JP6632881B2 - Medical image diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to a medical image diagnostic apparatus.

  There is a medical image diagnostic apparatus capable of confirming contact between a subject and a gantry. For example, it has a laser sensor arranged along the upper edge of the opening of the bore, and a determination unit that determines whether there is a possibility of collision between the gantry and the subject based on an electric signal from the laser sensor. There is an MRI device.

JP 2009-106572 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a medical image diagnostic apparatus capable of suppressing the influence of contact between an obstacle such as an instrument mounted on a subject and a gantry.

The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes a gantry, a tabletop, a setting unit, a movement control unit, and a detection unit . An opening serving as an imaging space is formed in the gantry. The subject is placed on the top plate and inserted into the opening when the subject is imaged. The setting unit sets a relative movement range of the top board with respect to the gantry during the imaging based on imaging conditions at the time of imaging. The movement control unit moves and stops at least one of the gantry and the top plate until the tip in the insertion direction of the top plate is located at the far end or the front side in the insertion direction of the movement range , and further stops the imaging. Before moving, at least one of the gantry and the top plate is moved within the movement range. The detection unit sequentially obtains an image in which a predetermined space is imaged by the camera, and includes, in the image obtained while the at least one of the gantry and the top board is being moved within the movement range, by the movement control unit, If there is no mark stuck on the top plate in a range where the obstacle mounted on the table does not come into contact with the gantry, it is detected that the obstacle may come into contact with the gantry.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of the laser sensors. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a process performed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of a process performed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining another example of the processing executed by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method of detecting whether or not there is a possibility that the obstacle and the gantry will come into contact with each other. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for detecting whether there is a possibility that an obstacle and a gantry are in contact with each other according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for detecting whether there is a possibility that an obstacle and a gantry are in contact with each other according to a first modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for detecting whether there is a possibility that an obstacle and a gantry are in contact with each other according to a second modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is an example of a display example of an image. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for detecting whether there is a possibility that an obstacle and a gantry are in contact with each other according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of another process executed by the X-ray CT apparatus. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of another process performed by the X-ray CT apparatus. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of another process executed by the X-ray CT apparatus.

  Hereinafter, an X-ray CT apparatus according to each embodiment will be described as an example of a medical image diagnostic apparatus with reference to the drawings. In addition, each embodiment is not limited to the following embodiments. Moreover, each embodiment can be combined in principle.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes a gantry 10, a bed apparatus 20, and a console 30.

  The gantry 10 irradiates the subject P (patient) with X-rays, detects X-rays transmitted through the subject P, and outputs the X-rays to the console 30. The X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 and the X-ray generation It includes a device 12, a detector 13, a data acquisition circuit (DAS: Data Acquisition System) 14, a rotating frame 15, a gantry driving circuit 16, and laser sensors 17a to 17l.

  The rotating frame 15 supports the X-ray generator 12 and the detector 13 so as to face each other across the subject P, and rotates at high speed in a circular orbit around the subject P by a gantry driving circuit 16 described later. It is an annular frame.

  The X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 is a device that controls a high voltage supplied to an X-ray tube 12a from a high voltage generator (not shown). The X-ray tube 12a generates X-rays using the supplied high voltage. I do. The X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 adjusts a tube voltage or a tube current supplied to the X-ray tube 12a under the control of a scan control circuit 33, which will be described later, to adjust the X-ray dose irradiated to the subject P. .

  Further, the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 switches the wedge 12b. Further, the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 adjusts the X-ray irradiation range (fan angle or cone angle) by adjusting the aperture of the collimator 12c. Note that the present embodiment may be a case where an operator manually switches a plurality of types of wedges.

  The X-ray generator 12 is a device that generates X-rays and irradiates the generated X-rays to the subject P, and includes an X-ray tube 12a, a wedge 12b, and a collimator 12c.

  The X-ray tube 12a is a vacuum tube that irradiates the subject P with an X-ray beam at a high voltage supplied by a high-voltage generating unit (not shown). The X-ray tube 12a transmits the X-ray beam to the subject P with the rotation of the rotating frame 15. Irradiate for. The X-ray tube 12a generates an X-ray beam that spreads with a fan angle and a cone angle. For example, under the control of the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11, the X-ray tube 12a continuously radiates X-rays around the subject P for full reconstruction, or performs half-reconstruction exposure for half reconstruction. It is possible to continuously irradiate X-rays in the irradiation range (180 degrees + fan angle). Further, under the control of the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11, the X-ray tube 12a can intermittently emit X-rays (pulsed X-rays) at a preset position (tube position). The X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 can also modulate the intensity of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 12a. For example, the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 increases the intensity of the X-ray emitted from the X-ray tube 12a at a specific tube position, and increases the intensity of the X-ray tube 12a at a range other than the specific tube position. Reduces the intensity of X-rays emitted.

  The wedge 12b is an X-ray filter for adjusting the amount of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 12a. Specifically, the wedge 12b transmits the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 12a so that the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 12a to the subject P have a predetermined distribution. It is an attenuating filter. For example, the wedge 12b is a filter formed by processing aluminum so as to have a predetermined target angle and a predetermined thickness. The wedge is also called a wedge filter or a bow-tie filter.

  The collimator 12c is a slit for narrowing the irradiation range of the X-rays whose X-ray dose has been adjusted by the wedge 12b under the control of the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 described later.

  The gantry drive circuit 16 rotates the X-ray generator 12 and the detector 13 on a circular orbit around the subject P by rotating and driving the rotating frame 15.

  The detector 13 is a two-dimensional array-type detector (surface detector) that detects X-rays transmitted through the subject P, and a detector element array including X-ray detecting elements for a plurality of channels includes a subject P. Are arranged in a plurality of rows along the body axis direction (Z-axis direction shown in FIG. 1). Specifically, the detector 13 in the first embodiment has X-ray detection elements arranged in multiple rows, such as 320 rows, along the body axis direction of the subject P. It is possible to detect X-rays that have transmitted through the subject P in a wide range such as a range including the heart and the heart.

  The data collection circuit 14 is a DAS, and collects projection data from X-ray detection data detected by the X-ray detector 13. For example, the data collection circuit 14 generates projection data by performing amplification processing, A / D conversion processing, sensitivity correction processing between channels, and the like on the X-ray intensity distribution data detected by the detector 13. The obtained projection data is transmitted to the console 30 described later. For example, when X-rays are continuously emitted from the X-ray tube 12a while the rotating frame 15 is rotating, the data collection circuit 14 collects a projection data group for the entire circumference (360 degrees). Further, the data collection circuit 14 transmits the collected projection data to the console 30 described below, in association with the tube position. The tube position is information indicating the projection direction of the projection data. Note that the sensitivity correction processing between channels may be performed by a preprocessing circuit 34 described later.

  The laser sensors 17a to 17l are connected to a processing circuit 37. The laser sensors 17a to 17l are sensors that detect an obstacle provided on the subject P that may come into contact with the couch device 10. Each of the laser sensors 17a, 17c, 17e, 17g, 17i, and 17k is a sensor that emits a laser. Each of the laser sensors 17b, 17d, 17f, 17h, 17j, and 17l is a sensor that receives a laser beam emitted by each of the laser sensors 17a, 17c, 17e, 17g, 17i, and 17k. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of the laser sensors. The example of FIG. 2 shows an example of the arrangement of the laser sensors 17a to 17l attached to the gantry 10 on the front, top, and side surfaces of the gantry 10, respectively. Although the laser sensors 17k and 17l cannot be confirmed from the example of FIG. 2, they are arranged at positions facing the laser sensors 17a and 17b via the gantry 10. In the example of FIG. 2, the dashed line indicates the laser output from each of the laser sensors 17a, 17c, 17e, 17g, 17i. In the example of FIG. 2, the laser sensors 17a to 17l are provided so that the laser circumscribes the opening of the gantry 10 when the gantry 10 is viewed from the front. Further, in the example of FIG. 2, each of the laser sensors 17b, 17d, 17f, 17h, and 17j receives a laser. Each of the laser sensors 17a to 17f is attached at a position where an obstacle that may come into contact with the gantry 10 can be detected. When each of the laser sensors 17b, 17d, 17f, 17h, 17j, and 17l detects that the laser is blocked by an obstacle, it outputs a signal indicating that the laser is blocked to the processing circuit 37.

  In addition, as shown in the example of FIG. 2, the gantry 10 has an opening 10a serving as an imaging space.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 1, the couch device 20 is a device on which the subject P is placed, and includes a couch driving device 21 and a top 22. The couch driving device 21 moves the subject P into the rotating frame 15 by moving the table 22 in the Z-axis direction. The top plate 22 is a plate on which the subject P is placed. The top plate 22 is inserted into an opening 10 a formed in the gantry 10 on which the subject P is placed when the subject P is imaged.

  The gantry 10 performs, for example, a helical scan that scans the subject P in a spiral by rotating the rotating frame 15 while moving the top plate 22. Alternatively, the gantry device 10 performs a conventional scan of scanning the subject P in a circular orbit by rotating the rotating frame 15 with the position of the subject P fixed after moving the top plate 22. Alternatively, the gantry device 10 executes a step-and-shoot method in which the position of the top plate 22 is moved at regular intervals and a conventional scan is performed in a plurality of scan areas.

  The console 30 is a device that receives an operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 by an operator and reconstructs X-ray CT image data using the projection data collected by the gantry 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the console 30 includes an input circuit 31, a display 32, a scan control circuit 33, a pre-processing circuit 34, a storage circuit 35, an image reconstruction circuit 36, and a processing circuit 37. .

  The input circuit 31 includes a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, a switch, a button, a joystick, and the like used by the operator of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 to input various instructions and various settings, and information on the instructions and settings received from the operator. Is transferred to the processing circuit 37. For example, the input circuit 31 receives, from the operator, imaging conditions for X-ray CT image data, reconstruction conditions for reconstructing X-ray CT image data, image processing conditions for X-ray CT image data, and the like. Further, the input circuit 31 receives an operation for selecting a test for the subject. Further, the input circuit 31 receives a designation operation for designating a part on the image.

  The display 32 controls the processing circuit 37 to display image data generated from the X-ray CT image data and to receive various instructions and various settings from the operator via the input circuit 31. Graphical User Interface). In addition, the display 32 displays a scan planning screen, a screen during scanning, and the like.

  The scan control circuit 33 controls the operations of the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11, the gantry driving circuit 16, the data acquisition circuit 14, and the bed driving device 21 under the control of the processing circuit 37, so that the projection data of the gantry 10 is Control the collection process. For example, the scan control circuit 33 controls the process of collecting projection data in imaging for acquiring a positioning image (scano image) and the actual imaging (main scan) for acquiring an image used for diagnosis. Here, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment can capture a two-dimensional scano image and a three-dimensional scano image. The scan control circuit 33 is realized by, for example, a processor.

  The preprocessing circuit 34 performs logarithmic conversion processing and correction processing such as offset correction, sensitivity correction, and beam hardening correction on the projection data generated by the data collection circuit 14 to convert the corrected projection data. Generate. Specifically, the preprocessing circuit 34 generates corrected projection data for each of the projection data of the positioning image generated by the data collection circuit 14 and the projection data collected by the main imaging, and stores the corrected projection data in the storage circuit 35. To be stored. The preprocessing circuit 34 is realized by, for example, a processor.

  The storage circuit 35 stores the projection data generated by the preprocessing circuit 34. Specifically, the storage circuit 35 stores the projection data of the positioning image generated by the pre-processing circuit 34 and the projection data for diagnosis collected by the main imaging. Further, the storage circuit 35 stores image data generated by an image reconstruction circuit 36 described later. Further, the storage circuit 35 appropriately stores a processing result by a processing circuit 37 described later. The storage circuit 35 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, and the like.

  The image reconstruction circuit 36 reconstructs X-ray CT image data using the projection data stored in the storage circuit 35. Specifically, the image reconstruction circuit 36 reconstructs X-ray CT image data from the projection data of the positioning image and the projection data of the image used for diagnosis. Here, there are various reconstruction methods, for example, a back projection process. The backprojection processing includes, for example, backprojection processing by the FBP (Filtered Back Projection) method. Alternatively, the image reconstruction circuit 36 can reconstruct the X-ray CT image data using the successive approximation method.

  Further, the image reconstruction circuit 36 generates image data by performing various image processing on the X-ray CT image data. Then, the image reconstruction circuit 36 stores the reconstructed X-ray CT image data and image data generated by various image processings in the storage circuit 35. The image reconstruction circuit 36 is realized by, for example, a processor.

  The processing circuit 37 controls the entire operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 by controlling the operations of the gantry 10, the bed apparatus 20, and the console 30.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the processing circuit 37 executes a setting function 37a, a movement control function 37b, a detection function 37c, a display control function 37d, and a main control function 37e. The main control function 37 e controls the scan control circuit 33 to control the CT scan performed by the gantry 10. Further, the main control function 37e controls the image reconstruction processing and the image generation processing in the console 30 by controlling the image reconstruction circuit 36. Further, the display control function 37d controls various kinds of image data stored in the storage circuit 35 to be displayed on the display 32. Here, for example, the respective functions of the setting function 37a, the movement control function 37b, the detection function 37c, the display control function 37d, and the main control function 37e which are the components of the processing circuit 37 shown in FIG. In the storage circuit 35. The processing circuit 37 is a processor that reads out each program from the storage circuit 35 and executes the read out program to realize a function corresponding to each program. In other words, the processing circuit 37 in a state in which each program is read has each function shown in the processing circuit 37 of FIG. The setting function 37a is an example of a setting unit described in the claims. The movement control function 37b is an example of a movement control unit described in the claims. The detection function 37c is an example of a detection unit described in the claims.

  Note that the term “processor” used in the above description may be, for example, a CPU (central processing unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device, or the like. (For example, a circuit such as a Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). The processor reads the program stored in the storage circuit, and implements the function by executing the read program. Instead of storing the program in the storage circuit, the program may be directly incorporated in the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor implements a function by reading a program incorporated in the circuit and executing the read program. Note that each processor of the present embodiment is not limited to the case where each processor is configured as a single circuit, but may be configured as one processor by combining a plurality of independent circuits to realize its function. Good.

  The overall configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment has been described above. With such a configuration, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is configured to be able to suppress the influence of the contact between the obstacle and the gantry 10 as described below.

  Next, each processing function of the setting function 37a, the movement control function 37b, and the detection function 37c executed by the processing circuit 37 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a process performed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  As illustrated in the example of FIG. 3, the setting function 37a sets an imaging condition when the subject P is imaged (Step S101). For example, the setting function 37a displays a screen for receiving an imaging condition on the display 32, and receives an imaging condition from an operator. Then, the setting function 37a sets the imaging conditions by storing the received imaging conditions in the storage circuit 35.

  Then, the setting function 37a sets the range of movement of the table 22 in the Z-axis direction when imaging is performed based on the set imaging conditions (step S102). Here, in the moving range of the top 22, in addition to the moving range of the top 22 required for scanning the imaging range (scanning range) set for the subject P, the approach section and the surplus range are included. included. FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of a process performed by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in the upper part of the example of FIG. 4A, the setting function 37a sets the moving range A of the top 22 in the Z-axis direction when imaging is performed based on imaging conditions.

  Then, the movement control function 37b stops the top plate 22 by moving the top plate 22 until the tip end 22a of the top plate 22 in the insertion direction of the top plate 22 is located at the far end in the insertion direction of the movement range A. An instruction to cause the scan control circuit 33 is sent to the scan control circuit 33 (step S103). When the scan control circuit 33 receives the instruction, the scan control circuit 33 moves the top plate 22 until the top end 22a of the top plate 22 is located at the far end in the insertion direction of the movement range A, and stops the top plate 22. The bed driving device 21 is controlled. 4A, the couch driving device 21 moves the couch top 22 until the tip 22a of the couch top 22 is located at the far end in the insertion direction of the movement range A, as shown in the example of FIG. 22 is stopped. As shown in FIG. 4A, an electrocardiograph and a respiratory measurement are placed on the subject P placed on the table 22 stopped in this way, as shown in the example of FIG. When an obstacle 80 such as a vessel or other therapeutic instrument (for example, a puncture indicator) is attached to the subject P so as not to contact the gantry 10, the top plate 22 is already at the end of the movement range A. Since it is located, even if the top plate 22 is moved within the movement range A, the obstacle 80 does not contact the gantry 10. Therefore, the influence of the contact between the obstacle 80 and the gantry 10 can be suppressed.

  In step S103, the movement control function 37b determines whether the top end 22a of the top plate 22 in the insertion direction of the top plate 22 is positioned at the front end in the insertion direction of the movement range A 'set in step S102. An instruction to move the plate 22 to stop the top plate 22 may be transmitted to the scan control circuit 33. When the scan control circuit 33 receives the instruction, the scan control circuit 33 moves the top plate 22 until the top end 22a of the top plate 22 is located on the near side end in the insertion direction of the movement range A ′, and stops the top plate 22. The bed driving device 21 is controlled at the same time. 4B, the bed driving device 21 moves the top plate 22 until the front end 22a of the top plate 22 is positioned at the front end in the insertion direction of the movement range A '. The plate 22 is stopped. As shown in the example of FIG. 4B, the obstacle 80 is attached to the subject P placed on the top plate 22 stopped in this way, When the top 22 is already attached to the end of the moving range A ′ when the top 22 is attached to the subject P so as not to contact with the object P, even if the top 22 is moved within the moving range A ′, The object 80 does not contact the gantry 10. Therefore, the influence of the contact between the obstacle 80 and the gantry 10 can be suppressed. FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining another example of the processing executed by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

  That is, by the processing in step S103, the obstacle 80 can be mounted on the subject P at a position where the top plate 22 does not come into contact with the gantry 10 even when the table 22 is moved within the movement range A.

  Here, although the obstacle 80 can be mounted on the subject P at a position where the couchtop 10 does not come into contact with the gantry 10 even when the top board 22 is moved within the movement range A by the processing in step S103, Later, when the position of the obstacle 80 is shifted and the top board 22 is moved within the movement range A, the obstacle 80 may come into contact with the gantry 10.

  Therefore, the movement control function 37b executes a rehearsal for moving the top 22 within the movement range A before performing the main imaging of the subject P (Step S104). For example, the movement control function 37b moves the top board 22 in the movement range A by the same movement as the movement of the top board 22 in the subsequent main imaging. That is, the movement control function 37b simulates the movement of the top plate 22 in the main imaging in the rehearsal. In the rehearsal, the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 controls the X-ray generator 12 so as not to generate X-rays.

  Further, the movement control function 37b may move the top 22 at a speed higher than the speed of the top 22 moved in the subsequent main imaging in the rehearsal. As a result, the time required for rehearsal can be reduced.

  Here, in the rehearsal, the detection function 37c detects whether or not there is a possibility that the obstacle 80 will come into contact with the gantry 10 while the top plate 22 is being moved within the movement range A by the movement control function 37b. .

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method of detecting whether or not there is a possibility that the obstacle and the gantry will come into contact with each other. In FIG. 5, when the top board 22 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow, the obstacle 80 blocks the laser 17e-1 emitted from the laser sensor 17e. For this reason, the laser sensor 17f outputs a signal indicating that the laser was interrupted to the processing circuit 37 because the laser 17e-1 could not be received. When the laser sensor 17f receives the laser 17e-1, the laser sensor 17f outputs a signal indicating that the laser has been received to the processing circuit 37.

  When receiving the signal indicating that the laser is blocked, the detection function 37c of the processing circuit 37 detects that the obstacle 80 may come into contact with the gantry 10. Then, when the detection function 37c detects that the obstacle 80 may come into contact with the gantry 10, the movement control function 37b stops the top board 22. Thereby, occurrence of a situation where the top plate 22 comes into contact with the gantry 10 can be suppressed. Further, the surgeon can also adjust the position of the obstacle 80 mounted on the subject P placed on the stopped top 22 to a position not in contact with the gantry 10. Thereby, in the subsequent main imaging, the influence of the obstacle 80 and the gantry 10 coming into contact can be suppressed. Upon receiving the signal indicating that the laser has been received, the detection function 37c detects that there is no possibility that the obstacle 80 and the gantry 10 will come into contact with each other.

  Note that the X-ray CT apparatus 1 may use a distance sensor that detects the distance to the obstacle 80 instead of the laser sensors 17a to 17l. In this case, for example, the distance sensor is attached to the gantry 10, and the detection function 37c treats the distance between the obstacle 80 and the mileage detected by the distance sensor as the distance between the obstacle 80 and the gantry 10. . When the distance detected by the distance sensor is shorter than a predetermined distance, the detection function 37c detects that the obstacle 80 may come into contact with the gantry 10. Note that an optical camera may be used instead of the distance sensor.

  Returning to FIG. 3, when the execution of the rehearsal is completed, or when the position of the obstacle 80 attached to the subject P is adjusted to a position where the operator does not touch the gantry 10, the main control is performed. The function 37e transmits an instruction to execute main imaging based on the imaging conditions to the scan control circuit 33 (step S105), and ends the processing. Upon receiving such an instruction, the scan control circuit 33 controls the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11, the gantry drive circuit 16, the data acquisition circuit 14, and the bed drive device 21 so as to execute the main imaging. Thus, the main imaging is performed.

  In the main imaging in step S105, the position of the obstacle 80 attached to the subject P may be shifted. Therefore, in step S105, similarly to step S104, the detection function 37c can cause the obstacle 80 and the gantry 10 to come into contact with each other while the top board 22 is being moved within the movement range A by the movement control function 37b. The presence or absence of sex may be detected. When the detection function 37c detects that the obstacle 80 may come into contact with the gantry 10, the movement control function 37b may stop the top plate 22.

  Steps S101 and S102 are steps corresponding to the setting function 37a. This is a step in which the setting function 37a is realized by the processing circuit 133 reading a predetermined program corresponding to the setting function 37a from the storage circuit 132 and executing it. Steps S103 and S104 are steps corresponding to the movement control function 37b. In this step, the movement control function 37b is realized by the processing circuit 133 reading a predetermined program corresponding to the movement control function 37b from the storage circuit 132 and executing it. Step S105 is a step corresponding to the setting function 37a. This is a step in which the setting function 37a is realized by the processing circuit 133 reading a predetermined program corresponding to the setting function 37a from the storage circuit 132 and executing it. This is a step corresponding to the main control function 37e. This is a step in which the main control function 37e is realized by the processing circuit 133 reading a predetermined program corresponding to the main control function 37e from the storage circuit 132 and executing it.

  The X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment has been described above. According to the X-ray CT apparatus 1, as described above, it is possible to suppress the influence caused by the contact between the obstacle 80 mounted on the subject P and the gantry 10.

(Second embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the detection function 37c uses the laser sensors 17a to 17l and the distance sensor to detect whether or not the obstacle may come into contact with the gantry. The presence or absence of the possibility of contact with the gantry may be detected. Therefore, an embodiment in which the presence or absence of the possibility that the obstacle and the gantry are in contact with each other by another method will be described as a second embodiment. The X-ray CT apparatus according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, except for a method for detecting the possibility of contact between an obstacle and a gantry. It is. In the description of the second embodiment, the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be omitted.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for detecting whether there is a possibility that an obstacle and a gantry are in contact with each other according to the second embodiment. For example, as shown in the example of FIG. 6, a mark 41 is attached by tape or the like to a range of the top plate 22 where the obstacle 80 does not contact the gantry 10 even when the top plate 22 having the bed base 22b moves. I have. Accordingly, the operator or the operator can easily confirm the range where the obstacle 80 does not contact the gantry 10 only by confirming the range of the mark 41.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the camera 40 is attached to the gantry 10, and the camera 40 takes a picture in a predetermined direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. That is, the camera 40 sequentially obtains images captured in a predetermined direction. The camera 40 may be mounted on the bed base 22b, or may be mounted on a wall of a room where the X-ray CT apparatus is placed.

  Then, the camera 40 sequentially transmits the acquired images to the processing circuit 37 connected to the camera 40. Each time an image is received, the detection function 37c of the processing circuit 37 determines whether or not the mark 41 is present in the received image. When the mark 41 is present in the received image, the detection function 37c detects that there is no possibility that the obstacle 80 will come into contact with the gantry 10. On the other hand, when there is no mark 41 in the received image, the detection function 37c detects that the obstacle 80 may come into contact with the gantry 10.

  The second embodiment has been described above. According to the X-ray CT apparatus according to the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress the influence of the obstacle 80 attached to the subject P and the gantry 10 coming into contact with each other.

(First Modification Example According to Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, a case has been described in which the mark 41 is affixed with a tape or the like to the range of the top plate 22 where the obstacle 80 does not contact the gantry 10 even if the top plate 22 moves. The CT device is not limited to this. For example, a mark may be attached to an area of the top board where the obstacle comes into contact with the gantry when the top board moves. Therefore, such a modified example will be described as a first modified example according to the second embodiment. Note that the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first modification of the second embodiment differs from the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment except for a method of detecting the possibility of contact between an obstacle and a gantry. The configuration is the same as that of the device 1. In the description of the first modification example according to the second embodiment, the description of the same configuration as that of the second embodiment will be omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for detecting whether there is a possibility that an obstacle and a gantry are in contact with each other according to a first modification of the second embodiment. For example, as shown in the example of FIG. 7, when the top board 22 moves, the mark 42 is attached by tape or the like to the area of the top board 22 where the gantry 10 and the obstacle 80 come into contact. Accordingly, the operator or the operator can easily confirm the range where the obstacle 80 contacts the gantry 10 only by confirming the range of the mark 42.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the camera 40 is attached to the gantry 10, and the camera 40 captures a predetermined direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. 7 to acquire a moving image. That is, the camera 40 sequentially obtains images captured in a predetermined direction.

  Then, the camera 40 sequentially transmits the acquired images to the processing circuit 37 connected to the camera 40. Each time an image is received, the detection function 37c of the processing circuit 37 determines whether or not the mark 42 is present in the received image. When the mark 42 is present in the received image, the detection function 37c detects that the obstacle 80 may come into contact with the gantry 10. On the other hand, when there is no mark 42 in the received image, the detection function 37c detects that there is no possibility that the obstacle 80 and the gantry 10 will come into contact with each other.

  The first modification according to the second embodiment has been described above. According to the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first modified example of the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the influence caused by the contact between the obstacle 80 mounted on the subject P and the gantry 10. Can be suppressed.

(Second Modification Example According to Second Embodiment)
Note that, in the first modification according to the second embodiment, a description will be given of a case where the mark 42 is attached with a tape or the like to a range of the top plate 22 where the obstacle 80 contacts the gantry 10 when the top plate 22 moves. However, the X-ray CT apparatus is not limited to this. For example, even if the mark is attached to the position of the top plate between the range of the top plate where the obstacle contacts the gantry when the top plate moves and the range where the obstacle does not contact the gantry even if the top plate moves. Good. Therefore, such a modified example will be described as a second modified example according to the second embodiment. Note that the X-ray CT apparatus according to the second modification of the second embodiment differs from the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment except for a method of detecting the possibility of contact between an obstacle and a gantry. The configuration is the same as that of the device 1. In the description of the second modification example according to the second embodiment, the description of the same configuration as that of the second embodiment and the like will be omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for detecting whether there is a possibility that an obstacle and a gantry are in contact with each other according to a second modification of the second embodiment. For example, as shown in the example of FIG. 8, a range where the gantry 10 contacts the obstacle 80 when the top 22 moves, and a range where the gantry 10 does not contact the obstacle 80 even when the top 22 moves. The mark 43 is attached to the position of the top plate 22 by a tape or the like.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the camera 40 is attached to the gantry 10, and the camera 40 captures a moving image by photographing a predetermined direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. That is, the camera 40 sequentially obtains images captured in a predetermined direction.

  Then, the camera 40 sequentially transmits the acquired images to the processing circuit 37 connected to the camera 40. Each time an image is received, the detection function 37c of the processing circuit 37 determines whether or not the mark 43 is present in the received image. When the mark 43 is present in the received image, the detection function 37c detects that the obstacle 80 may come into contact with the gantry 10. On the other hand, when there is no mark 43 in the received image, the detection function 37c detects that there is no possibility that the obstacle 80 and the gantry 10 will come into contact with each other.

  The second modified example according to the second embodiment has been described above. According to the X-ray CT apparatus according to the second modified example of the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the influence of the obstacle 80 attached to the subject P and the gantry 10 coming into contact with each other. Can be suppressed.

  Note that, in the second embodiment, the first modification according to the second embodiment, and the second modification according to the second embodiment, the detection function 37c causes the sequentially acquired images to be displayed on the display 32. It can also be displayed. Thus, the operator can grasp the possibility of contact between the obstacle and the gantry by checking the image. FIG. 9 is an example of a display example of an image. For example, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 9, the detection function 37c displays an image including the mark 41 on the display 32 and then displays an image not including the mark 41 on the display 32. In such a case, since the obstacle 80 and the gantry 10 may come into contact with each other, the operator who checks the image displayed on the display 32 may, for example, Input an instruction to stop the movement.

(Third embodiment)
Here, a sensor may be provided on the obstacle, and the sensor may detect contact with the gantry 10. Therefore, such an embodiment will be described as a third embodiment. The X-ray CT apparatus according to the third embodiment has the same configuration as that of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, except for a method of detecting the possibility of contact between an obstacle and a gantry. It is.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for detecting whether there is a possibility that an obstacle and a gantry are in contact with each other according to the third embodiment. For example, as shown in the example of FIG. 10, a microswitch 51 is attached to an arm 50 for supporting the subject P on the top 22 as an obstacle. The microswitch 51 is connected to the processing circuit 37 of the console 30 via the gantry 10.

  When the microswitch 51 comes into contact with the gantry 10, the switch is turned on and outputs a signal indicating that it is on to the processing circuit 37. On the other hand, when the microswitch 51 does not contact the gantry 10, the microswitch 51 outputs a signal indicating OFF to the processing circuit 37.

  Upon receiving the signal indicating ON from the microswitch 51, the detection function 37c of the processing circuit 37 detects that the possibility that the arm 50, which is an obstacle, and the gantry 10 are in contact with each other is 100%. As a result, the movement control function 37b stops the top 22. Therefore, since the top plate 22 is stopped at an early stage after the contact, the damage to the arm 50 and the gantry 10 does not increase.

  The third embodiment has been described above. According to the X-ray CT apparatus according to the third embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress the influence of the obstacle 10 attached to the subject P coming into contact with the gantry 10.

(Other embodiments)
In the first to third embodiments, the case where steps S101 to S105 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 are executed has been described. However, any one of the steps may not be executed as appropriate. it can. FIGS. 11 to 13 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the flow of another process executed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to another embodiment.

  As illustrated in the example of FIG. 11, the X-ray CT apparatus may execute steps S104 and S105 without executing step S103 after executing steps S101 and S102.

  Also, as shown in the example of FIG. 12, the X-ray CT apparatus may execute step S105 after executing step S101 without executing steps S102 to S104.

  Further, as shown in the example of FIG. 13, the X-ray CT apparatus may execute step S105 after executing steps S101, S102, and S103 without executing step S104.

  In the first to third embodiments, the case where the couch driving device 21 moves and stops the couchtop 22 within the movement range A of the couchtop 22 has been described as an example. Alternatively, the gantry 10 may be moved and stopped within the moving range of the gantry 10 corresponding to the moving range A of the top plate 22. Further, the couch driving device 21 may move and stop the couchtop 22, and the gantry driving circuit 16 may move and stop the gantry 10. That is, the movement control function 37b moves at least one of the gantry 10 and the top plate 22. In this case, the setting function 37a sets the relative movement range of the tabletop 22 with respect to the gantry 10 during imaging based on the imaging conditions.

  In the first to third embodiments, the X-ray CT apparatus has been described as an example of the medical image diagnostic apparatus. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the same embodiment can be applied to an MRI apparatus or a PET apparatus having a gantry and in which an obstacle may come into contact with the gantry.

  According to the medical image diagnostic apparatus of at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to suppress the effect of the obstacle 10 attached to the subject P coming into contact with the gantry 10.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in other various forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

1 X-ray CT apparatus 37a Setting function 37b Movement control function 37c Detection function

Claims (10)

A base on which an opening serving as an imaging space is formed,
A top plate on which the subject is placed and inserted into the opening when imaging of the subject is performed,
A setting unit that sets a relative movement range of the top plate with respect to the gantry during the imaging based on imaging conditions when the imaging is performed;
Before the imaging is performed, at least one of the gantry and the top plate is moved and stopped until the top end in the insertion direction of the top plate is located at the far end or the front end in the insertion direction of the movement range. Further, before the imaging is performed, a movement control unit that moves at least one of the gantry and the top plate within the movement range ,
Images obtained by sequentially capturing images of a predetermined space by the camera are acquired by the movement control unit, and at least one of the gantry and the top board is moved within the movement range in the image acquired. If there is no mark attached to the top plate in a range where the obstacle mounted on the sample does not contact the gantry, detection is performed to detect that the obstacle may come into contact with the gantry. Department and
A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: A base on which an opening serving as an imaging space is formed,
A top plate on which the subject is placed and inserted into the opening when imaging of the subject is performed,
A setting unit that sets a relative movement range of the top plate with respect to the gantry during the imaging based on imaging conditions when the imaging is performed;
Before the imaging is performed, at least one of the gantry and the top plate is moved and stopped until the top end in the insertion direction of the top plate is located at the far end or the front end in the insertion direction of the movement range. Further, before the imaging is performed, a movement control unit that moves at least one of the gantry and the top plate within the movement range,
Camera by sequentially acquires an image in which a predetermined space is imaged, the movement control unit by said within moving range gantry and the images obtained in the middle of moving the at least one of said top plate, the object to be When there is a mark attached to the top plate in a range where the obstacle mounted on the sample comes into contact with the gantry, a detection is performed to detect that the obstacle may come into contact with the gantry. Department and
A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: A base on which an opening serving as an imaging space is formed,
A top plate on which the subject is placed and inserted into the opening when imaging of the subject is performed,
A setting unit that sets a relative movement range of the top plate with respect to the gantry during the imaging based on imaging conditions when the imaging is performed;
Before the imaging is performed, at least one of the gantry and the top plate is moved and stopped until the top end in the insertion direction of the top plate is located at the far end or the front end in the insertion direction of the movement range. Further, before the imaging is performed, a movement control unit that moves at least one of the gantry and the top plate within the movement range,
Camera by sequentially acquires an image in which a predetermined space is imaged, the movement control unit by said within moving range gantry and the images obtained in the middle of moving the at least one of said top plate, the object If there is a mark affixed to the position of the top plate between a range where the obstacle mounted on the sample contacts the gantry and a range where the obstacle does not contact the gantry, A detection unit that detects that there is a possibility that the object and the gantry are in contact with each other;
A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the detection unit causes the display unit to display the acquired image. The detection unit further detects the distance between the obstacle and the gantry, and when the detected distance is shorter than a predetermined distance, the obstacle may contact the gantry. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the medical image diagnostic apparatus detects. The movement control unit further, when the said frame and the obstacle by the detecting unit is likely to touch is detected, stopping the top plate, any one of claims 1 to 5, A medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A base on which an opening serving as an imaging space is formed,
A top plate on which the subject is placed and inserted into the opening when imaging of the subject is performed,
A setting unit that sets a relative movement range of the top plate with respect to the gantry during the imaging based on imaging conditions when the imaging is performed;
Before the imaging is performed, a movement control unit that moves at least one of the gantry and the top plate within the movement range,
Camera by sequentially acquires an image in which a predetermined space is captured, the mobile the frame in a by Ri before Symbol moving range to the control unit and the image acquired in the middle of moving the at least one of the top plate , said if there is no mark an obstacle that is attached to the subject and the frame is attached to the top plate in a range not in contact, the said obstacle and said rack may contact A detecting unit for detecting,
A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: A base on which an opening serving as an imaging space is formed,
A top plate on which the subject is placed and inserted into the opening when imaging of the subject is performed,
A setting unit that sets a relative movement range of the top plate with respect to the gantry during the imaging based on imaging conditions when the imaging is performed;
Before the imaging is performed, a movement control unit that moves at least one of the gantry and the top plate within the movement range,
Images obtained by sequentially capturing images of a predetermined space by the camera are acquired by the movement control unit, and at least one of the gantry and the top board is moved within the movement range in the image acquired. When there is a mark attached to the top plate in a range where the obstacle mounted on the sample comes into contact with the gantry, a detection is performed to detect that the obstacle may come into contact with the gantry. Department and
A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: A base on which an opening serving as an imaging space is formed,
A top plate on which the subject is placed and inserted into the opening when imaging of the subject is performed,
A setting unit that sets a relative movement range of the top plate with respect to the gantry during the imaging based on imaging conditions when the imaging is performed;
Before the imaging is performed, a movement control unit that moves at least one of the gantry and the top plate within the movement range,
Images obtained by sequentially capturing images of a predetermined space by the camera are acquired by the movement control unit, and at least one of the gantry and the top board is moved within the movement range in the image acquired. If there is a mark affixed to the position of the top plate between a range where the obstacle mounted on the sample contacts the gantry and a range where the obstacle does not contact the gantry, A detection unit that detects that there is a possibility that the object and the gantry are in contact with each other;
A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: The imaging apparatus further includes an imaging control unit that performs the imaging of the subject,
The movement control unit, even before Symbol IMAGING, by moving at least one of said frame and said top plate within said movement range,
Wherein the detection unit, before Symbol IMAGING smell Te, during which the gantry and moving at least one of said top plate within said movement range, the presence or absence of a possibility of said obstacle and wherein the cradle contacts The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which detects.

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