes 1402 to 1408 to the virtual display area 1401, the ratio of the display range of each display item to the display area (A) of the gantry mount display 1201 is reproduced. As shown in FIG. 15, the operator operates the operation unit of the operation device 1115 to display at least one box 1402 to 1408 corresponding to the display item desired to be displayed in the virtual display area 1401 from the display item list. For example, drag and drop to the desired position. By this operation, designation of a display item desired to be displayed and design of a display layout can be completed. The display designation is canceled by returning the box from the virtual display area 1401 to the display item list. All cancellation is performed by clicking a “clear” button 1409. By clicking an “OK” button 1410, the display item is displayed on the gantry mount display 1201 by the display control unit 1205 with the designed layout.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the electrocardiogram information such as the latest heart rate index and electrocardiogram is always displayed on the gantry mount display 1201, the operator relates to the operation state of the electrocardiograph itself and the subject. The current heartbeat state can be grasped objectively and thereby the timing for pressing the scan trigger button can be suitably measured.

(Third embodiment)
Embodiments of a medical imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The medical imaging apparatus generates an image related to a subject such as an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus (X-ray CT apparatus), a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (MRI), an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a gamma camera, or the like. Various devices are included, and the present invention is applicable to any of these devices. Here, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus will be described as an example of the medical imaging apparatus. In addition, the X-ray computed tomography system has an X-ray tube and a radiation detector as a single unit, a rotation / rotation (ROTATE / ROTATE) type that rotates around the subject, and a large number of detection elements in an array of rings. There are various types such as a fixed / rotation (STATIONARY / ROTATE) type in which only the X-ray tube rotates around the subject, and the present invention can be applied to any type. Here, the rotation / rotation type that currently occupies the mainstream will be described. In addition, to reconstruct one slice of tomographic image data, projection data for about 360 ° around the periphery of the subject is required, and projection data for 180 ° + view angle is also required in the half scan method. . The present invention can be applied to any reconstruction method. In addition, the mechanism for converting incident X-rays into electric charges is based on an indirect conversion type in which X-rays are converted into light by a phosphor such as a scintillator and the light is further converted into electric charges by a photoelectric conversion element such as a photodiode. The generation of electron-hole pairs in semiconductors and their transfer to the electrode, that is, the direct conversion type utilizing a photoconductive phenomenon, is the mainstream. Any of these methods may be employed as the X-ray detection element, but here, the former indirect conversion type will be described. In recent years, the so-called multi-tube type X-ray CT apparatus in which a plurality of pairs of X-ray tubes and X-ray detectors are mounted on a rotating ring has been commercialized, and the development of peripheral technologies has been advanced. The present invention can be applied to both a conventional single-tube X-ray CT apparatus and a multi-tube X-ray CT apparatus. Here, a single tube type will be described.

  FIG. 16 shows the configuration of the main part of the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to this embodiment. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus of this embodiment has a gantry 2100. The gantry 2100 has an annular rotating frame 2102. The rotating frame 2102 is driven by the rotation driving unit 2107 and rotates around the rotation axis RA. An X-ray tube 2101 and an X-ray detector 2103 are mounted on the rotating frame 2102 so as to face each other. The X-ray tube 2101 receives an application of tube voltage and a filament current from the high voltage generator 2109 via the slip ring 2108 and generates X-rays. The X-ray detector 2103 detects X-rays that have passed through the subject and outputs an electrical signal that reflects the dose of incident X-rays. A signal (referred to as pure raw data) output from the X-ray detector 2103 is supplied to the preprocessing device 2106 via the data collection circuit 2104 and the non-contact data transmission device 2105. Data (referred to as projection data or raw data) subjected to processing such as sensitivity correction and logarithmic conversion in the preprocessing device 2106 is stored in the data storage device 2112. The gantry 2100 is provided with an electrocardiograph 2203 and a respirometer 2204 separately from the gantry 2100.

  The gantry mount display 2201 is disposed at or near the gantry 2100. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, the housing surface of the gantry 2100 that does not become an X-ray obstacle and is visible from the subject inserted into the opening 2203, typically the opening A gantry mount display 2201 made of a liquid crystal panel or the like is disposed in a portion inclined like a mortar around 2203. As shown in FIG. 18, the gantry mount display 2201 may be held from the gantry 2100 via the free articulated arm 2221. The gantry speaker unit 2202 is disposed at or near the gantry 2100, specifically, the housing surface of the gantry 2100, does not become an X-ray obstruction, and is easy to hear from a subject inserted into the opening 2203. It is disposed at a place, typically a portion inclined like a mortar around the opening 2203.

  The scan controller 2110 controls each operation of the rotation drive unit 2107, the high voltage generator 2109, and the like for data collection (scan). The reconstruction device 2114 reconstructs tomographic image data based on the projection data stored in the data storage device 2112. The display device 2116 is provided for displaying tomographic image data, for example. The operation device 2115 includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like for inputting operator instructions.

  The display / speaker control unit 2205 controls the display of the gantry mount display 2201 and the audio output (audio output) of the gantry speaker unit 2202. In this embodiment, the display of the gantry mount display 2201 and the audio output of the gantry speaker unit 2202 are characteristic.

  The audio item storage unit 2213 stores a plurality of audio files (voice files) related to voice instructions to the subject that are ordered according to the progress of the examination. In advance, an audio file is associated with each of a plurality of inspection stages representing the progress of inspection or scanning. For example, an audio file such as “Please hold your breath” that is played back during breath-holding shooting is prepared. Also, the audio item storage unit 2213 stores a plurality of audio files related to sounds such as music (environmental music, healing music, etc.) having a relaxing effect unrelated to an instruction for inspection, reading, soft talk, and the like. Audio files such as music having a relaxing effect are associated with a relaxing period after the end of breath holding and a pause period between scans.

  The display / speaker control unit 2205 selectively reads out the audio file from the audio item storage unit 2213 according to the control signal indicating the inspection stage from the scan controller 2110 and reproduces it from the speaker unit 202.

  The display item storage unit 2212 stores a plurality of image files related to still images or moving images. At least one or more image files are associated with each audio file stored in the audio item storage unit 2213. The display / speaker control unit 2205 displays at least one image file that is read from the audio item storage unit 2213 according to a control signal representing the inspection stage from the scan controller 2110 and associated with the audio file to be played back. The data is read from the item storage unit 2212 and displayed on the gantry mount display 2201. Age and sex may be associated with the image file. In this case, an image file having a suitable pattern according to age and gender can be selectively displayed from the same type of image file. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 20, an image for an infant can be displayed.

  The administrator performs various update operations such as newly storing an audio file in the audio item storage unit 2212 via the operation device 2115, deleting unnecessary audio files, and changing the association with the inspection stage. be able to. Similarly, the administrator performs various updates such as newly storing an image file in the image item storage unit 2213 via the operation device 2115, deleting an unnecessary image file, and changing the association with the audio file. The operation can be performed. In accordance with these update operations, the storage units 2212 and 2213 are updated by a storage management unit (not shown).

  In the image file, a text message file (FIGS. 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, and 29) that expresses voice instructions to the subject, the progress of the scan, the progress of the examination, and the like in a text message. 38, 39, and 41). For example, the time until the start of breath holding, the remaining time until the end of breath holding, the instruction to end the breath holding, the time until the start of scanning, the current status during scanning, the remaining time until the end of scanning, etc. are prepared. Even when a voice instruction is missed or difficult to understand by voice, the instruction can be recognized visually, and the current instruction content can be visually recognized sequentially.

  In addition, the image file includes a picture message file (FIGS. 23, 25, 27, 30, 31, 40, and 42) for supplementing the contents such as instructions by voice or characters with a picture. . For example, in the picture message file, there are a picture that shows a state of breathing and a picture that shows a state of holding a breath. Further, the ratio of the remaining time of breath holding to the total time of breath holding is represented by a graphic, typically a bar graph (FIG. 27), and the ratio of the remaining time to the examination time is represented by a graphic, typically a bar graph. 30 (Fig. 30), the time schedule of the inspection with the current time point in the form of a graphic, typically a bar graph (Fig. 31), and the X-ray tube rotating in a schematic manner (Fig. 30) 40), the ratio of the remaining time to the total time of the scan as a graphic, typically a bar graph (FIG. 42), the remaining pause time until the next scan relative to the pause time between scans The ratio is represented by a graphic, typically a bar graph.

  FIG. 43 similarly shows an example of a breath-hold instruction image (guidance image). FIG. 43 (a) shows a live-action image of a woman in an initial state of taking a large breath. FIG. 43B shows a real image of a woman in a state of maintaining inspiration. FIG. 43 (c) C shows a live-action image of a woman in a state when the breath-holding is disclosed. FIG. 43 (d) shows a real image of a woman who has completed breath holding and is exhaling. A face mark that schematically shows each state of inspiration, breath holding, and exhalation is displayed together with these live-action images. In addition, the remaining time of breath holding is displayed in three levels: “over 10 seconds”, “less than 10 seconds”, and “less than 5 seconds”.

  FIG. 44 shows an example of an image indicating the progress of the inspection. In this example, a situation in which the subject is inserted from the foot into the gantry by the tabletop slide and an insertion posture in which the subject raises both arms on the head side are shown.

  Further, the image file includes an environmental video (FIGS. 32 and 33) prepared in advance as a video file having a relaxing effect unrelated to the inspection instruction, for example. Also included in the image file are animations specifically for infants and children (Fig. 34), video images of the mother taken in advance or live by the TV camera 2210 (Fig. 35). Further, the subject stored in the memory device 2209 brought by the subject himself / herself may reproduce the favorite video.

  As described above, the audio file is played back according to the inspection stage under the control of the display / speaker control unit 2205, the auto mode in which the image file is displayed is canceled, and the operator operates the audio or image via the operation device 2115. The memory device 2209, the TV camera 2210, and the microphone 2211 connected to each other through the input interface 2207 and the connection terminal 2208 can be selected. For example, the selection screen illustrated in FIG. 37 can be displayed on the display 2201, and a selection instruction can be received from the subject before starting the examination for audio and video when relaxing.

  The connection terminal 208 is a general-purpose standard, and the subject can check his favorite music and video on his memory device 2209, bring it to the hospital, and play it back. In addition, by selecting a TV camera 2210 or a microphone 2211 installed in an operation room adjacent to the photographing room as a source, for example, an image of a mother is shown to an infant or an infant, and various instructions are given from the mother with their own voice. Can do.

  19 and 20 show screen examples of the gantry mount display 2201 during breath holding. At the start of the breath holding test, an audio file “Please hold your breath” is played, and a plurality of image files B-1, B-2, B-3, and B-4 associated with the audio file are displayed. Is done. As an image, for example, as shown in FIG. 20, an image B-5 corresponding to a breath holding instruction for an infant is displayed.

  The screen of the display 2201 is divided into a display area B for the subject, an area A for the operator (imaging technician), and an area C for both the subject and the operator. be able to. The display area A can display a heart rate, an electrocardiogram waveform, and the like, and the display area C can display patient information, radiographer information, hospital guidance information, and advertisement information.

  According to the present embodiment, the subject can easily understand actions to be taken by the subject at various timings during the examination not only by voice but also by an image, so that movements such as breath holding and stillness can be appropriately taken. Furthermore, since the operator can easily change the displayed content and the audio content, further understanding of the subject can be realized according to the characteristics of the facility to be used. In addition, since the remaining time of breath holding, the time until the next scan, and the remaining scheduled time of the examination can be displayed, the anxiety that the subject holds can be removed. In addition, since audio and video that promote relaxation can be played in a timely manner, relaxation of the subject can be promoted and the examination can be stabilized. Furthermore, in addition to the storage units 2212 and 2213, audio and video sources can be designated from a microphone 2211, a TV camera 2210, a memory device 2209, and the like that are freely connected to the connection terminal 2208. It can effectively promote relaxation.

  This embodiment can be modified as follows. As shown in FIG. 45, a gantry mount display 2201, a gantry speaker unit 2202, a display / speaker control unit 2205, a display item storage unit 2212, and an audio item storage unit 2213 together with a designation unit 2214 and an editing unit 2215 are X-ray CT apparatuses. A system (user navigation system or respiratory navigation system) 3000 separate from the above is configured. The display / speaker control unit 2205, the display item storage unit 2212, the audio item storage unit 2213, and the editing unit 2215 are accommodated in the gantry 2100. The designation portion 2214 is attached to the housing of the gantry 2100 or connected via a connector.

  The user navigation system 3000 is connected to the X-ray CT apparatus via the socket 3001. The display / speaker control unit 2205 of the user navigation system 3000 receives a control signal from the scan controller 2110 of the X-ray CT apparatus, and an image file and an audio file specified by the control signal (these are collectively referred to as a breathing guidance data file). Are read from the display item storage unit 2212 and the audio item storage unit 2213, displayed on the gantry mount display 2201, and output from the gantry speaker unit 2202.

  The designation unit 2214 is an operation device for the user to designate the direction in which the subject is inserted into the gantry of the X-ray computed tomography apparatus, the raising and lowering of the arm, the presence or absence of a contrast agent, and the type of breathing method. A breathing guidance data file editing unit is provided to edit the breathing guidance data file in accordance with the insertion direction, arm raising / lowering, presence / absence of contrast medium, and type of breathing method designated via the designation unit 2214.

  FIG. 46 shows an examination information screen displayed on the screen of the display device 2116 or the operation device 2115 of the X-ray CT apparatus. On this screen, information of a control signal transmitted from the scan controller 2110 of the X-ray CT apparatus to the user navigation system 3000 is displayed. The information on the control signal includes data code, the generation time of the control signal, the type of the control signal, and the execution result of the output of the display item and the audio item as information for specifying the display item and the audio item. The operator can confirm the display item displayed on the gantry mount display 2201 and the audio item output from the gantry speaker unit 2202 by looking at the information of the control signal.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view showing a mounting position of the gantry mount display of FIG. 1 to the gantry. FIG. 3 is a view showing another example of attachment of the gantry mount display of FIG. 1 to the gantry. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a respiratory waveform detected by the respiratory detector of FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a first method for generating a regular respiration waveform by the regular respiration waveform generation unit of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a second method of generating a regular respiration waveform by the regular respiration waveform generation unit of FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a third method of generating a regular respiration waveform by the regular respiration waveform generating unit of FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of the gantry mount display of FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of an X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view showing a mounting position of the gantry mount display of FIG. 9 to the gantry. FIG. 11 is a view showing another example of attachment of the gantry mount display of FIG. 9 to the gantry. FIG. 12 is a view showing a display example of the gantry mount display of FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display item designation screen provided by the display layout support unit of FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display layout design screen provided by the display layout support unit of FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an operation example on the display layout design screen of FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration of an X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the gantry of FIG. 16 and a display equipped thereto. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing another example of the gantry of FIG. 16 and a display equipped thereon. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a gantry mount display configured by the display screen configuration unit of FIG. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing another example of the display screen of the gantry mount display configured by the display screen configuration unit of FIG. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of display items stored in the display item storage unit of FIG. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of display items stored in the display item storage unit of FIG. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of display items stored in the display item storage unit of FIG. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of display items stored in the display item storage unit of FIG. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of display items stored in the display item storage unit of FIG. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of display items stored in the display item storage unit of FIG. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of display items stored in the display item storage unit of FIG. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of display items stored in the display item storage unit of FIG. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of display items stored in the display item storage unit of FIG. FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of display items stored in the display item storage unit of FIG. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of display items stored in the display item storage unit of FIG. FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of display items stored in the display item storage unit of FIG. FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of display items stored in the display item storage unit of FIG. FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of display items stored in the display item storage unit of FIG. FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of display items stored in the display item storage unit of FIG. FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of display items stored in the display item storage unit of FIG. FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of display items stored in the display item storage unit of FIG. FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example of display items stored in the display item storage unit of FIG. FIG. 39 is a diagram showing an example of display items stored in the display item storage unit of FIG. FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an example of display items stored in the display item storage unit of FIG. FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an example of display items stored in the display item storage unit of FIG. FIG. 42 is a diagram showing an example of display items stored in the display item storage unit of FIG. FIG. 43 shows an example of a breath-hold instruction image (guidance image). FIG. 44 shows an example of an image indicating the progress of the inspection. FIG. 45 shows a modified user navigation system together with an X-ray CT apparatus. FIG. 46 shows an example of an examination information screen displayed on the screen of the display device or operation device of the X-ray CT apparatus of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Gantry, 102 ... Rotary frame, 107 ... Rotation drive part, 101 ... X-ray tube, 103 ... X-ray detector, 109 ... High voltage generator, 108 ... Slip ring, 104 ... Data acquisition circuit, 105 ... Non-contact Data transmission device 106... Pre-processing device 112.

Claims (11)

A gantry having an X-ray tube for generating X-rays and an X-ray detector for detecting X-rays transmitted through the subject;
A tomogram generator for generating tomogram data based on the output of the X-ray detector;
A respiration detection unit for detecting a respiration waveform representing a time change of a respiration index value related to the subject;
A regular respiration waveform generating unit that generates a respiration waveform whose respiration cycle is derived from the detected respiration waveform;
A display unit for displaying the generated regular respiratory waveform,
The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a breathing guide mark that moves relative to the regular breathing waveform is displayed together with the regular breathing waveform on the display unit.   The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is held directly on the housing of the gantry or via an arm. Before SL breathing guide mark X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a breathing sound generator for generating a respiratory sounds in synchronism with the movement of the. X-ray computer tomography apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a breathing sound generator for generating a respiratory sounds in accordance with the display of the previous SL regular respiration waveform.   The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the regular respiration waveform is a connection of waveform elements or waveform portions of the detected respiration waveform.   The regular respiratory waveform generation unit identifies the respiratory waveform element having the highest frequency of occurrence from the detected respiratory waveform, and generates the regular respiratory waveform by connecting the identified respiratory waveform elements. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1.   The regular respiratory waveform generation unit corresponds to the respiratory cycle having the highest frequency of occurrence from the detected respiratory waveform and identifies the waveform element with the deepest respiratory depth, and connects the identified waveform elements, The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the regular respiratory waveform is generated.   The regular respiration waveform generation unit identifies a waveform portion having the smallest fluctuation of the respiration cycle from the detected respiration waveform, and generates the regular respiration waveform by connecting the identified waveform portions. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1.   The regular respiration waveform generation unit identifies a plurality of waveform parts having the smallest fluctuation in the respiratory cycle from the detected respiration waveform, averages the specified waveform parts, and connects the averaged waveform parts The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the regular respiration waveform is generated. An image generator that images the subject and generates image data;
A respiration detection unit for detecting a respiration waveform representing a time change of a respiration index value related to the subject;
A regular respiration waveform generating unit that generates a respiration waveform whose respiration cycle is derived from the detected respiration waveform;
A display unit for displaying the generated regular respiratory waveform,
The medical image photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a breathing guide mark that moves relative to the regular breathing waveform is displayed together with the regular breathing waveform on the display unit. A respiration detection unit for detecting a respiration waveform representing a time change of a respiration index value related to the subject;
A regular respiration waveform generating unit that generates a respiration waveform whose respiration cycle is derived from the detected respiration waveform;
A display unit for displaying the generated regular respiratory waveform,
The breathing instruction apparatus, wherein the display unit displays a breathing guide mark that moves relative to the regular breathing waveform together with the regular breathing waveform.

Images