JP7262960B2 - Medical image diagnosis device and imaging planning device - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a medical image diagnostic apparatus and an imaging planning apparatus.

An X-ray computed tomography apparatus has a bed for moving a table on which a subject is placed. In order to obtain a higher definition image, it is required to reduce the vibration of the top plate when inserting the opening. Therefore, a new double-slide type bed has been developed. The bed has a mechanism capable of independently sliding a top plate and a support frame that supports the top plate, and has a structure in which the support frame protrudes toward the pedestal in conjunction with the rise of the top plate. With this structure, it is possible to bring the support frame as close as possible to the pedestal at high throughput and reduce the vibration of the tabletop. On the other hand, there is also a demand to raise the top plate perpendicularly to the floor surface.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-64400 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-229900

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to improve the flexibility regarding the selection of the ascending route of the tabletop.

A medical image diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment has a pedestal, a bed, and a determination unit. The cradle performs data collection. The bed supports a top plate so that it can move horizontally and vertically with respect to the floor surface. The determination unit selects a first route in which the top board rises from the initial height to the target height vertically to the floor surface, and a first route in which the top board rises vertically from the initial height to the target height. Either one of a second route in which the top plate rises from the height to the target height with horizontal movement with respect to the floor surface is determined.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the gantry according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a side surface of the bed according to this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a gantry control circuit and a bed drive system according to this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the movement of the bed with respect to the vertical route according to this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the movement of the bed in relation to the protruding route according to this embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a typical flow of CT examination by the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to this embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an operation terminal according to this embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of the operation terminal according to this embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of an X-ray computed tomography system according to a modification of this embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of the imaging planning apparatus of FIG. 10. As shown in FIG.

A medical image diagnostic apparatus and an imaging planning apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an X-ray computed tomography apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus 1 irradiates a subject P with X-rays from an X-ray tube 11 and detects the irradiated X-rays with an X-ray detector 12 . The X-ray computed tomography apparatus 1 generates a CT image of the subject P based on the output from the X-ray detector 12 .

As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray computed tomography apparatus 1 has a gantry 10, a bed 30 and a console 40. As shown in FIG. The gantry 10 is a scanning device having a configuration for X-ray CT imaging of the subject P. As shown in FIG. The bed 30 is a transport device for placing a subject P to be subjected to X-ray CT imaging and positioning the subject P. As shown in FIG. A console 40 is a computer that controls the gantry 10 . For example, the gantry 10 and the bed 30 are installed in a CT examination room, and the console 40 is installed in a control room adjacent to the CT examination room. The gantry 10, the bed 30 and the console 40 are connected by wire or wirelessly so as to be able to communicate with each other. Note that the console 40 does not necessarily have to be installed in the control room. For example, the console 40 may be installed in the same room together with the gantry 10 and the bed 30 . Also, the console 40 may be incorporated into the gantry 10 .

As shown in FIG. 1, the gantry 10 includes an X-ray tube 11, an X-ray detector 12, a rotating frame 13, an X-ray high voltage device 14, a control device 15, a wedge 16, a collimator 17, and a data acquisition circuit (DAS: Data Acquisition System) 18.

The X-ray tube 11 irradiates the subject P with X-rays. Specifically, the X-ray tube 11 includes a cathode that generates thermoelectrons, an anode that receives thermoelectrons flying from the cathode and generates X-rays, and a vacuum tube that holds the cathode and the anode. The X-ray tube 11 is connected to an X-ray high voltage device 14 via a high voltage cable. An X-ray high voltage device 14 applies a tube voltage between the cathode and the anode. Thermal electrons fly from the cathode to the anode by applying a tube voltage. A tube current flows due to thermal electrons flying from the cathode to the anode. By applying a high voltage and supplying a filament current from the X-ray high-voltage device 14, thermal electrons fly from the cathode toward the anode, and the thermal electrons collide with the anode to generate X-rays.

The X-ray detector 12 detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 11 and passing through the subject P, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the dose of the detected X-rays to the DAS 18 . The X-ray detector 12 has a structure in which a plurality of X-ray detection element arrays each having a plurality of X-ray detection elements arranged in the channel direction are arranged in the slice direction (column direction). X-ray detector 12 is, for example, an indirect conversion type detector having a grid, a scintillator array and a photosensor array. The scintillator array has a plurality of scintillators. The scintillator outputs light with an amount corresponding to the amount of incident X-rays. The grid has an X-ray shielding plate arranged on the X-ray incident surface side of the scintillator array and absorbing scattered X-rays. The photosensor array converts the amount of light from the scintillator into an electrical signal. A photodiode, for example, is used as the optical sensor.

The rotating frame 13 is an annular frame that rotatably supports the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 about the rotation axis Z. As shown in FIG. Specifically, the rotating frame 13 supports the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 so as to face each other. The rotating frame 13 is rotatably supported around the rotation axis Z by a fixed frame (not shown). Rotating the rotation frame 13 about the rotation axis Z by the control device 15 causes the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 to rotate about the rotation axis Z. As shown in FIG. The rotating frame 13 receives power from the drive mechanism of the control device 15 and rotates around the rotation axis Z at a constant angular velocity. An image field of view (FOV) is set in the opening 19 of the rotating frame 13 .

In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the rotation axis of the rotating frame 13 or the top plate 33 of the bed 30 in the non-tilt state is the Z direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Z direction and horizontal to the floor surface is the X direction. The direction perpendicular to the direction and perpendicular to the floor is defined as the Y direction.

The X-ray high voltage device 14 has a high voltage generator and an X-ray controller. The high voltage generator has electric circuits such as a transformer and a rectifier, and generates a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube 11 and a filament current to be supplied to the X-ray tube 11 . The X-ray controller controls the high voltage applied to the X-ray tube 11 and the filament current supplied to the X-ray tube 11 . The high voltage generator may be of a transformer type or an inverter type. The X-ray high-voltage device 14 may be provided on the rotating frame 13 within the gantry 10 or may be provided on a fixed frame (not shown) within the gantry 10 .

The wedge 16 adjusts the dose of X-rays with which the subject P is irradiated. Specifically, the wedge 16 attenuates the X-rays so that the dose of the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 11 to the subject P has a predetermined distribution. For example, as the wedge 16, a metal plate such as aluminum is used for a wedge filter, a bow-tie filter, or the like.

The collimator 17 limits the irradiation range of X-rays transmitted through the wedge 16 . The collimator 17 slidably supports a plurality of lead plates that shield X-rays, and adjusts the form of slits formed by the plurality of lead plates.

The DAS 18 reads from the X-ray detector 12 an electrical signal corresponding to the dose of X-rays detected by the X-ray detector 12, amplifies the read electrical signal, and integrates the electrical signal over the viewing period to Detected data having digital values corresponding to the dose of x-rays over the view period is collected. The detected data are called projection data. The DAS 18 is implemented, for example, by an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) incorporating circuit elements capable of generating projection data. Projection data is transmitted to the console 40 via a non-contact data transmission device or the like.

The control device 15 controls the X-ray high voltage device 14 and the DAS 18 to perform X-ray CT imaging according to the imaging control function 441 by the processing circuit 44 of the console 40 . The control device 15 controls projectors for patient positioning, such as an external projector and an internal projector (not shown) provided on the gantry 10 . The control device 15 has a processing circuit having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) or the like, and driving devices such as motors and actuators. The processing circuit has, as hardware resources, a processor such as a CPU and a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). In addition, the control device 15 may be an ASIC, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), another complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a simple programmable logic device (Simple Programmable Logic Device: SPLD).

The bed 30 includes a base 31 , a support frame 32 , a top plate 33 and a bed driving device 34 . The base 31 is installed on the floor. The base 31 is a structure that supports the support frame 32 so as to be movable in the vertical direction (Y direction) with respect to the floor surface. The support frame 32 is a frame provided on top of the base 31 . The support frame 32 supports the top plate 33 so as to be slidable along the central axis Z. As shown in FIG. The top plate 33 is a flexible plate on which the subject P is placed.

The bed driving device 34 is housed in the bed 30 . The bed driving device 34 is a motor or an actuator that generates power for moving the support frame 32 on which the subject P is placed and the top plate 33 . The bed driving device 34 operates according to control by the console 40 or the like.

Console 40 has memory 41 , display 42 , input interface 43 and processing circuitry 44 . Data communication between the memory 41, the display 42, the input interface 43 and the processing circuit 44 is performed via a bus (BUS).

The memory 41 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or an integrated circuit storage device that stores various information. The memory 41 stores projection data and reconstructed image data, for example. The memory 41 can be connected to portable storage media such as CDs (Compact Discs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), flash memories, semiconductor memory devices such as RAMs (Random Access Memory), etc., in addition to HDDs and SSDs. It may also be a driving device that reads and writes various information with. Also, the storage area of the memory 41 may be in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 or in an external storage device connected via a network.

The display 42 displays various information. For example, the display 42 outputs a medical image (CT image) generated by the processing circuit 44, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for accepting various operations from the operator, and the like. For example, the display 42 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, an organic EL display (OELD: Organic Electro Luminescence Display), a plasma display, or any other arbitrary display. , is enabled.

The input interface 43 receives various input operations from the operator, converts the received input operations into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuit 44 . As the input interface 43, for example, a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, touch pad, touch panel display, etc. can be used as appropriate. Note that the input interface 43 in this embodiment is not limited to physical operation parts such as a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, touch pad, and touch panel display. For example, the input interface 43 includes an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs the electrical signal to the processing circuit 44. .

The processing circuit 44 controls the operation of the entire X-ray computed tomography apparatus 1 according to the electric signal of the input operation output from the input interface 43 . For example, the processing circuit 44 has, as hardware resources, processors such as a CPU, MPU, and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and memories such as a ROM and a RAM. The processing circuit 44 executes an imaging control function 441, a reconstruction processing function 442, an image processing function 443, an imaging planning function 444, an ascending route determination function 445, and the like by means of a processor that executes programs developed in memory. Note that the functions 441 to 445 are not limited to being realized by a single processing circuit. A plurality of independent processors may be combined to form a processing circuit, and each processor may implement the functions 441 to 445 by executing a program.

In the imaging control function 441, the processing circuit 44 controls the X-ray high voltage device 14, the control device 15, and the DAS 18 to perform X-ray CT imaging. The processing circuit 44 controls the X-ray high voltage device 14 , the control device 15 and the DAS 18 according to the imaging conditions determined by the imaging planning function 444 .

In reconstruction processing function 442 , processing circuitry 44 generates CT images based on the projection data output from DAS 18 . Specifically, the processing circuit 44 performs preprocessing such as logarithmic conversion processing, offset correction processing, inter-channel sensitivity correction processing, and beam hardening correction on the projection data output from the DAS 18 . Then, the processing circuit 44 performs reconstruction processing using the filtered back projection method, the iterative reconstruction method, or the like on the projection data after preprocessing to generate a CT image.

In the image processing function 443, the processing circuit 44 converts the CT image generated by the reconstruction processing function 442 into a tomographic image or a three-dimensional image of an arbitrary cross section based on the input operation received from the operator via the input interface 43. Convert.

In the imaging planning function 444, the processing circuit 44 draws up an imaging plan automatically or in accordance with instructions from the operator input via the input interface 43 or the like. The photography plan includes photography conditions and an ascent route. The ascending route, which will be described later in detail, is the ascending route of the top plate 33 from the initial height to the target height.

In the ascending route determination function 445, the processing circuit 44 automatically determines the ascending route based on the photographing conditions or according to the instruction from the operator input via the input interface 43 or the like.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the gantry 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the gantry 10 has a gantry body 23 in which a substantially cylindrical opening 19 is formed. The gantry main body 23 is tiltably supported about a tilt axis AT by a fixing portion 25 installed on the floor. The tilt axis AT is horizontally orthogonal to the central axis (rotational axis) AR of the opening 19 . A bed 30 is installed in front of the gantry 10 . The bed 30 is a two-stage sliding bed equipped with a base 31 , a support frame 32 and a top plate 33 . As shown in FIG. 2, the bed 30 is arranged such that the long axis A1 of the top plate 33 is parallel to the central axis AR of the opening 19. As shown in FIG.

The top plate 33 is a flexible plate-like structure. The support frame 32 supports the top plate 33 so as to be slidable along the long axis A1. The base 31 supports the support frame 32 so as to be slidable along an axis parallel to the long axis A1 and liftable along a vertical axis A2 perpendicular to the long axis A1. The vertical axis A2 is oriented perpendicular to the floor surface. Hereinafter, the direction parallel to the long axis A1 of the top plate 33 is called the long direction or Z direction, and the direction parallel to the vertical axis A2 is called the vertical direction or Y direction. The direction in which the bed 30 approaches the gantry 10 is the +Z direction, the direction in which the bed 30 leaves the gantry 10 is the -Z direction, the direction in which the bed 30 rises is the +Y direction, and the direction in which the bed 30 descends is the -Y direction. .

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a side surface of the bed 30 according to this embodiment. Note that the housing of the bed 30 is omitted in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3 , the top plate 33 is supported by the support frame 32 so as to be slidable in the Z direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the top plate 33 . The support frame 32 may have any structure as long as the top plate 33 can slide. For example, the support frame 32 has a frame-like frame (not shown) that guides the sliding of the top plate 33 in the Z direction. The support frame 32 is provided with a top plate drive control device 62 that generates power for sliding the top plate 33 in the Z direction. The top plate drive control device 62 is implemented by an existing motor such as a servomotor. The top drive control device 62 operates under the control of the control device 15 .

As shown in FIG. 3, the base 31 is installed on the floor. The base 31 moves up and down the support frame 32 in the Y direction and back and forth in the Z direction. Specifically, the base 31 has a fixed frame 63 , an X link 65 and a pedestal 67 . The fixed frame 63 supports the support frame 32 slidably in the Z direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the support frame 32 . The fixed frame 63 may have any structure as long as the support frame 32 can slide. For example, the fixed frame 63 has a frame-like frame that guides the sliding of the support frame 32 in the Z direction. The fixed frame 63 is provided with a frame drive control device 64 that generates power for sliding the support frame 32 in the Z direction. The frame drive control device 64 is implemented by an existing motor such as a servomotor. The frame drive controller 64 operates under the control of the controller 15 .

As shown in FIG. 3 , the base 31 has a support structure that allows the stationary frame 63 to move up or down in the Y direction and move closer to or away from the gantry 10 . X-link 65 is connected to fixed frame 63 and base 67 . The pedestal 67 is provided with an elevation drive control device 66 that generates power for raising and lowering the fixed frame 63 in the Y direction by means of the X link 65 . The elevation drive control device 66 is realized by an existing motor such as a servomotor. The elevation drive control device 66 operates under the control of the control device 15 .

As shown in FIG. 3, the X link 65 has a pair of movable links 651 and fixed links 652 that are pivotally supported in an X shape. The movable link 651 and the fixed link 652 are provided rotatably about a pivot shaft. Each of the movable link 651 and the fixed link 652 is formed of, for example, a pair of plate-shaped metal plates having substantially the same length. One end of the fixed link 652 is fixed to the base 67 . The other end of fixed link 652 is fixed to fixed frame 63 . One end of the movable link 651 is slidably supported by the base 67 in the Z direction. The other end of the movable link 651 is slidably supported by the fixed frame 63 in the Z direction. By narrowing the distance in the Z direction between the movable link 651 and the fixed link 652 by the elevation drive control device 66 , the fixed frame 63 rises and approaches the gantry 10 . The vertical drive control device 66 widens the space between the movable link 651 and the fixed link 652 in the Z direction, so that the fixed frame 63 descends and separates from the gantry 10 .

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the control device 15 and the bed driving device 34 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4 , the bed drive device 34 has a table top drive control device 62 , a frame drive control device 64 and an elevation drive control device 66 . The control device 15 controls a top drive control device 62, a frame drive control device 64, and an elevation drive control device 66 to move the top plate 33 to a desired position.

The top plate drive control device 62 is provided on the support frame 32, for example. The top plate drive control device 62 slides the top plate 33 upon receiving an operation instruction signal from the control device 15 . Specifically, the tabletop drive control device 62 has a tabletop control circuit 621 , a tabletop driving device 623 and a tabletop detector 625 . The tabletop control circuit 621 is a servo amplifier that receives an operation instruction signal from the control device 15 and supplies power corresponding to the operation instruction signal to the tabletop driving device 623 . The top plate drive device 623 is driven by receiving power from the top plate control circuit 621 to operate the support frame 32 to which it is connected and slide the top plate 33 . Specifically, the top drive device 623 is a motor that generates power by rotating a drive shaft. The top plate detector 625 is a position detector such as a rotary encoder provided on the drive shaft of the top plate driving device 623 .

The frame drive control device 64 is provided on the fixed frame 63, for example. The frame drive control device 64 slides the support frame 32 upon receiving an operation instruction signal from the control device 15 . Specifically, the frame drive controller 64 has a frame control circuit 641 , a frame driver 643 and a frame detector 645 . The frame control circuit 641 is a servo amplifier that receives an operation instruction signal from the control device 15 and supplies power corresponding to the operation instruction signal to the frame driving device 643 . The frame driving device 643 is driven by receiving power from the frame control circuit 641 , operates the fixed frame 63 to which it is connected, and slides the support frame 32 . Specifically, the frame drive device 643 is a motor that generates power by rotating a drive shaft. The frame detector 645 is a position detector such as a rotary encoder provided on the drive shaft of the frame drive device 643 .

The elevation drive control device 66 is provided on the base 31, for example. The elevation drive control device 66 receives an operation instruction signal from the control device 15 and operates the X link 65 to raise and lower (up and down) the top plate 33 , the support frame 32 and the fixed frame 63 . Specifically, the elevation drive control device 66 has an elevation control circuit 661 , an elevation drive device 663 and an elevation detector 665 . The elevation control circuit 661 is a servo amplifier that receives an operation instruction signal from the control device 15 and supplies power corresponding to the operation instruction signal to the elevation driving device 663 . The elevation driving device 663 is driven by receiving power from the elevation control circuit 661 to operate the X link 65 to which it is connected to raise and lower the top plate 33 , the support frame 32 and the fixed frame 63 . The elevation detector 665 is a position detector such as a rotary encoder provided on the drive shaft of the elevation drive device 663 .

Next, details of the operation of the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to this embodiment will be described.

As described above, in the ascending route determination function 445, the processing circuit 44 determines the ascending route of the tabletop 33 from the initial height to the target height. Ascending routes according to the present embodiment are roughly classified into vertical routes and non-vertical routes.

FIG. 5 shows the motion of the bed 30 with respect to a vertical route. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the appearance of the bed 30 when the top board 33 is at the initial height HI. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the appearance of the bed 30 when the top plate 33 is at the target height HT. (C) of FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the appearance of the bed 30 when the top plate 33 is at the target height HT and is inserted into the opening 19 . Note that FIG. 5 does not show the housing of the bed 30 .

As shown in FIG. 5A, the top board 33 is arranged at the initial height HI at the start of the examination. The examination start time is defined, for example, at the timing when the confirm button is pressed in the imaging plan. The height of the top plate 33 is defined by the height of the reference point of the top plate 33 from the floor surface. The reference point may be any part of the tabletop 33, but in FIG. Also, the position of the top plate 33 in the Z direction is defined by the position of the reference point of the top plate 33 in the Z direction. The reference point may be any part of the top plate 33, but in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the X link 65 raises the top plate 33 from the initial height HI to the target height HT. The target height HT is set to a height at which the top plate 33 can be inserted into the opening 19 . The fixed frame 63 protrudes in the +Z direction in conjunction with the lifting of the top plate 33 by the X link 65 . For example, when the fixed frame 63 is positioned at the initial horizontal position PIB at the initial height HI, the fixed frame 63 protrudes to a position PTB closer to the gantry 10 than the initial horizontal position PIB at the target height HT. In the vertical route, the support frame 32 is slid in the -Z direction in order to offset the projection of the top plate 33 and the support frame 32 due to the projection of the fixed frame 63 . As a result, the horizontal positions of the top plate 33 and the support frame 32 are fixed without changing from the initial horizontal position PIT. That is, since the top plate 33 and the support frame 32 rise vertically with respect to the floor surface, the horizontal position at the initial height HI and the horizontal position at the target height HT are fixed at the position PIT.

As shown in FIG. 5C, when the top plate 33 is raised to the target height HT perpendicular to the floor surface, the support frame 32 approaches the gantry main body 23 and the top plate 33 moves toward the opening. 19 is inserted. Then, a CT examination is performed according to the imaging plan.

The non-perpendicular route is a route in which the top plate 33 and the support frame 32 rise relative to the floor while the Z-direction positions of the top plate 33 and the support frame 32 do not change. Non-vertical routes include, for example, protruding routes.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the movement of the bed 30 in relation to the protruding route. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing the appearance of the bed 30 when the top plate 33 is at the initial height HI. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the appearance of the bed 30 when the top plate 33 is at the target height HT. (C) of FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the appearance of the bed 30 when the top board 33 is at the target height HT and is inserted into the opening 19 . Note that FIG. 6 does not show the housing of the bed 30 .

As shown in FIG. 6B, the X link 65 raises the top plate 33 from the initial height HI to the target height HT. The target height HT is set to a height at which the top plate 33 can be inserted into the opening 19 . The fixed frame 63 protrudes in the +Z direction in conjunction with the lifting of the top plate 33 by the X link 65 . For example, when the fixed frame 63 is positioned at the initial horizontal position PIB at the initial height HI, the fixed frame 63 protrudes to a position PTB closer to the gantry 10 than the initial horizontal position PIB at the target height HT. In the protruding route, the top plate 33 and the support frame 32 protrude as the fixed frame 63 protrudes. For example, when the top plate 33 and the support frame 32 are positioned at the initial horizontal position PIT at the initial height HI, the top plate 33 and the support frame 32 are closer to the gantry 10 than the initial horizontal position PIT at the target height HT. Push out to the position PTT. The position PTT is set at a position where the support frame 32 does not collide with the gantry main body 23 .

As shown in (C) of FIG. 6 , when the top plate 33 is raised to the target height HT, the top plate 33 is inserted into the opening 19 . Then, a CT examination is performed according to the imaging plan. In the protruding route, the support frame 32 approaches the gantry main body 23 as much as possible while ascending. Therefore, the protruding route improves the throughput of CT examination.

Next, the flow of CT examination by the X-ray computed tomography apparatus will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a typical flow of CT examination by the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, first, the processing circuit 44 of the console 40 acquires patient information regarding a patient to be examined (step S1). For example, the processing circuit 44 acquires patient information about a patient to be examined from a radiology information system (RIS), a medical image management system (PACS: Picture Archiving and Communication System), or the like via a communication interface (not shown). .

After step S1 is performed, the processing circuit 44 executes the imaging planning function 444 (step S2). In step S2, the processing circuit 44 determines imaging conditions. The imaging conditions include X-ray conditions, imaging regions, FOV, and the like. The imaging conditions according to the present embodiment also include remark information such as the orientation of the subject P on the table top 33 such as head first, whether or not a stretcher is used, and the like. Each item of the imaging conditions is determined automatically or according to an operator's instruction via the input interface 43 .

When step S2 is performed, the processing circuit 44 executes the ascending route determination function 445 (step S3). In step S3, the processing circuit 44 automatically determines an ascending route based on the photographing conditions. Determination of an ascending route based on photographing conditions will be described below with a specific example.

For example, when the body part to be imaged is the head, the vertical route is selected as the ascending route. The reason is as follows. In head imaging, alignment is performed using an external projector. As described above, in the protruding route, the support frame 32 approaches the gantry main body 23 as the top plate 33 rises. In other words, when the top plate 33 is raised to the target height, the head is already closer to the scan plane than the light projected from the external light projector, making alignment using the external light projector difficult. Therefore, when the part to be imaged is the head, it is preferable to select the vertical route as the ascending route. If the body part to be imaged is a region other than the head such as the chest, the abdomen, or the lower limbs, alignment using the external light projector is not performed, or alignment using the external light projector can be performed normally. Therefore, when the part to be imaged is other than the head, it is preferable to select the protruding route as the ascending route.

The processing circuit 44 reads out the imaging conditions and determines whether or not the parameter of the imaging region in the imaging conditions is the head. When the processing circuit 44 determines that the imaging part parameter is the head, the processing circuit 44 selects the vertical route as the ascending route. If it is determined that the imaging site parameter is not the head, the protruding route is selected as the ascending route.

It should be noted that the determination as to whether or not the imaging region is the head does not have to be performed based on the parameters of the imaging region. For example, the processing circuit 44 may estimate that the body part to be imaged is the head based on the information registered in the remarks column of the imaging conditions included in the imaging plan screen. Specifically, when the remark column contains text information of head first, the processing circuit 44 estimates that the body part to be imaged is the head. Head first indicates the orientation of the subject on the top plate 33, and indicates the orientation in which the patient's head is located in the +Z direction. That is, if the remarks column contains head-first text information, the processing circuit 44 selects the vertical route as the ascending route.

Further, when the remarks column of the photographing plan screen contains text information indicating alignment by an external projector, the processing circuit 44 may select the vertical route as the ascending route.

Processing circuitry 44 may automatically determine the ascending route based on patient information. More specifically, the processing circuit 44 determines the ascending route based on the imaging conditions of past examinations for the patient to be examined. Specifically, first, the processing circuit 44 determines whether or not the patient information about the patient to be examined acquired in step S1 includes imaging conditions of past examinations for the patient to be examined. If there are imaging conditions for past examinations, the processing circuit 44 determines whether or not the imaging region in the imaging conditions for past examinations is the head. When the imaged part of the previous examination is the head, the processing circuit 44 presumes that the imaged part of the current examination is also the head, and selects the vertical route as the ascending route of the current examination. When the imaged part of the previous examination is not the head, the processing circuit 44 presumes that the imaged part of the current examination is also not the head, and selects the protruding route as the ascending route of the current examination.

On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no imaging condition of the past examination for the patient to be examined, the processing circuit 44 may determine the ascending route based on the imaging condition of the current examination, as described above.

In this way, the processing circuit 44 assumes that the imaging conditions of the previous examination and the imaging conditions of the current examination are the same, and when the imaging region of the previous examination is the head, the upward route of the current examination is the vertical direction. A route is selected, and if the imaged part of the previous examination is not the head, the protruding route is selected as the ascending route of the current examination.

Note that the processing circuit 44 may determine the ascending route for the current examination based on the ascending route for the past examination. For example, the processing circuit 44 may assume that the ascending route of the past inspection and the ascending route of the current inspection are the same, and select the same ascending route as the ascending route of the past inspection as the ascending route of the current inspection. good. That is, the processing circuit 44 selects the vertical route as the ascending route for the current inspection when the ascending route in the past inspection is the vertical route, and selects the ascending route for the current inspection when the ascending route in the past inspection is the overhanging route. Choose an exit route. The ascending route of the past examination is registered, for example, in the remarks column of the imaging conditions of the past examination on the imaging plan screen.

The processing circuit 44 may determine the ascending route by using information regarding whether or not a stretcher is used, which is included in the remarks column of the imaging conditions. A stretcher is used to transport a subject to a CT examination room. When using a stretcher, the height of the stretcher from the floor surface and the height of the floor surface of the top plate 33 are matched, and then the subject is moved from the stretcher to the top plate 33 by a medical worker or the like. In the case of the protruding route, the position of the stretcher in the Z direction must also be adjusted, which complicates the alignment of the stretcher and the top plate 33 . Therefore, if a stretcher is used, the vertical route should be chosen as the ascending route. That is, the processing circuit 44 selects the vertical route as the ascending route when the text information indicating the use of a stretcher is included in the remarks column of the photographing conditions. If the remarks column of the photographing conditions does not include text information indicating the use of a stretcher, the processing circuit 44 selects the protruding route as the ascending route.

When step S3 is performed, the processing circuit 44 displays on the display 42 the photographing conditions determined in step S2 and the ascending route determined in step S3. The shooting conditions and the ascending route are displayed, for example, on the shooting plan screen. The processing circuit 44 also displays a confirmation button (confirm button) on the imaging plan screen and waits for the confirmation button to be pressed. The confirm button is a button for confirming the shooting conditions determined in step S2 and the ascending route determined in step S3. When the operator determines that there is no problem in performing the CT examination based on the imaging conditions determined in step S2 and the ascending route determined in step S3, the operator presses a confirmation button via an input device or the like.

When the confirmation button is pressed (step S4), the processing circuit 44 transmits the ascending route determined in step S3 and the imaging conditions determined in step S2 to the gantry 10 (step S5).

It should be noted that the display of the imaging conditions and the ascending route is not limited to only the display 42 provided on the console 40 as long as the operator can visually recognize it. For example, the imaging conditions and the ascending route may be displayed on a display or operation panel provided on the gantry 10 .

When step S5 is performed, the controller 15 of the gantry 10 sets the ascending route transmitted in step S5 as the operation mode of the bed 30 (step S6). Specifically, when the vertical route is selected in step S3, the control device 15 sets the operation mode of the bed 30 to the vertical route. When the protruding route is selected in step S3, the control device 15 sets the operation mode of the bed 30 to the protruding route.

When step S6 is performed, the controller 15 executes a series of CT examinations such as patient positioning, positioning scan, main scan, etc. according to the imaging conditions (step S7). When the control device 15 raises the tabletop 33 from the initial height to the target height in patient positioning, etc., the tabletop 33 is raised according to the elevation route set in step S6. Specifically, when the vertical route is set, the control device 15 controls the top plate drive control device 62, the frame drive control device 64, and the elevation drive control device 66 as shown in FIG. is raised from the initial height to the target height, and the support frame 32 is slid in the -Z direction to offset the projection of the support frame 32 in the +Z direction. Thereby, the top plate 33 can be vertically raised to the target height. After that, the subject is aligned using an external light projector or the like. After the subject is aligned, the control device 15 controls the table drive control device 62 and the frame drive control device 64 in accordance with instructions from the operator via the input device or the like, and moves the support frame 32 to the gantry main body 23. , the top plate 33 is inserted into the opening 19 so that the part to be imaged intersects the scan plane.

When the protruding route is set, the control device 15 controls the elevation drive control device 66 to protrude the support frame 32 in the +Z direction as shown in FIG. Raise to height. As a result, the top plate 33 can be inserted into the opening 19 with high throughput while bringing the support frame 32 as close to the gantry body 23 as possible. After that, the subject is aligned using an internal light projector or the like. The control device 15 controls the top plate drive control device 62 and the frame drive control device 64 in accordance with the operator's instruction via the input device or the like, and moves the support frame 32 closer to the gantry main body 23 so that the part to be imaged is aligned with the scanning plane. The top plate 33 is inserted into the opening 19 so as to cross the .

This completes the description of the flow of CT examination by the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the present embodiment. Note that the flow of processing shown in FIG. 7 is an example, and the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the imaging plan in step S2, the determination of the ascending route in step S3, and the pressing of the confirmation button in step S4 may be executed by the control device 15 of the gantry 10 or the like. In this case, the patient information acquired by the console 40 in step S<b>1 is supplied from the console 40 to the gantry 10 .

In the above description, it is assumed that the ascending route is automatically determined based on the photographing conditions and the like. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. The ascending route may be determined manually via an operating terminal or the like. The operation terminal may be provided on the gantry 10 , or may be provided on the bed 30 or the console 40 . Also, the operation terminal may be a wireless terminal or the like that can communicate with the gantry 10 . It should be noted that the operation terminal is provided on the gantry 10 in the following embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the operation terminal 431. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the operation terminal 431 includes, for example, a vertical lift button B1, an overhang lift button B2, a slide + button B3 for the top plate 33, a slide − button B4 for the top plate 33, and a It has a slide + button B5, a slide - button B6 for the support frame 32 and a down button B7. The buttons B1-B7 may be software buttons displayed on the operation panel, or may be hardware buttons.

The vertical lift button B1 is a button for lifting the top plate 33 along a vertical route. While the vertical lift button B1 is being pressed, the control device 15 controls the top drive control device 62, the frame drive control device 64, and the elevation drive control device 66 to lift the top plate 33 and the support frame 32. The support frame 32 is slid in the -Z direction to offset the protrusion in the +Z direction.

The push-up lift button B2 is a button for lifting the top plate 33 along the push-out route. While the push-up lift button B2 is being pressed, the control device 15 controls the elevation drive control device 66 to push up the support frame 32 in the +Z direction and lift the top plate 33 .

The slide + button B3 is a button for sliding the top plate 33 relative to the support frame 32 in the +Z direction. While the slide + button B3 is being pressed, the control device 15 controls the top plate drive control device 62 to slide the top plate 33 relative to the support frame 32 in the +Z direction.

The slide-button B4 is a button for sliding the top plate 33 relative to the support frame 32 in the -Z direction. While the slide-button B4 is being pressed, the control device 15 controls the top plate drive control device 62 to slide the top plate 33 relative to the support frame 32 in the -Z direction.

The slide + button B5 is a button for sliding the support frame 32 relative to the fixed frame 63 in the +Z direction. While the slide + button B5 is being pressed, the control device 15 controls the frame drive control device 64 to slide the support frame 32 relative to the fixed frame 63 in the +Z direction.

The slide-button B6 is a button for sliding the support frame 32 relative to the fixed frame 63 in the -Z direction. While the slide-button B6 is being pressed, the controller 15 controls the frame drive controller 64 to slide the support frame 32 relative to the fixed frame 63 in the -Z direction.

The lowering button B7 is a button for lowering the top plate 33. FIG. While the descent button B7 is being pressed, the control device 15 controls the elevation drive control device 66 to lower the top board 33 .

When the operating terminal 431 is provided in the X-ray computed tomography apparatus, the ascending route can be determined by manual operation of the operating terminal 431, so the automatic ascending route determination means based on the above-described imaging conditions is unnecessary. .

However, the X-ray computed tomography apparatus may be provided with both the automatic determination means of the ascending route and the manual determination means by the operation terminal 431 . For example, as shown in FIG. 7, even if the ascending route is determined based on the imaging conditions, etc., the operation terminal 431 may be operated to raise the table top 33 along a different ascending route. That is, when the ascending route selected via the operation terminal 431 is different from the preset ascending route, the control device 15 preferentially applies the ascending route selected via the operating terminal 431 .

For example, even if the processing circuit 44 automatically determines the protruding route in step S3, if the operator determines that the vertical route is preferable, the operator presses the vertical rise button B1. When the vertical ascent button B1 is pressed, the control device 15 switches the operation route from the protruding route to the vertical route. While the vertical lift button B1 is being pressed, the control device 15 controls the top plate drive control device 62, the frame drive control device 64, and the elevation drive control device 66 to lift the top plate 33 and the support frame. The support frame 32 is slid in the -Z direction in order to offset the protrusion of the frame 32 in the +Z direction. Conversely, even if the vertical route is automatically determined by the processing circuit 44 in step S3, if the operator determines that the protruding route is preferable, the operator presses the protruding lift button B2. When the protruding rise button B2 is pressed, the control device 15 switches the operation route from the vertical route to the protruding route. While the push-up lift button B2 is being pressed, the control device 15 controls the elevation drive control device 66 to push up the support frame 32 in the +Z direction and lift the top board 33 .

Note that the control device 15 displays the current ascent route on a display or the like provided on the gantry 10 so that the operator can easily check the current ascent route. Moreover, a light source may be provided in the vertical up button B1 and the protruding up button B2. In this case, the control device 15 lights the light source of the vertical ascent button B1 or the protruding ascent button B2 corresponding to the current ascent route. Accordingly, the operator can confirm the current ascent route and operate the bed 30 using the operation terminal 431 .

Also, the operation terminal 431 described above is merely an example, and the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the operation terminal 431 has a button for automatically retracting the top plate 33 to the initial position, a button for automatically moving the top plate 33 to a predetermined position in the opening 19, and an operation button for the external light projector and the internal light projector. Also good. Other buttons may also be provided for ascending routes.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another operation terminal 432. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the operating terminal 432 has a vertical root button B8, a protruding root button B9, and an ascending button B10 instead of the vertical ascending button B1 and protruding ascending button B2 of the operating terminal 431 of FIG.

The vertical route button B8 is a button for selecting a vertical route as an ascending route. When the vertical route button B8 is pressed, the control device 15 sets the ascending route to the vertical route. The vertical root button B8 is provided with a light source. When the vertical route is set, the control device 15 lights the light source of the vertical route button B8.

The protruding route button B9 is a button for selecting a protruding route as an ascending route. When the protruding route button B9 is pressed, the control device 15 sets the ascending route to the protruding route. A light source is provided on the projecting route button B9. When the protruding route is set, the control device 15 lights the light source of the protruding route button B9.

The lift button B10 is a button for lifting the top plate 33 according to the lift route set by pressing the vertical route button B8 or the protruding route button B9. While the lift button B10 is being pressed, the control device 15 performs control for lifting the tabletop 33 according to the set lifting route. That is, when the vertical route is set, the control device 15 controls the tabletop drive control device 62, the frame drive control device 64, and the elevation drive control device 66 to raise the tabletop 33 and move the support frame 32 to +Z position. The support frame 32 is slid in the -Z direction to offset the protrusion in the direction. When the protruding route is set, the control device 15 controls the elevation drive control device 66 to protrude the support frame 32 in the +Z direction and lift the top plate 33 .

It is assumed that the operation terminal 432 is equipped with two buttons, a vertical route button B8 and a protruding route button B9, in order to select the vertical route or the protruding route. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, control terminal 432 may be equipped with a single selection button. In this case, the control device 15 switches the ascending route between the vertical route and the protruding route each time the selection button is pressed.

The controller 15 may set a default ascent route. In this case, the control device 15 sets the ascending route to the default ascending route in response to being notified that the subject P has been switched. The fact that the subject P has been switched is recognized, for example, by the console 40 supplying the controller 15 with a signal indicating that the enter button has been pressed.

A combination of the vertical lift button B1 and the protruding lift button B2 or the combination of the vertical root button B8, the protruding root button B9 and the lift button B10 may be mounted on the foot switch of the bed 30.

The ascending route is not limited to being determined automatically based on the photographing conditions or manually via the operation terminals 431 and 432 . For example, the ascending route may be switched in conjunction with the power assist function mounted on the bed 30 . That is, when a handle provided on the bed 30 is lifted vertically by an operator or the like, the control device 15 sets the ascending route to a vertical route, and immediately shifts the top drive control device 62 and the frame drive control device. 64 and elevation drive control device 66 to raise the top plate 33 and slide the support frame 32 in the -Z direction in order to offset the projection of the support frame 32 in the +Z direction. As a result, the ascending route can be set to the vertical route in conjunction with the operator's operation of lifting the bed 30 or the top plate 33 in the vertical direction.

As described above, the X-ray computed tomography apparatus 1 according to this embodiment has the gantry 10 , the bed 30 and the processing circuit 44 . The gantry 10 performs X-ray CT scanning. The bed 30 supports a top board 33 so as to be horizontally movable and vertically movable with respect to the floor surface. The processing circuit 44 divides the ascending route from the initial height of the tabletop 33 to the target height into a vertical route in which the tabletop 33 ascends vertically from the initial height to the target height and a vertical route in which the tabletop 33 ascends vertically from the initial height to the target height. Either one of the non-vertical route in which the top plate 33 rises with horizontal movement with respect to the floor is determined.

With the above configuration, the X-ray computed tomography apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can select either the vertical route or the non-vertical route, thus improving flexibility in selecting the ascending route of the tabletop 33. becomes possible.

The structure of the bed 30 described above is merely an example, and the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, in the bed 30 according to the present embodiment, if the top plate 33 and the top plate support structure such as the support frame 32 can move up and down vertically with respect to the floor surface and can move horizontally independently in the Z direction. It may have any structure. For example, instead of the support frame 32 and the base 31, a self-propelled base capable of horizontally moving independently in the Z direction while supporting the top plate 33 in a slidable manner may be provided.

Further, the base 31 of the bed 30 according to the present embodiment is equipped with the X-link 65 that moves the top plate 33 and the support frame 32 toward or away from the gantry 10 as the bed 30 moves up and down. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. The base 31 according to this embodiment may be equipped with any elevating mechanism as long as it can elevate the top plate 33 and the support frame 32 . For example, an X-link that moves up and down while fixing the distance of the gantry 10 with respect to the top plate 33 and the support frame 32 may be provided, or another elevating mechanism other than the X-link may be provided. In this configuration, for example, in the case of a vertical route, the control device 15 simply controls the elevation drive control circuit 66 to vertically raise the top plate 33 and the support frame 32 with respect to the floor surface via the elevation mechanism. . In the protruding mode, the control device 15 controls the frame drive control circuit 64 to move the support frame 32 in the +Z direction while vertically lifting the top plate 33 and the support frame 32 with respect to the floor surface via the lifting mechanism. While sliding the top plate 33 closer to the gantry body 23 , the top plate drive control circuit 62 is controlled to slide the top plate 33 in the +Z direction and insert it into the opening 19 . As a result, it is possible to arbitrarily select a plurality of ascending routes even for a bed that does not adopt the protruding method as in the above embodiment.

Also, in this embodiment, the medical image diagnostic apparatus equipped with the bed 30 is assumed to be an X-ray computed tomography apparatus. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. The medical image diagnostic apparatus may be any type of medical image diagnostic apparatus as long as it has a mount on which an imaging mechanism for collecting medical data on a subject is mounted. For example, the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an X-ray computed tomography apparatus, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, a SPECT (single photon emission CT) apparatus, a PET (positron emission tomography) apparatus, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus (X line angiography device) or the like. In the case of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, the pedestal includes, for example, static field magnets, gradient coils and transmit/receive coils. For SPECT and PET devices, the cradle contains the gamma ray detector. In the case of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, the pedestal is an arm on which the X-ray tube and X-ray detector are mounted.

(Modification)
Modifications of this embodiment will be described below. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions as those of the present embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be given only when necessary.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of an X-ray computed tomography system according to a modification of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10 , the X-ray computed tomography system according to the modification includes one or more X-ray computed tomography apparatuses 100 and an imaging planning apparatus 200 . One or more X-ray computed tomography apparatuses 100 and imaging planning apparatuses 200 are communicably connected via a network.

The X-ray computed tomography apparatus 100 performs CT examination according to the imaging plan generated by the imaging planning apparatus 200 . An X-ray computed tomography apparatus 100 according to a modification has a configuration in which the imaging planning function 444 and the ascending route determination function 445 are removed from the X-ray computed tomography apparatus 1 of FIG.

The imaging planning device 200 is a computer device that generates an imaging plan for a subject to be examined and determines an ascending route in the examination.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of the imaging planning apparatus 200. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the imaging planning apparatus 200 has a memory 201 , a display 202 , an input interface 203 , a communication interface 204 and a processing circuit 205 . Data communication among the memory 201, display 202, input interface 203, communication interface 204 and processing circuit 205 is performed via a bus (BUS).

The memory 201 is a storage device such as an HDD, an SSD, or an integrated circuit storage device that stores various information. The memory 201 may be a driving device that reads and writes various information from/to a portable storage medium such as a CD, DVD, flash memory, or a semiconductor memory device such as a RAM, in addition to an HDD or SSD. .

The display 202 displays various information. For example, the display 202 outputs an imaging plan and an ascent route generated by the processing circuit 205, a GUI for receiving various operations from the operator, and the like. For example, a liquid crystal display, a CRT display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, or any other display can be used as the display 202 as appropriate.

The input interface 203 receives various input operations from the operator, converts the received input operations into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuit 205 . As the input interface 203, for example, a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, touch pad, touch panel display, etc. can be used as appropriate. Note that the input interface 203 in this embodiment is not limited to physical operation parts such as a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, touch pad, and touch panel display. For example, the input interface 203 also includes an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the apparatus and outputs the electrical signal to the processing circuit 205. .

The communication interface 204 performs data communication with the X-ray computed tomography apparatus 100 via a wire or radio (not shown). For example, the communication interface 204 notifies the X-ray computed tomography apparatus 100 of the ascending route determined by the ascending route determining function 445 .

The processing circuit 205 controls the overall operation of the imaging planning apparatus 200 according to the electrical signal of the input operation output from the input interface 203 . For example, the processing circuit 205 has, as hardware resources, processors such as CPU, MPU, and GPU, and memories such as ROM and RAM. The processing circuit 205 executes a photographing planning function 444, an ascent route determination function 445, and the like by means of a processor that executes programs developed in memory. Note that the functions 444 and 445 are not limited to being realized by a single processing circuit. A processing circuit may be configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and the functions 444 and 445 may be realized by each processor executing a program.

In the imaging planning function 444, the processing circuit 205 draws up an imaging plan automatically or in accordance with an operator's instruction input via the input interface 203 or the like, as in the above embodiment. Data regarding the imaging plan are supplied to the console of the X-ray computed tomography apparatus 100 via the communication interface 204 .

In the ascending route determination function 445, the processing circuit 205 determines the ascending route automatically based on the imaging conditions or according to the operator's instruction input via the input interface 203 or the like, as in the above embodiment. Data about the ascent route are supplied directly to the gantry 10 of the X-ray computed tomography apparatus 100 via the communication interface 204 or indirectly via the console 40 of the X-ray computed tomography apparatus 100 .

The control device 15 of the gantry 10, which has received the data regarding the ascending route, raises the tabletop 33 of the bed 30 according to the set ascending route, as in the above-described embodiment.

As described above, according to the modified example, the ascending route determination function 445 is provided in the imaging planning apparatus 200 which is an external apparatus of the X-ray computed tomography apparatus 100 . With this configuration, the ascending route can be automatically determined only by providing the ascending route determination function 445 in the processing circuit 205 of the imaging planning apparatus 200 without modifying the processing circuit 44 of the X-ray computed tomography apparatus 100. . When a plurality of X-ray computed tomography apparatuses 100 are present in the X-ray computed tomography system, it is not necessary to provide the ascending route determination function 445 for each X-ray computed tomography apparatus 100, so costs can be reduced.

According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to improve the flexibility of selecting the ascending route of the table top.

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... X-ray computed tomography apparatus, 10... Stand, 11... X-ray tube, 12... X-ray detector, 13... Rotating frame, 14... X-ray high-voltage apparatus, 15... Control device, 16... Wedge, 17... Collimator 18 Data acquisition circuit (DAS) 19 Opening 23 Mount body 25 Fixed part 30 Bed 31 Base 32 Support frame 33 Top plate 34 Bed driving device , 40... Console, 41... Memory, 42... Display, 43... Input interface, 44... Processing circuit, 62... Top drive control device, 63... Fixed frame, 64... Frame drive control device, 65... X link, 66... Elevation drive control device 67 Pedestal 100 X-ray computed tomography device 200 Scan planning device 201 Memory 202 Display 203 Input interface 204 Communication interface 205 Processing circuit 431 Operation Terminal 432 Operation terminal 441 Imaging control function 442 Reconstruction processing function 443 Image processing function 444 Scanning planning function 445 Ascent route determination function 621 Tabletop control circuit 623 Tabletop Drive device 625 Top plate detector 641 Frame control circuit 643 Frame drive device 645 Frame detector 651 Movable link 652 Fixed link 661 Elevation control circuit 663 Elevation drive device 665... Elevation detector.

Claims (9)

a cradle for collecting medical data about a subject ;
a bed that supports a top plate on which the subject is placed so that it can move horizontally and vertically with respect to the floor;
A rising route from an initial height of the tabletop to a target height is set such that the tabletop is vertically raised from the initial height to the target height according to imaging conditions of the subject. a determination unit that determines one of a first route and a second route in which the top plate rises from the initial height to the target height with horizontal movement with respect to the floor surface;
and
The imaging conditions include whether or not the body part of the subject to be imaged is the head , whether or not an external light projector is used, the orientation of the subject on the table top, and whether or not a stretcher is used. including at least one of
Medical diagnostic imaging equipment. The determination unit selects the ascending route when the imaging region is the head , when the external projector is used , when the orientation of the subject is head first, or when the stretcher is used . determining the first route;
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. When the patient information about the subject includes imaging conditions of a past examination, the determining unit determines an ascending route of the current examination according to the imaging conditions of the past examination.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. When the patient information related to the subject includes an ascending route of a past examination, the deciding unit decides the ascending route of the past examination as an ascending route of the current examination.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. further comprising an interface for selecting the first route or the second route ;
The determining unit determines the ascending route to be the first route when the first route is selected via the interface after the ascending route is determined according to the imaging conditions , and the interface determining the ascending route as the second route if the second route is selected via
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Further comprising a display unit that displays the determined ascent route,
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The bed includes a support frame that slidably supports the top plate in the longitudinal direction of the top plate, and a support frame that supports the support frame slidably in the longitudinal direction and moves up and down with respect to the floor surface. and a base that supports the
The base has a structure that allows the support frame to move in the longitudinal direction in conjunction with vertical movement of the support frame.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . The gantry has an imaging mechanism for X-ray CT imaging, MR imaging, SPECT imaging or PET imaging,
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7. An imaging plan connected to a medical image diagnostic apparatus having a pedestal for collecting medical data on a subject and a bed for supporting a top plate on which the subject is placed so as to be able to move horizontally and vertically with respect to the floor surface. a device,
A rising route from an initial height of the tabletop to a target height is set such that the tabletop is vertically raised from the initial height to the target height according to imaging conditions of the subject. a determination unit that determines one of a first route and a second route in which the tabletop rises from the initial height to the target height with horizontal movement with respect to the floor surface;
a notification unit that notifies the medical image diagnostic apparatus of the determined ascending route;
and
The imaging conditions include whether or not the body part of the subject to be imaged is the head , whether or not an external light projector is used, the orientation of the subject on the tabletop, and whether or not a stretcher is used. including at least one of
Shooting planning device.

Images