JP5356173B2 - Medical imaging system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a medical image capturing system permitting easier setting of a radiography center height position as a condition for radiography. <P>SOLUTION: The medical image capturing system includes a gantry including an X-ray tube 103 and an X-ray detection part 105 as radiography parts for radiographing a subject, and a table including a support base 201 and a cradle 202 disposed on the support base 201 movably in the horizontal direction for carrying the subject to the gantry 100. The medical image capturing system also includes a remote controller 400 which can be disposed at a desired position by an operator, and a setting means 1093 for detecting the height position of the remote controller 400 and setting the radiography center height position based on the detected height position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical image photographing system (system) including an imaging unit for imaging a subject and a placement unit for placing the subject.

  As a medical imaging apparatus including a gantry having an imaging unit for imaging a subject and a table having a cradle as a placement unit on which the subject is placed, for example, an X-ray CT ( Computed Tomography (PET) device, PET (Postron Emission Tomography) device, SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) device, MRI (Magnetic Resonance) device, etc.

  In such a medical image photographing apparatus, before photographing, a landmark which is a photographing range reference position and a photographing center height position, a photographing range in a body axis direction, a tilt angle of a gantry, etc. The shooting conditions are set. For example, an example of a conventional setting method of the imaging range reference position and the imaging center height position in the X-ray CT apparatus will be described. First, the subject is placed on a cradle, and this cradle is used as an imaging unit, for example, X It moves to the position of the projector provided in the gantry having the tube and the X-ray detector. The projector emits laser light extending in the vertical direction (the front-rear direction of the subject placed on the cradle; the y direction) and the horizontal direction (x direction). Then, the horizontal position of the cradle is adjusted so that the laser light is positioned at the imaging range reference position in the body axis direction (z direction) of the subject. Also, the position of the cradle in the height direction is adjusted so that the laser beam is positioned at the imaging center (the center of the imaging area on the plane orthogonal to the body axis; generally near the body axis), and the imaging range reference Set the position and the shooting center height position.

JP 2004-19495 A

  However, in the conventional method, when setting the imaging range reference position and the imaging center height position, the operator has to move the cradle to a position where the subject is irradiated with the laser beam from the projector, It takes. Furthermore, the operation of aligning the laser beam at a desired position requires some experience.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a medical image photographing system that can set photographing conditions, particularly a photographing center height position, more easily than in the past.

  In a first aspect, the present invention includes an imaging unit that images a subject, and a placement unit that places the subject, and moves at least one of the imaging unit and the placement unit described above. A medical imaging system for positioning a subject on a section in the imaging unit, and detecting a height position of a remote controller unit disposed at a desired position by an operator and the remote control unit, There is provided a medical image photographing system comprising: setting means for setting the photographing center height position of the subject placed on the placement unit based on the detected height position.

  In a second aspect, the present invention provides the remote control unit with light and ultrasonic wave transmitting means, and the first receiving means at a predetermined location in the imaging unit or a space where the imaging unit is provided. And the second receiving means are provided at different height positions, and the setting means has a reception time difference between light and ultrasonic waves simultaneously transmitted from the transmitting means in each of the first and second receiving means. And calculating the distance between the first receiving means and the transmitting means and the distance between the second receiving means and the transmitting means, and detecting the height position of the remote control unit to obtain the photographing center The medical image photographing system according to the first aspect is characterized in that a height position is set.

  In a third aspect, the present invention provides the medical image photographing system according to the second aspect, wherein the first and second receiving means are provided in a vertical direction.

  In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a first transmission unit and a second transmission unit that transmit light and ultrasonic waves to a predetermined place in the imaging unit or a space where the imaging unit is provided. Provided by changing the height position relative to each other, and provided with receiving means in the remote control unit, the setting means in the receiving means, the difference in the reception time of the light and ultrasonic waves transmitted simultaneously from the first transmitting means, Based on the reception time difference between the light and the ultrasonic wave transmitted simultaneously from the second transmitter, the distance between the first transmitter and the receiver, and the distance between the second transmitter and the receiver The medical image photographing system according to the first aspect is provided in which the height of the remote controller is detected and the photographing center height position is set.

  In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides the medical image photographing system according to the fourth aspect, wherein the first and second transmitting means are provided in a vertical direction.

  In a sixth aspect, according to the present invention, the remote control unit has a light source that emits a light beam, and the setting unit is arranged so that the emission direction of the light beam is horizontal. The height position of the remote control unit is detected, and the height position indicated by the light beam from the remote control unit is set as a photographing center height position based on the detected height position. A medical image photographing system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is provided.

  In a seventh aspect, according to the present invention, the remote control unit further includes a geomagnetic sensor, and the horizontality in the emission direction of the light beam based on an output signal of the geomagnetic sensor is within a predetermined allowable range. The medical image photographing system according to the sixth aspect is characterized in that it is determined whether the image is within the range.

  In an eighth aspect, the present invention provides the remote controller in which the setting means is disposed at a height position on the upper surface of the subject placed on the placement unit or placed on the upper surface of the subject. A height that divides the height position of the upper surface of the subject and the height position of the upper surface of the placement unit at a predetermined ratio based on the detected height position A medical image photographing system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is provided, wherein the position is set as the photographing center height position.

  In a ninth aspect, the present invention provides the medical image photographing system according to the eighth aspect, wherein the predetermined ratio is substantially 1: 1.

  In a tenth aspect, in the present invention, the setting means detects a position and a height position in the moving direction of the photographing unit or the mounting unit of the remote control unit substantially simultaneously, and these positions and heights. According to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the reference position or one end position of the photographing range in the moving direction and the position of the photographing center height are set based on the position. A medical imaging system is provided.

  According to the present invention, the photographing center height position is set based on the height position of the remote control unit arranged by the operator without using a projector provided in the photographing unit as in the prior art. The center height position can be set more easily than before.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an X-ray CT system that is an embodiment of a medical imaging system according to the present invention. 1 is an overview diagram of an X-ray CT system according to the present embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the setting of the scan (scan) range reference position and scan center height position in the X-ray CT system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the X-ray CT system of the 1st modification of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the setting of the scan center height position by the X-ray CT system of the 1st modification of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the setting of the scan center height position by the X-ray CT system of the 2nd modification of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the X-ray CT system of the 4th modification of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the X-ray CT system of the 4th modification of this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited thereby.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an X-ray CT system that is an embodiment of a medical imaging system according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an overview diagram of the X-ray CT system according to this embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining setting of a reference position and a scan center height position in a z-direction scan range in the X-ray CT system according to the present embodiment.

  The X-ray CT system 1 includes a gantry 100, a table 200, an operation console 300, and a remote controller 400.

  The gantry 100 includes a donut-shaped rotating part 102 having a hollow part 101. In the rotating unit 102, an X-ray tube 103 that generates X-rays and a collimator 104 that defines an irradiation range of the X-rays from the X-ray tube 103 are provided. Further, in the rotation unit 102, an X-ray detection unit 105 that detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 103 and transmitted through the subject, and projection data (data) obtained by the X-ray detection unit 105 are received. A data collection unit 106 that collects data is provided. The X-ray tube 103 and the collimator 104, the X-ray detection unit 105, and the data collection unit 106 are provided at positions facing each other with the cavity 101 therebetween, and the rotating unit 102 rotates while maintaining the relationship therebetween. It is like that. The X-ray tube 103 and the X-ray detection unit 105 are an example of an imaging unit in the present invention. Further, in FIG. 3, a symbol S indicates a scan plane by the X-ray tube 103 and the X-ray detection unit 105.

  The gantry 100 also includes an X-ray tube controller 107 that controls the X-ray tube 103 and a rotating unit controller 108 that controls the rotation of the rotating unit 102. A control signal is output from a main controller 109 to the X-ray tube controller 107 and the rotating unit controller 108. The main controller 109 outputs a control signal to each part of the gantry 100 in addition to the X-ray tube controller 107 and the rotating unit controller 108 so that imaging (scanning) is performed under predetermined imaging conditions.

  The main controller 109 controls the table 200 in addition to the various controls described above. Specifically, the main controller 109 moves the position of the cradle 202 in the vertical direction by moving the horizontal movement control unit 1091 for moving the cradle 202 of the table 200 in the horizontal direction and the support table 201 in the vertical direction. And a vertical movement control unit 1092.

  The horizontal movement control unit 1091 outputs a control signal for moving the cradle 202 in the horizontal direction to the table 200 in response to an input from an operation console (console) 300 or an operation button (not shown) provided in the gantry 100. Further, when there is an input from an operation button (not shown) provided on the operation console 300 or the gantry 100, the vertical movement control unit 1092 outputs to the table 200 a control signal for raising and lowering an elevator unit 203 (to be described later) of the table 200. .

Further, as will be described later, the main controller 109 detects the height position of the remote controller 400 arranged at a desired position by the operator and the horizontal position of the table 200 in the cradle movement direction, and scan range reference in the subject. Setting means 1093 is provided for setting a position (reference position of the imaging range) and a scan center height position (imaging center height position). Incidentally, the scan range reference position and the scan height position are generally called landmarks. In this example, the position L on the cradle 202 of the table 200 is set as the scan range reference position. When setting the scan range reference position, the position L is indicated by the remote controller 400. The setting unit 1093 calculates the distance D _LS between the position L and the scan plane S as the distance in the cradle movement direction between the position instructed by the remote controller 400 and the X-ray tube 103 and the X-ray detection unit 105. It has become. Further, the height position H with respect to the cradle 202 is set as the scan center height position. When setting the scan center height position, the remote controller 400 indicates the height position H with respect to the cradle 202. Details will be described later.

  The gantry 100 further includes a receiving device 110 that receives infrared rays and ultrasonic waves transmitted from the remote control 400. The receiving apparatus 110 further includes a first receiving unit 1101 and a second receiving unit 1102, which are provided at different height positions. The first receiving unit 1101 includes an infrared receiving unit 1101a that receives infrared rays and an ultrasonic receiving unit 1101b that receives ultrasonic waves. Similarly, the second receiving unit 1102 includes an infrared receiving unit 1102a and an ultrasonic receiving unit 1102b. When the infrared receiving units 1101a and 1102a and the ultrasonic receiving units 1101b and 1102b receive infrared and ultrasonic waves, the received signals are output to the main controller 109.

The receiving device 110 is provided, for example, above the cavity portion 101 of the surface G on the table 200 side of the gantry 100, and the first receiving portion 1101 and the second receiving portion 1102 are provided with their heights changed in the vertical direction. It has been. Here, the distance D _GS in the cradle movement direction between the surface G of the gantry 100 and the scan surface S is a value determined according to the apparatus. The first receiving unit 1101 and the second receiving unit 1102 are examples of the first receiving unit and the second receiving unit in the present invention.

  The table 200 includes a support table 201 and a cradle 202 that is provided on the support table 201 so as to be movable in the horizontal direction and conveys the subject to the cavity 101 of the gantry 100. The support table 201 is moved in the vertical direction by the elevating unit 203, so that the cradle 202 can be moved in the vertical direction. The operation of the elevating unit 203 is controlled by a control signal from the vertical movement control unit 1092.

  Further, the cradle 202 is moved in the horizontal direction by a motor (not shown) and is drawn out from the support base 201. The movement of the cradle 202 in the horizontal direction is controlled by a control signal from the horizontal movement control unit 1091.

  The cradle 202 is an example of a placement unit in the present invention. In this example, the cradle 202 is moved to position the subject on the imaging unit (X-ray tube 103 and X-ray detection unit 105).

  Here, the height position H with respect to the cradle 202 is the scan center height position. Therefore, before starting the scan, the elevating unit 203 is moved up and down, and the height position H with respect to the cradle 202 is adjusted to the height position of the center of the scan, that is, the center IC of the cavity 101. The position L in the cradle 202 is a scan range reference position. Accordingly, the cradle 202 is fed out from the support base 201 and moved in the horizontal direction, and scanning is started when the scan start position with reference to the position L moves to the scan plane S. When the cradle 202 is moved in the horizontal direction and the scan end position with respect to the position L is moved to the scan plane S, the scan is ended.

  Further, the table 200 has position detecting means (not shown) for detecting the position of the cradle 202 fed out from the support base 201. The position information detected by this position detection means is input to the main controller 109. The horizontal control unit 1091 controls the cradle 202 based on this position information. Further, the table 200 has a height detecting means (not shown) for detecting the height position of the cradle 202. The height information detected by the height detection means is input to the main controller 109. Based on this height information, the vertical movement control unit 1092 controls the elevating unit 203.

  The operation console 300 includes a central processing unit 301 that controls the entire apparatus, an input device 302 such as a keyboard that receives input from an operator, and a display device 303 that displays a tomographic image reconstructed by the central processing unit 301. , A storage device 304 for storing programs, data, X-ray tomographic images, and the like.

  The remote controller 400 can be moved by being held by the operator O in his / her hand, and the operator O designates the scan range reference position and the scan center height position by the remote controller 400. In this example, a position L serving as a reference for the scan start position and the scan end position is designated by the remote controller 400 as the scan range reference position. Further, a height position H with respect to the cradle 202 is instructed by the remote controller 400 as the scan center height position.

  The remote control 400 includes an infrared transmission unit 401 and an ultrasonic transmission unit 402. The remote control 400 has a transmission button (not shown) for transmitting infrared and ultrasonic waves simultaneously from the infrared transmission unit 401 and the ultrasonic transmission unit 402, respectively. In addition, the remote controller 400 transmits information indicating whether the target pointed by the remote controller 400 is the scan range reference position or the scan center height position on infrared rays or ultrasonic waves. For example, two types of buttons, a scan range reference position setting button and a scan center height position setting button, are prepared as transmission buttons. When the scan range reference position setting button is pressed, the remote controller 400 simultaneously transmits infrared rays and ultrasonic waves. At this time, information indicating that the scan range reference position setting button has been pressed is transmitted to infrared rays or ultrasonic waves. Put it on your phone and send it. Similarly, when the scan center height position setting button is pressed, infrared rays and ultrasonic waves are simultaneously transmitted. At this time, information indicating that the scan center height position setting button has been pressed is transmitted using infrared rays or ultrasonic waves. Put on and send. Further, for example, the remote controller 400 includes an operation unit, and the instruction mode can be switched between the scan range reference position instruction mode and the scan center height position instruction mode in accordance with the operation of the operation unit. In this case, when the transmission button is pressed, infrared rays and ultrasonic waves are simultaneously transmitted. At this time, information indicating the instruction mode at that time is transmitted by being placed on infrared rays or ultrasonic waves. Note that the information indicating whether the target pointed by the remote controller 400 is the scan range reference position or the scan center height position is placed on the infrared ray or ultrasonic wave that is simultaneously sent when the send button is pressed. Alternatively, infrared or ultrasonic waves may be transmitted separately and the information may be placed there. Or you may use the method of setting sequentially (sequentially). In this example, it is assumed that the first method is used, and information indicating the type of the outgoing call button that has been pressed is placed on the infrared ray or ultrasonic wave that is simultaneously transmitted when the outgoing call button is pressed. The remote controller 400 is an example of a remote control unit in the present invention.

  The setting unit 1093 of the main controller 109 analyzes the received signal from the receiving device 110 and reads information on the infrared or ultrasonic wave received by the receiving device 110. Based on the read information, the setting unit 1093 determines which of the scan range reference position and the scan center height position the remote controller 400 indicates. Then, the horizontal position and height position of the remote controller 400 are detected according to the determination result, and the scan range reference position and scan center height position are set.

  The infrared transmitter 401 is a light transmitter in the present invention, and the ultrasonic transmitter 402 is an ultrasonic transmitter in the present invention. In this example, infrared light is used as light, but visible light may be used.

  The remote controller 400 also includes a liquid crystal display unit 403. On the liquid crystal display unit 403, the scan range reference position and the scan center height position set as described later are displayed numerically.

  Now, the operation of the X-ray CT system 1 will be described. In this example, the scan range reference position is designated at the front end of the remote controller 400 in the longitudinal direction, and the scan range reference position is set. Further, the scan center height position is indicated at the longitudinal tip of the remote controller 400, and the scan center height position is set. Specifically, first, the operator O brings the remote controller 400 close to the subject P and instructs the position L with the tip of the remote controller 400. Then, a scan range setting button (not shown) of the transmission buttons provided on the remote controller 400 is pressed, and infrared and ultrasonic waves are simultaneously transmitted from the infrared transmission unit 401 and the ultrasonic transmission unit 402, respectively. At this time, information indicating that the pressed transmission button is a scan range reference position setting button is put on infrared or ultrasonic waves to be transmitted.

In the first receiving unit 1101 and the second receiving unit 1102 of the receiving apparatus 110, infrared rays and ultrasonic waves simultaneously transmitted from the remote controller 400 are received with a predetermined reception time difference. That is, the ultrasonic wave is received by the ultrasonic wave receiving unit 1101b of the first receiving unit 1101 a predetermined time after the infrared ray receiving unit 1101a of the first receiving unit 1101 receives the infrared ray. In addition, ultrasonic waves are received by the ultrasonic receiving unit 1102b of the second receiving unit 1102 a predetermined time after the infrared receiving unit 1102a of the second receiving unit 1102 receives the infrared rays. These received signals are sent to the setting means 1093. The setting means 1093 analyzes the received signal from the receiving device 110 and determines whether the pressed transmission button is a scan range reference position setting button or a scan center height position setting button. Here, the setting means 1093 determines that the pressed transmission button is a scan range reference position setting button. Then, the setting unit 1093 calculates the distance D1 between the first receiver 1101 and the remote controller 400 based on the difference between the infrared and ultrasonic reception times in the first receiver 1101. Alternatively, the distance D2 between the second receiver 1102 and the remote controller 400 is calculated based on the difference between the infrared and ultrasonic reception times at the second receiver 1102. The setting means 1093 calculates the distance D _LG between the position L and the surface G of the gantry 100 on which the receiving device 110 is provided based on the calculated distance, assuming that the remote controller 400 is located in the vicinity of the cradle 202. To do. Then, the distance D _LS is calculated by adding the distance D _LG and the distance D _GS together. Thereby, the scan range reference position is set. In order to further increase the accuracy of specifying the position L, the position of the remote controller 400 may be detected based on the difference between the reception times of infrared light and ultrasonic waves in both the first receiving unit 1101 and the second receiving unit 1102.

  When the scan range reference position is set, next, the operator O brings the tip of the remote controller 400 close to the subject P and instructs the height position H with respect to the cradle 202 by the remote controller 400. Then, a scan center height position setting button (not shown) of the transmission buttons provided on the remote controller 400 is pressed to transmit infrared and ultrasonic waves from the infrared transmission unit 401 and the ultrasonic transmission unit 402, respectively. At this time, information indicating that the pressed transmission button is a scan center height position setting button is placed on infrared or ultrasonic waves to be transmitted.

  In the first receiving unit 1101 and the second receiving unit 1102 of the receiving device 110, infrared rays and ultrasonic waves are received with a predetermined reception time difference, respectively. The setting means 1093 calculates the distance D1 between the first receiver 1101 and the remote controller 400 and the distance D2 between the second receiver 1102 and the remote controller 400 based on these reception time differences. The setting unit 1093 analyzes the received signal from the receiving apparatus 110 and determines that the pressed transmission button is a scan center height position setting button. The setting unit 1093 calculates the height position of the remote controller 400 based on the calculated distance D1 and distance D2. That is, a position away from the first receiver 1101 by the distance D1 and away from the second receiver 1102 by the distance D2 is calculated as the height position of the remote controller 400. Thereby, the scan center height position is set. In this example, since the first receiving unit 1101 and the second receiving unit 1102 are provided with their height positions changed in the vertical direction, the height position of the remote control 400 is uniquely determined. However, if the first receiving unit 1101 and the second receiving unit 1102 are provided off the vertical direction, it is assumed that the remote control 400 is located in the vicinity of the cradle 202. The height position can be determined.

  After the scan range and the scan center height position are set, when the operator inputs a scan start command on the operation console 300, the main controller 109 sets the set scan center height position to the scan center, that is, the cavity 101. The gantry 100 and the table 200 are controlled so that the scan is performed between the scan start position and the scan end position based on the set scan range reference position in accordance with the height position of the center IC.

  As described above, according to the X-ray CT system 1 of the present example, based on the horizontal position and height position of the remote controller 400 arranged by the operator without using the laser beam from the projector provided in the gantry as in the prior art. Thus, since the scan range reference position and the scan center height position are set, the photographing conditions such as the scan range reference position and the scan center height position can be set more easily than in the past.

  Next, a modification of this embodiment will be described. First, a first modification will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an X-ray CT system according to a first modification of the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the setting of the scan center height position by the X-ray CT system of the first modified example, and FIG. 4A is a view of the gantry and table of the X-ray CT system as viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 4 and FIG. 4B are views of the gantry and table of the X-ray CT system as viewed from the side.

  In the X-ray CT system 10 of this first modification, the remote control 400 has a light source 404 that emits a light beam LB with high directivity, such as laser light, so that the light beam emission direction is horizontal in the main body. The position of the scan center is indicated at the tip of the light beam LB when it is turned. The remote controller 400 further includes a geomagnetic sensor 411. Based on the output signal of the geomagnetic sensor 411, the remote controller 400 determines whether or not the level in the light beam emission direction is within a predetermined allowable range. Only when it is determined that the level is within the allowable range, the light beam 404 is emitted from the light source 404. The setting unit 1093 sets the height position indicated at the tip of the light beam LB emitted in the horizontal direction of the remote controller 400 as the scan center height position.

  In setting the scan center height position in this first modification, the operator O brings the remote controller 400 close to the subject P so that the light beam emission direction of the remote controller 400 is horizontal and faces the side of the subject P. The arrangement, that is, the position and orientation of the remote controller 400 is adjusted. Here, when the light beam emission direction becomes horizontal within a predetermined allowable range, the light beam LB is emitted from the light source 404 and irradiated on the side surface of the subject P. The operator O adjusts the height of the remote controller 400 so that the light spot of the light beam LB appearing on the side surface of the subject P is set to the desired height position H1 with respect to the cradle 202 that is desired to be set as the scan center height position. Then, when the light spot coincides with the desired height position H1, the transmission button of the remote controller 400 is pressed to transmit infrared rays and ultrasonic waves. Thereafter, the same processing as in the case of the X-ray CT system 1 of the present embodiment is performed, and the scan center height position is set.

  According to such a first modification, the height position designated and set as the scan center height position can be visually recognized by the light spot ahead of the light beam LB, and the desired height position can be recognized. H1 can be accurately set as the scan center height position. Further, since the light beam LB is not emitted when the level of the light beam emission direction of the remote controller 400 is not within the allowable range, an error in the indicated height position due to variations in the direction of the remote controller 400 can be suppressed.

  The remote controller 400 may include a light source 404 that emits the light beam LB, but not the geomagnetic sensor 411. In this case, when the remote control 400 designates the scan center height position, it cannot be accurately known whether or not the level of the light beam emission direction in the remote control 400 is within the allowable range. By visually confirming the positional relationship with the light spot ahead of the LB, the levelness can be sensibly grasped. Therefore, it is possible to considerably suppress an error in the designated height position while having a simpler configuration.

  Next, a second modification of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining setting of the scan center height position by the X-ray CT system according to the second modification of the present embodiment, and FIG. 6A is an oblique view of the gantry and the table in the X-ray CT system. FIG. 6B is a view of the gantry and table in the X-ray CT system as viewed from the side.

  The basic configuration of the X-ray CT system 20 of the second modification is the same as the configuration of the X-ray CT system 1 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. However, the setting method of the scan center height position by the setting means 1093 is different.

  In the X-ray CT system 20 of the second modified example, the remote controller 400 uses the height of the upper surface of the region of interest of the subject P placed on the cradle 202 as a reference height position for determining the scan center height position. The position is indicated. In this example, it is assumed that the height position of the upper surface of the region of interest of the subject P is indicated by a predetermined portion of the remote controller 400, for example, the bottom surface when the longitudinal direction of the remote controller 400 is horizontal. Further, the setting means 1093 determines the height position that divides the height position PS of the upper surface of the subject P and the height position CS of the upper surface of the cradle 202 instructed by the remote controller 400 at a predetermined ratio. Set as position. In this example, the predetermined ratio is substantially one-to-one, and the setting unit 1093 sets the height position PS on the upper surface of the subject P instructed by the remote controller 400 and the height position CS on the upper surface of the cradle 202. The intermediate height position H2 is set as the scan center height position. In general, the scan center height position is often set to an intermediate position in the vertical thickness direction of the region of interest of the subject P. In this example, the scan center height position is set in consideration of such a situation.

  In setting the scan center height position in this second modification, the operator O brings the remote controller 400 close to the upper surface of the region of interest of the subject P so that the bottom surface is substantially in contact with the subject P, or the subject P The height position PS of the upper surface of the region of interest of the subject P is indicated on the bottom surface of the remote controller 400. Here, the operator O presses a transmission button of the remote controller 400 to transmit infrared rays and ultrasonic waves. Setting means 109 detects the height position of remote control 400 based on the received signal from receiving apparatus 110 and takes into account the distance between the transmission means of remote control 400 and the bottom surface to be instructed on the bottom surface of remote control 400. The height position PS of the upper surface of the specimen P is calculated. Then, the setting unit 1093 sets an intermediate height position H2 between the height position PS of the upper surface of the subject P and the height position CS of the upper surface of the cradle 202 as the scan center height position.

  According to such a second modification, the reference height position for determining the scan center height position can be instructed with the sense that the remote controller 400 is placed on the upper surface of the region of interest of the subject P, and the scan The center height position can be set easily and accurately.

  In this example, the setting unit 1093 scans the “middle” height position H2 between the height position PS of the upper surface of the subject P and the height position CS of the upper surface of the cradle 202 instructed by the remote controller 400. It is set as the height position. However, depending on the region of interest, there may be a case where it is better to set the height position slightly shifted from the “intermediate” as the scan center height position. Therefore, the position to be set as the scan center height position is an arbitrary value that the operator designates the height position PS of the upper surface of the subject P indicated by the bottom surface of the remote controller 400 and the height position CS of the upper surface of the cradle 202. It is good also as the height position divided | segmented by a ratio.

  In this example, the setting unit 1093 detects the height position of the remote controller 400 placed on the upper surface of the subject P, and sets the scan center height position based on the detected height position. However, the height position of the remote controller 400 arranged at the same height position as the upper surface of the subject P may be detected, and the scan center height position may be set based on the detected height position. .

  Next, a third modification of the present embodiment will be described. In the first and second modified examples, it is assumed that the scan range reference position and the scan center height position are set separately, but the remote controller 400 is positioned at one end of the scan range reference position or the scan range. And the scan center height position can be designated at the same time, and the setting means 1093 detects the horizontal position and height position of the remote controller 400 substantially simultaneously, and the detected horizontal position and height position are detected. Based on the above, any one of the scan start position, the scan end position, the scan range reference position, and the scan center height position may be set together.

  According to the third modified example, it is possible to set both the horizontal position, for example, the scan range reference position, and the height position, for example, the scan center height position, at the same time. Can be performed efficiently.

  Next, a fourth modification of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an X-ray CT system of a fourth modification. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the X-ray CT system shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 (a) is a side view of the movement of the table in the X-ray CT system, and FIG. It is a graph showing the time change of the position of the cradle of the table in this X-ray CT system.

  In the X-ray CT system 40 of the fourth modification, the table 200 includes a first foot switch 204a and a second foot switch 204b. The first foot switch 204a moves the cradle 202 from the getting-on / off position of the subject P until the scan center height position H4 set by the setting means 1093 matches the height position of the center IC of the cavity 101 of the gantry 100. This is for continuously performing a series of operations of raising and then horizontally extending and positioning the subject P on the imaging unit (X-ray tube 103 and X-ray detection unit 105). That is, when the first foot switch 204a is stepped on, information indicating that is sent to the main controller 109, and the horizontal movement control unit 1091 and the vertical movement control unit 1092 of the main controller 109 continue to step on the first foot switch 204a. During this time, the control for this series of operations is continuously performed. On the contrary, the second foot switch 204b is for continuously performing a series of operations in which the cradle 202 is completely pulled back in the horizontal direction and then lowered to the boarding / alighting position of the subject P. The control is the same as in the case of the first foot switch 204a.

  The operation of the X-ray CT system 40 of this example will be described with reference to FIG. It is assumed that the scan range has already been set. Further, it is assumed that the lifting unit 203 of the table 200 has a lifting mechanism using a parallel link.

  The cradle 202 is located at the boarding / alighting position of the subject, and the subject P is placed thereon. First, at time t0, the operator O turns on the first foot switch 204a. Then, the main controller 109 controls the elevating unit 203 via the vertical movement control 1092 to start the cradle 202 ascending. Then, at the time t1 when the height position of the center IC of the cavity 101 in the gantry 100 and the scan center height position H4 in the subject P set by the setting means 1093 match, the main controller 109 moves the cradle 202. The horizontal movement control unit 1091 and the vertical movement control 1092 are controlled so as to stop rising and shift to the horizontal feeding of the cradle 202. The operator O visually confirms the subject P that moves in the horizontal direction together with the cradle 202. Then, at the time t2 when the scan start position of the subject P is sufficiently close to the center IC of the cavity 101 in the gantry 100, the first foot switch 204a is turned off. Here, the operator O inputs a scan start command on the console 300, and performs scanning under the set imaging conditions. After the scan is completed, the operator O turns on the second foot switch 204b to return the cradle 202 to the original boarding / alighting position.

  According to such a fourth modified example, the efficient setting of the scan center height position and the positioning of the cradle 202 in which a series of operations of raising and feeding the cradle 202 are performed only by stepping on one foot switch. By combining them, it is possible to prepare for more efficient shooting.

  In the fourth modification, the scan center height position is set in advance, and the main controller 109 sets the scan center height position H4 to the cradle 202 when the first foot switch 204a is stepped on. Although it is controlled so that it is raised until it coincides with the height position of the center IC of the cavity 101 of the gantry 100 and then it is fed out in the horizontal direction, the scan center height position may be set on the spot. . For example, when the first foot switch 204a is stepped on and the cradle 202 is raised, the main controller 109 transmits an infrared ray or an ultrasonic wave by pressing the transmission button of the remote controller 400 and receives it from the receiving device 110. When the signal is sent, the horizontal movement control unit 1091 and the vertical movement control 1092 are controlled so as to stop the cradle 202 from rising at the current height position and shift to the horizontal extension of the cradle 202. In this way, the state in which the height position of the center IC of the cavity 101 in the gantry 100 and the desired height position to be set as the scan center height position in the subject P are actually confirmed visually. Since the scan center height position can be set, the desired height position can be reliably set as the scan center height position. Further, it is possible to save the effort of setting the scan center height position in advance, which leads to the improvement of the work flow.

  In the above-described embodiment and its modification, the receiving device 110 is configured by two receiving units that are installed at different height positions, but the number of receiving units is further increased and three or more receiving units are used. It may be configured. In this way, the position of the remote control 400 can be detected as one point in the three-dimensional space, and the position detection accuracy of the remote control 400 is improved.

  In the above-described embodiment and its modifications, the receiving device 110 is provided in the gantry 100, but may be provided in another location. For example, it may be provided at a predetermined location (for example, a wall or a ceiling) in a space (for example, an examination room) where the gantry 100 and the table 200 are provided.

  In the above-described embodiment and its modification, the infrared and ultrasonic wave transmitting means is provided on the remote control 400 side and the receiving means is provided on the gantry 100 side. However, this may be reversed. That is, infrared and ultrasonic wave transmitting means may be provided on the gantry 100 side, and the receiving means may be provided on the remote control 400 side.

  Furthermore, instead of moving the cradle 202, the subject on the cradle 202 may be positioned on the X-ray tube 103 and the X-ray detection unit 105 as an imaging unit by moving the gantry 100. That is, the present invention does not move the subject side (mounting unit), but also moves the imaging unit while the subject is fixed, so that the subject is positioned on the imaging unit. Can be applied.

  The present invention has been described above with reference to the above-described embodiments and modifications. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the present invention can be applied to a PET apparatus, a SPECT apparatus, an MRI apparatus, and the like.

1, 10, 20, 40 X-ray CT system 100 Gantry 103 X-ray tube 105 X-ray detector 1093 Setting means 110 Receiver 1101 First receiver 1102 Second receiver 1101a, 1102a Infrared receiver 1101b, 1102b Ultrasonic reception Unit 200 table 201 support base 202 cradle 203 elevating unit 204a first foot switch 204b second foot switch 300 operation console 400 remote control 401 infrared transmission unit 402 ultrasonic transmission unit 403 liquid crystal display unit 404 light source 411 geomagnetic sensor

Claims (10)

An imaging unit for imaging the subject and a placement unit for placing the subject, and moving at least one of the imaging unit and the placement unit to place the subject on the placement unit in the imaging unit A medical imaging system for positioning,
A remote control unit disposed at a desired position by an operator;
Setting means for detecting a height position of the remote control unit and setting an imaging center height position of the subject placed on the placement unit based on the detected height position. A medical imaging system that is characterized. The remote control unit is provided with light and ultrasonic wave transmitting means, and the first receiving means and the second receiving means are placed at high positions in a predetermined place in the photographing part or a space where the photographing part is provided. Provide a different position,
The setting means is configured to determine a distance between the first receiving means and the transmitting means based on a reception time difference between the light and the ultrasonic wave simultaneously transmitted from the transmitting means in each of the first and second receiving means. The distance between the second receiving means and the transmitting means is calculated, the height position of the remote control unit is detected, and the photographing center height position is set. Medical imaging system.   The medical image photographing system according to claim 2, wherein the first and second receiving units are provided in a vertical direction. The first transmission means and the second transmission means for transmitting light and ultrasonic waves are provided at different positions in the photographing section or a predetermined place in the space where the photographing section is provided, and The remote control unit is provided with receiving means,
The setting means includes a receiving time difference between light and ultrasonic waves simultaneously transmitted from the first transmitting means and a difference in receiving time between light and ultrasonic waves simultaneously transmitted from the second transmitting means in the receiving means. Based on this, the distance between the first transmitting means and the receiving means and the distance between the second transmitting means and the receiving means are calculated, the height position of the remote control unit is detected, and the photographing center height is calculated. The medical image photographing system according to claim 1, wherein the position is set.   The medical image photographing system according to claim 4, wherein the first and second transmitting means are provided in a vertical direction. The remote control unit has a light source that emits a light beam,
The setting means detects a height position of the remote control unit arranged so that an emission direction of the light beam is horizontal, and the light beam from the remote control unit is detected based on the detected height position. 6. The medical image photographing system according to claim 1, wherein the designated height position is set as a photographing center height position.   The remote controller further includes a geomagnetic sensor, and determines whether or not the level of the light beam in the emission direction is within a predetermined allowable range based on an output signal of the geomagnetic sensor. Item 7. The medical image photographing system according to Item 6.   The setting means detects the height position of the remote control unit arranged at the height position of the upper surface of the subject placed on the placement unit or placed on the upper surface of the subject, Based on the detected height position, a height position that divides the height position of the upper surface of the subject and the height position of the upper surface of the placement unit at a predetermined ratio is set as the imaging center height position. The medical image photographing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the medical image photographing system is characterized in that:   The medical image photographing system according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined ratio is substantially 1: 1.   The setting means detects a position and a height position in the moving direction of the photographing unit or the mounting unit of the remote control unit substantially simultaneously, and based on these positions and a height position, photographing in the moving direction. The medical image photographing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a reference position or one end position of the range and a photographing center height position are set.

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