JP7399780B2 - Medical image diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

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

In medical image diagnostic equipment such as X-ray computed tomography (CT) equipment, a subject is mounted on the top of a couch device and the subject is transported into the gantry by moving the top. Photograph the specimen. Here, in the X-ray CT apparatus, if the subject interferes with the gantry device, imaging may be interrupted or re-imaging may occur. In this case, there will be unnecessary exposure.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-296469 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-208954 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-187515 JP 2017-77457 Publication

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to prevent interference between a subject and a gantry device.

The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes a gantry device, a setting section, an acquisition section, and a determination section. The gantry device has an opening into which the subject is sent. The setting unit sets, based on a scan plan, a feeding range representing a range in which the subject is fed into the opening due to movement of the subject or movement of the gantry device. The acquisition unit acquires the position of the subject within the feeding range as first position information. The adjustment unit determines whether the subject interferes with the gantry device based on the first position information.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining processing by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining processing by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining processing by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining processing by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining processing by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of photographing processing in the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining processing by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of photographing processing in the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of photographing processing in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining processing by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of a medical image diagnostic apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
A medical image diagnostic apparatus is an apparatus that performs an examination by photographing a subject (for example, a patient). Medical image diagnostic devices include, for example, X-ray computed tomography (CT) devices, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices, nuclear medicine diagnostic devices, and the like. In this embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus will be described as an example.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 collects CT image data of a subject. Specifically, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 rotates the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector approximately around the subject, detects the X-rays that have passed through the subject, and collects projection data. Then, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 generates CT image data based on the collected projection data. As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes a gantry device 10, a bed device 30, and a console device 40.

In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the rotating frame 13 in a non-tilted state or the longitudinal direction of the top plate 33 of the bed device 30 is defined as the Z-axis direction. Further, the axial direction that is orthogonal to the Z-axis direction and horizontal to the floor surface is defined as the X-axis direction. Further, the axial direction that is orthogonal to the Z-axis direction and perpendicular to the floor surface is defined as the Y-axis direction. Note that FIG. 1 depicts the gantry apparatus 10 from multiple directions for explanation, and shows a case where the X-ray CT apparatus 1 has one gantry apparatus 10.

The gantry device 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 DAS (Data Acquisition System). 18.

The X-ray tube 11 is a vacuum tube that has a cathode (filament) that generates thermoelectrons and an anode (target) that generates X-rays upon collision with the thermoelectrons. The X-ray tube 11 generates X-rays to irradiate the subject P by irradiating thermoelectrons from the cathode to the anode by applying a high voltage from the X-ray high voltage device 14 . For example, the X-ray tube 11 includes a rotating anode type X-ray tube that generates X-rays by irradiating a rotating anode with thermoelectrons.

The wedge 16 is a filter for adjusting the amount of X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11. Specifically, the wedge 16 transmits and attenuates the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 11 so that the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 11 to the subject P have a predetermined distribution. This is a filter that For example, the wedge 16 is a wedge filter or a bow-tie filter, and is a filter made of aluminum or the like so as to have a predetermined target angle and a predetermined thickness.

The collimator 17 is a lead plate or the like for narrowing down the irradiation range of the X-rays that have passed through the wedge 16, and forms a slit by combining a plurality of lead plates or the like. Note that the collimator 17 is sometimes called an X-ray diaphragm. Further, although FIG. 1 shows a case where the wedge 16 is arranged between the X-ray tube 11 and the collimator 17, it is also a case where the collimator 17 is arranged between the X-ray tube 11 and the wedge 16. Good too. In this case, the wedge 16 transmits and attenuates the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11 and whose irradiation range is limited by the collimator 17.

The X-ray detector 12 has a plurality of detection elements that detect X-rays. Each detection element in the X-ray detector 12 detects the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 11 and passed through the subject P, and outputs a signal corresponding to the detected X-ray dose to the DAS 18. The X-ray detector 12 has, for example, a plurality of detection element rows in which a plurality of detection elements are arranged in a channel direction along one circular arc centered on the focal point of the X-ray tube 11. The X-ray detector 12 has, for example, a structure in which a plurality of detection element rows in which a plurality of detection elements are arranged in a channel direction are arranged in a column direction (slice direction, row direction).

For example, the X-ray detector 12 is an indirect conversion type detector that includes a grid, a scintillator array, and a photosensor array. A scintillator array has multiple scintillators. The scintillator has a scintillator crystal that outputs light with an amount of photons corresponding to the amount of incident X-rays. The grid is disposed on the X-ray incident side of the scintillator array and has an X-ray shielding plate that absorbs scattered X-rays. Note that the grid is sometimes called a collimator (one-dimensional collimator or two-dimensional collimator). The optical sensor array has a function of converting into an electrical signal according to the amount of light from the scintillator, and includes optical sensors such as photodiodes, for example. Note that the X-ray detector 12 may be a direct conversion type detector having a semiconductor element that converts incident X-rays into electrical signals.

The X-ray high voltage device 14 has electric circuits such as a transformer and a rectifier, and includes a high voltage generator that generates a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube 11 and an X-ray generator that generates a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube 11. and an X-ray control device that controls the output voltage according to the The high voltage generator may be of a transformer type or an inverter type. Note that the X-ray high voltage device 14 may be provided on the rotating frame 13 or may be provided on a fixed frame (not shown). Here, the fixed frame is a frame that rotatably supports the rotating frame 13.

The DAS 18 collects X-ray signals detected by each detection element included in the X-ray detector 12. For example, the DAS 18 includes an amplifier that performs amplification processing on the electrical signal output from each detection element and an A/D converter that converts the electrical signal into a digital signal, and generates detection data. DAS18 is realized by a processor, for example.

The rotating frame 13 is an annular frame that supports the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 facing each other, and allows the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 to be rotated by the control device 15. For example, the rotating frame 13 is cast from aluminum. Note that, in addition to the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12, the rotating frame 13 can also support an X-ray high voltage device 14, a wedge 16, a collimator 17, a DAS 18, and the like. Furthermore, the rotating frame 13 may further support various configurations not shown in FIG.

Note that the data generated by the DAS 18 is transmitted from a transmitter having a light emitting diode (LED) provided on the rotating frame 13 to a non-rotating portion of the gantry device 10 (for example, a fixed frame, etc.) via optical communication. , not shown in FIG. 1), which has a photodiode, and is transferred to the console device 40. Note that the method for transmitting data from the rotating frame 13 to the non-rotating part of the gantry device 10 is not limited to optical communication, and any non-contact data transmission method may be used, and a contact data transmission method may also be used. I don't mind if you hire me.

The control device 15 includes a processing circuit including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a drive mechanism such as a motor and an actuator. The control device 15 receives input signals from an input interface 43, which will be described later, and controls the operations of the gantry device 10 and the bed device 30. For example, the control device 15 controls the rotation of the rotating frame 13, the tilt of the gantry device 10, the operation of the bed device 30 and the top plate 33, and the like. For example, as a control for tilting the gantry device 10, the control device 15 rotates the rotation frame 13 about an axis parallel to the X-axis direction based on input inclination angle (tilt angle) information. Note that the control device 15 may be provided on the gantry device 10 or may be provided on the console device 40.

Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the gantry device 10 is provided with a position sensor 50. The processing of the position sensor 50 will be described later.

The bed device 30 is a device on which a subject P to be photographed is placed and moved, and includes a base 31, a bed driving device 32, a top plate 33, and a support frame 34. The base 31 is a casing that supports the support frame 34 movably in the vertical direction. The bed driving device 32 is a drive mechanism that moves the top plate 33 on which the subject P is placed in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 33, and includes a motor, an actuator, and the like. The top plate 33 provided on the upper surface of the support frame 34 is a plate on which the subject P is placed. In addition to the top plate 33, the bed driving device 32 may move the support frame 34 in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 33.

The console device 40 has a memory 41, a display 42, an input interface 43, and a processing circuit 44. Although the console device 40 will be described as being separate from the gantry device 10, the gantry device 10 may include the console device 40 or a part of each component of the console device 40.

The memory 41 is realized by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a semiconductor memory element such as a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like. The memory 41 stores, for example, projection data and CT image data. Further, for example, the memory 41 stores a program for a circuit included in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 to realize its function. Note that the memory 41 may be realized by a server group (cloud) connected to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 via a network.

The display 42 displays various information. For example, the display 42 displays various images generated by the processing circuit 44 and displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for accepting various operations from an operator. For example, the display 42 is a liquid crystal display or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display. Note that the display 42 may be provided on the gantry device 10. Further, the display 42 may be of a desktop type, or may be configured with a tablet terminal or the like that can communicate wirelessly with the console device 40 main body.

The input interface 43 receives various input operations from an operator, converts the received input operations into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuit 44 . For example, the input interface 43 receives input operations from the operator, such as reconstruction conditions when reconstructing CT image data and image processing conditions when generating post-processed images from CT image data. For example, the input interface 43 may include a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, a switch, a button, a joystick, a touchpad that performs input operations by touching the operation surface, a touchscreen that integrates a display screen and a touchpad, and an optical sensor. This is realized by using a non-contact input circuit, a voice input circuit, etc. Note that the input interface 43 may be provided in the gantry device 10. Furthermore, the input interface 43 may be configured with a tablet terminal or the like that can communicate wirelessly with the main body of the console device 40. Furthermore, the input interface 43 is not limited to one that includes physical operation parts such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electric signal processing circuit that receives an electric signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the console device 40 and outputs this electric signal to the processing circuit 44 is also an example of the input interface 43. included.

The processing circuit 44 controls the overall operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 . For example, the processing circuit 44 executes a system control function 440, a scan control function 441, a preprocessing function 442, a reconstruction processing function 443, and a display control function 444.

The system control function 440 controls various functions of the processing circuit 44 based on input operations received from the operator via the input interface 43.

The scan control function 441 executes a scan of the subject P using X-rays. For example, the scan control function 441 controls scanning based on an input operation received from an operator via the input interface 43. Specifically, the scan control function 441 controls the output voltage from the high voltage generator by transmitting a control signal to the X-ray high voltage device 14 based on the input operation. The scan control function 441 also controls data collection by the DAS 18 by transmitting a control signal to the DAS 18 .

The preprocessing function 442 performs preprocessing on the X-ray detection data transmitted from the DAS 18 to generate preprocessed data. Specifically, the preprocessing function 442 generates preprocessed data by performing correction processes such as logarithmic conversion processing, offset correction, sensitivity correction, and beam hardening correction. Note that the data before preprocessing (X-ray detection data) and the data after preprocessing may be collectively referred to as projection data.

The reconstruction processing function 443 reconstructs the projection data generated by the preprocessing function 442 using various reconstruction methods (for example, a back projection method such as FBP (Filtered Back Projection), a successive approximation method, etc.). Generate CT image data. Furthermore, the reconstruction processing function 443 stores the generated CT image data in the memory 41.

The display control function 444 causes the display 42 to display various images generated by the processing circuit 44. For example, the display control function 444 causes the display 42 to display the CT image data generated by the reconstruction processing function 443. The display control function 444 is an example of a notification section.

Further, for example, the processing circuit 44 executes a setting function 445, an acquisition function 446, and a determination function 447. Processing of the setting function 445, acquisition function 446, and determination function 447 will be described later. Note that the setting function 445 is an example of a setting section. The acquisition function 446 is an example of an acquisition unit. The determination function 447 is an example of a determination unit.

In the X-ray CT apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, each processing function is stored in the memory 41 in the form of a program executable by a computer. The processing circuit 44 is a processor that reads programs from the memory 41 and executes them to implement functions corresponding to each program. In other words, the processing circuit 44 in a state where each program has been read has a function corresponding to the read program.

Note that the term "processor" used in the above description refers to, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device ( For example, it refers to circuits such as a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). A processor realizes its functions by reading and executing a program stored in a memory circuit. Note that instead of storing the program in the memory circuit, the program may be directly incorporated into the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor realizes its functions by reading and executing a program built into the circuit. Note that each processor of this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, but may also be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its functions. good.

The overall configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has been described above. By the way, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1, the subject P is mounted on the top plate 33 of the couch device 30, and the subject P is imaged by being sent into the gantry device 10 by moving the top plate 33. . Here, if the subject P interferes with the gantry device 10, imaging may be interrupted or re-imaging may occur. For example, if the position of the subject P changes due to movement of the subject P before the subject P is sent into the gantry device 10, imaging may be interrupted or re-imaging may occur. In this case, there will be unnecessary exposure.

Therefore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment executes the following process in order to prevent interference between the subject P and the gantry apparatus 10. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a gantry device 10, a setting function 445, an acquisition function 446, and a determination function 447. The gantry device 10 has an opening 100 (see FIG. 1) into which the subject P is sent. The setting function 445 sets a feeding range representing the range in which the subject P is fed into the opening 100 of the gantry device 10 by movement of the subject P based on the scan plan. The acquisition function 446 acquires the position of the subject P within the sending range as first position information. The determination function 447 determines whether the subject P interferes with the gantry device 10 based on the first position information. Specifically, the feeding range represents the range in which the subject P is fed into the opening 100 by movement of the top plate 33 of the bed device 30 on which the subject P is mounted. Further, the determination function 447 further adjusts the position of the top plate 33 based on the determination result.

Next, each function of the setting function 445, the acquisition function 446, and the determination function 447 executed by the processing circuit 44 in the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. 3 to 7 are diagrams for explaining processing by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

In step S101 in FIG. 2, setting of the subject P is performed. Specifically, first, an operator such as a laboratory technician uses the console device 40 to perform an input operation that triggers the start of the test. At this time, the acquisition function 446 acquires patient information for the next examination based on the input operation received from the operator via the input interface 43, and displays the acquired patient information on the display 42. Next, the operator makes a scan plan for photographing the abdomen of the subject P (patient), for example, based on the acquired patient information. In this case, for example, the operator places the subject P on the top plate 33 of the bed device 30 so that the subject P is sent into the opening 100 of the gantry device 10 from the head side or the foot side. That is, the subject P is set on the top plate 33. The orientation of the setting varies depending on the examination site and the purpose of the examination, and in the example shown in FIG. Set it to 33.

In step S102 of FIG. 2, a feeding range and a photographing range are set from the scan plan. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, based on the scan plan, the operator moves the top plate 33 in the body axis direction to determine the feeding range representing the range in which the subject P is fed into the opening 100 of the gantry device 10. Determine R1. For example, the feeding range R1 represents the range from the tip of the top plate 33 to the abdomen of the subject P. Furthermore, the operator determines a photographing range R2 representing a range in which the subject P is photographed within the feeding range R1 based on the scan plan. For example, the imaging range R2 is included in the scan plan and represents a range that includes the abdomen of the subject P. The setting function 445 sets the feed range R1 and the photographing range R2 determined by the operator from the scan plan, based on input operations received from the operator via the input interface 43. Note that the feeding range R1 and the photographing range R2 may be automatically set by the setting function 445. For example, the gantry device 10 and the subject P on the top plate 33 are photographed as a photographed image by a camera placed in a position where the subject P can be observed from the side in a plane, and the setting function 445 is configured to use the photographed image and the scanned image. The feeding range R1 and the photographing range R2 may be automatically set from the plan. Here, the plane on which the subject P can be observed from the side is, for example, the ZY plane.

Here, the camera that takes images of the gantry device 10 and the subject P on the top plate 33 is disposed at a position where the subject P can be observed from the side in a plane, but the camera is not limited thereto. For example, the camera may be placed at a position where the subject P can be observed in a plane from above. Here, the plane on which the subject P can be observed from above is, for example, the ZX plane.

Further, the camera may be installed on the mount device 10 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1, on the wall of the examination room where the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is installed, or on the ceiling of the examination room. You can. For example, when the camera is placed at a position where the subject P can be observed from the side in a plane, the camera is provided on the wall of the examination room. For example, if the camera is placed in a position where it can observe the subject P from above in a plane, it is provided on the gantry device 10 or on the ceiling of the examination room.

In step S103 in FIG. 2, before the subject P is sent into the opening 100 of the gantry apparatus 10, it is determined whether the subject P will interfere with the gantry apparatus 10.

Specifically, first, the acquisition function 446 acquires subject position information L1 as shown in FIG. 5 from the position sensor 50 before the subject P is sent into the opening 100 of the gantry device 10. The subject position information L1 represents the position of the subject P within the feeding range R1. The position sensor 50 detects the position of the subject P within the feeding range R1, for example, in terms of depth and depth, and outputs the detected position to the console device 40 as subject position information L1. In the console device 40, the acquisition function 446 acquires the subject position information L1 output from the position sensor 50. The subject position information L1 is an example of first position information.

Here, examples of the position sensor 50 include an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, and a magnetic sensor. Further, as long as the position of the subject P within the feeding range R1 can be detected in terms of depth or depth, the sensor is not limited to the above-mentioned position sensor 50, and for example, a camera with a depth sensor may be used. Further, the position sensor 50 may be installed at any position as long as the position of the subject P within the feeding range R1 can be detected in terms of depth and depth. There is no limit to the number of position sensors 50 installed, and the acquisition function 446 may acquire the subject position information L1 from a plurality of position sensors 50. Further, the orientation of the position sensor 50 may be varied as necessary.

Next, the determination function 447 determines whether or not the subject P interferes with the gantry device 10 based on the subject position information L1 acquired by the acquisition function 446. Specifically, the determination function 447 recognizes the current position of the top plate 33, and recognizes the height from the top plate 33 to the subject P based on the subject position information L1 acquired by the acquisition function 446. . Further, the determination function 447 recognizes the position of the opening 100 of the gantry device 10 as opening position information, and uses the subject position information L1 acquired by the acquisition function 446 and the opening position information to It is determined whether the specimen P interferes with the gantry device 10. The opening position information is an example of second position information.

Here, as a result of the determination, if the subject P does not interfere with the gantry apparatus 10 (step S103; No), step S110 in FIG. 2 is executed.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination, if the subject P interferes with the gantry device 10 (step S103; Yes), step S104 in FIG. 2 is executed. Specifically, assume that after the operator sets the subject P on the top plate 33, the subject P bends a leg (for example, the right leg). Alternatively, assume that the subject P is unable to bend his right leg. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the subject position information L1 acquired by the acquisition function 446 indicates that the position of the right leg of the subject P, particularly the right knee of the subject P, is the highest. Therefore, the determination function 447 compares, for example, the subject position information L1 acquired by the acquisition function 446 and the opening position information L2 shown in FIG. 5. The opening position information L2 represents, for example, the limit position where the subject P interferes with the gantry device 10 in the Y-axis direction. The determination function 447 detects an interference range R3 representing the range in which the right leg of the subject P interferes with the gantry device 10, based on the result of comparing the subject position information L1 and the opening position information L2. In this case, the determination function 447 determines that the subject P interferes with the gantry apparatus 10, and step S104 in FIG. 2 is executed.

In step S104 in FIG. 2, the position of the top plate 33 is adjusted. Specifically, when determining that the subject P interferes with the gantry device 10, the determination function 447 determines the correction amount ΔY to avoid the interference based on the subject position information L1 and the opening position information L2. Determine. As shown in FIG. 5, the correction amount ΔY represents the correction amount in the Y-axis direction in the interference range R3, and the position of the right foot of the subject P indicated by the subject position information L1 and the limit position indicated by the opening position information L2. corresponds to the maximum difference between In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the determination function 447 adjusts the position of the top plate 33 based on the determined correction amount ΔY. Specifically, the determination function 447 controls the bed driving device 32 of the bed device 30 to move the position of the top plate 33 downward by the correction amount ΔY in the negative direction of the Y-axis direction.

Note that when the determination function 447 determines that the subject P interferes with the gantry device 10, the position of the top plate 33 is adjusted in the Y-axis direction (vertical direction); however, the determination function 447 is not limited to this. Alternatively, the position of the top plate 33 may be adjusted in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction). For example, when determining that the subject P interferes with the gantry device 10, the determination function 447 makes adjustments in the X-axis direction to avoid the interference based on the subject position information L1 and opening position information L2. The correction amount ΔX may be determined. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the determination function 447 adjusts the position of the top plate 33 based on the determined correction amount ΔX. Specifically, the determination function 447 controls the bed driving device 32 of the bed device 30 to move the position of the top plate 33 laterally by the correction amount ΔX in the negative direction of the X-axis direction. Furthermore, although the determination function 447 applies the adjustment of the position of the top plate 33 only in one of the Y-axis direction and the X-axis direction, the present invention is not limited to this; It may be applied both in the axial direction.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the photographing process (step S110) in the first embodiment.

In step S111 in FIG. 8, the top plate 33 is moved and the subject P is sent into the opening 100 of the gantry device 10. Specifically, the scan control function 441 controls the bed driving device 32 of the bed device 30 based on the input operation received from the operator via the input interface 43, so that the subject P is placed on the bed. The top plate 33 is moved and the subject P is sent into the opening 100 of the gantry device 10.

In step S112 in FIG. 8, photographing is performed in the photographing range R2. Specifically, the scan control function 441 controls the gantry device 10 so that photography is performed in the photography range R2. That is, the scan control function 441 performs scan control on the gantry device 10.

In step S113 in FIG. 8, the top plate 33 is moved to its original position. Specifically, the scan control function 441 returns the top plate 33 to its original position by controlling the bed driving device 32 of the bed device 30 based on an input operation received from the operator via the input interface 43. move it.

As described above, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, first, the setting function 445 sends the subject P into the opening 100 of the gantry apparatus 10 by moving the top plate 33 of the bed apparatus 30. A feeding range representing the range and an imaging range for photographing the subject P within the feeding range are set from the scan plan. Before the subject P is sent into the opening 100 of the gantry device 10, the acquisition function 446 acquires the position of the subject P within the feeding range as subject position information L1. Then, the determination function 447 determines whether or not the subject P interferes with the gantry apparatus 10 based on the subject position information L1 and the opening position information L2 representing the position of the opening 100 of the gantry apparatus 10. Then, the position of the top plate 33 is adjusted based on the result of the determination. In this manner, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the position of the subject P changes due to movement of the subject P before the subject P is sent into the opening 100 of the gantry device 10. Even if the subject P interferes with the gantry device 10, the position of the top plate 33 is adjusted based on the result of the determination. Therefore, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent interruption of imaging or re-imaging due to interference between the subject P and the gantry device 10, and to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure.

(Second embodiment)
In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which when it is determined that the subject P interferes with the gantry device 10, the range of the interference is notified. In the following, the second embodiment will be described with a focus on processing that is different from the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining processing by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment.

First, in FIG. 9, steps S101 to S103 similar to those in FIG. 2 are executed. In step S103, before the subject P is sent into the opening 100 of the gantry apparatus 10, it is determined whether the subject P will interfere with the gantry apparatus 10. Here, as a result of the determination, if the subject P interferes with the gantry device 10 (step S103; Yes), step S201 in FIG. 9 is executed.

In step S201 of FIG. 9, the interference range is notified. Specifically, in the console device 40, when it is determined that the subject P will interfere with the gantry apparatus 10, the display control function 444 displays the interference range on the display 42 so that the subject P can interfere with the gantry apparatus 10. The operator is notified of the interference with 10. For example, the display control function 444 notifies the operator by displaying the image shown in FIG. 10 on the display 42 as a display image. As shown in FIG. 10, the display image represents, for example, the gantry device 10, the subject P on the top plate 33, and the interference range R3 detected by the determination function 447. Specifically, for example, the gantry device 10 and the subject P on the top plate 33 are photographed as a captured image by a camera placed at a position where the subject P can be observed from above in a plane, and the display control function 444 , the operator is notified by displaying an image obtained by combining the image representing the interference range R3 on the display 42 as a display image at the position of the right foot of the subject P represented by the photographed image. Here, the plane on which the subject P can be observed from above is, for example, the ZX plane. Alternatively, a schematic diagram of the gantry device 10 and the subject P on the top plate 33 observed from above in a plane is prepared as a sample image, and the display control function 444 displays the right foot of the subject P represented by the sample image. The operator may be notified by displaying an image that is a composite of the images representing the interference range R3 as a display image at the position of .

In step S202 of FIG. 9, it is determined whether an adjustment instruction has been received. For example, the determination function 447 waits for acceptance of an adjustment instruction from the operator (step S202; No), and receives an adjustment instruction from the operator via the input interface 43 (step S202; Yes). In this case, in FIG. 9, steps S104 and S110 similar to those in FIG. 2 are executed.

As described above, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, it is determined that the subject P will interfere with the gantry apparatus 10 before the subject P is sent into the opening 100 of the gantry apparatus 10. If so, the operator is notified of the interference range R3. Therefore, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, it is possible to prevent interruption of imaging or re-imaging due to interference between the subject P and the gantry device 10, and to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure.

(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, a case will be described in which it is determined that the subject P interferes with the gantry apparatus 10 in the process of further feeding the subject P into the opening 100 of the gantry apparatus 10 in the imaging process (step S110). . In the following, the third embodiment will be mainly described with a focus on processing that is different from the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the photographing process (step S110) in the third embodiment.

First, in FIG. 11, step S111 similar to that in FIG. 8 is executed. In step S111, the top plate 33 is moved and the subject P is sent into the opening 100 of the gantry device 10.

In step S301 in FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not there will be interference during feeding. Specifically, the acquisition function 446 acquires the subject position information L1 from the position sensor 50 even during the process in which the subject P is sent into the opening 100 of the gantry device 10. In this process, the determination function 447 determines whether or not the subject P interferes with the gantry device 10 based on the subject position information L1 acquired by the acquisition function 446.

Here, as a result of the determination, if the subject P does not interfere with the gantry apparatus 10 (step S301; No), in FIG. 11, steps S112 and S113 similar to those in FIG. 8 are executed.

On the other hand, if the result of the determination is that the subject P interferes with the gantry device 10 (step S301; Yes), step S302 in FIG. 11 is executed.

In step S302 in FIG. 11, the position of the top plate 33 is adjusted. Specifically, when determining that the subject P interferes with the gantry device 10, the determination function 447 determines a correction amount to avoid the interference based on the subject position information L1 and the opening position information. do. The determination function 447 adjusts the position of the top plate 33 based on the determined correction amount. Specifically, the determination function 447 controls the bed driving device 32 of the bed device 30 so that the position of the top plate 33 is adjusted by the correction amount. Thereafter, in FIG. 11, steps S112 and S113 similar to those in FIG. 8 are executed.

As described above, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment, it is determined that the subject P interferes with the gantry apparatus 10 during the process in which the subject P is sent into the opening 100 of the gantry apparatus 10. In this case, the position of the top plate 33 is adjusted based on the result of the determination. Therefore, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent interruption of imaging or re-imaging due to interference between the subject P and the gantry device 10, and to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, in the imaging process (step S110), when it is determined that the subject P will interfere with the gantry apparatus 10 in the process of sending the subject P into the opening 100 of the gantry apparatus 10, A case will be described in which it is determined whether or not the photographing range R2 deviates from the photographable range within the opening 100 of the gantry device 10 by adjusting the position of the plate 33. In the following, the fourth embodiment will be mainly described with respect to processing that is different from the third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the photographing process (step S110) in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining processing by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment.

First, in FIG. 12, steps S111 and S301 similar to those in FIG. 11 are executed. In step S301, it is determined whether or not there will be interference during feeding. Here, as a result of the determination, if the subject P interferes with the gantry device 10 (step S301; Yes), step S401 in FIG. 12 is executed.

In step S401 in FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not the position adjustment of the top plate 33 causes the photographing range R2 to deviate from the photographable range within the opening 100 of the gantry device 10. Specifically, when determining that the subject P interferes with the gantry device 10, the determination function 447 determines a correction amount to avoid the interference based on the subject position information L1 and the opening position information. do. Then, when adjusting the position of the top plate 33 based on the determined correction amount, the determination function 447 determines that the position adjustment of the top plate 33 changes the photographing range R2 to the photographable range R100 within the opening 100 (see FIG. 13). (see).

Here, as a result of the determination, if the photographing range R2 deviates from the photographable range R100 within the opening 100 due to the position adjustment of the top plate 33 (step S401; Yes), step S402 in FIG. 11 is executed.

In step S402 of FIG. 12, feeding is interrupted. Specifically, when the photographing range R2 deviates from the photographable range R100 within the opening 100 due to the position adjustment of the top plate 33, the determination function 447 controls the bed driving device 32 of the bed device 30 to The feeding of the sample P is interrupted. Thereafter, in FIG. 12, step S113 similar to that in FIG. 11 is executed.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination, if the photographing range R2 is included in the photographable range R100 within the opening 100 due to the position adjustment of the top plate 33 (step S401; No), in FIG. 12, step S302 similar to FIG. S112 and S113 are executed.

As described above, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment, it is determined that the subject P interferes with the gantry apparatus 10 during the process in which the subject P is sent into the opening 100 of the gantry apparatus 10. At this time, when the photographing range R2 deviates from the photographable range R100 within the opening 100 of the gantry device 10 due to position adjustment of the top plate 33, feeding of the subject P is interrupted. On the other hand, if the photographing range R2 is included in the photographable range R100 within the opening 100 due to the position adjustment of the top plate 33, the position of the top plate 33 is determined based on the result of determining that the subject P interferes with the gantry device 10. Adjust. Therefore, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to prevent interruption of imaging or re-imaging due to interference between the subject P and the gantry device 10, and to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure.

(Other embodiments)
Although the first to fourth embodiments have been described so far, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms in addition to the first to fourth embodiments described above.

In the embodiment described above, the subject P is sent into the opening 100 of the gantry device 10 by the movement of the subject P, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the subject P may be sent into the opening 100 of the gantry apparatus 10 by movement of the gantry apparatus 10. Furthermore, the present embodiment is also applicable to an X-ray CT apparatus that does not include a bed apparatus 30 on which the subject P is placed, such as a standing CT apparatus.

In the embodiment described above, when it is determined that the subject P interferes with the gantry device 10, the display control function 444 notifies the range of the interference, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the display control function 444 may notify the operator that the subject P will interfere with the gantry device 10 by displaying a message on the display 42 or by outputting audio.

In the above-described embodiment, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is used as an example of a modality apparatus. It can also be applied to other modality devices.

Furthermore, the processing circuit 44 may implement its functions using a processor of an external device connected via a network. For example, the processing circuit 44 reads programs corresponding to each function from the memory 41 and executes them, and also uses an external workstation or cloud connected to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 via a network as a computing resource. , realizes each function shown in FIG.

Each component of each device according to the embodiments described above is functionally conceptual, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown in the drawings. In other words, the specific form of distributing and integrating each device is not limited to what is shown in the diagram, and all or part of the devices can be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in arbitrary units depending on various loads and usage conditions. Can be integrated and configured. Furthermore, all or any part of each processing function performed by each device can be realized by a CPU and a program that is analyzed and executed by the CPU, or can be realized as hardware using wired logic.

Further, the control method described in the above-described embodiments can be realized by executing a control program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This control program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. Further, this control program can also be executed by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, flexible disk (FD), CD-ROM, MO, DVD, etc., and being read from the recording medium by the computer.

According to at least one embodiment described above, interference between the subject and the gantry device can be prevented.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are 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, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

1 X-ray CT device 10 Frame device 30 Bed device 33 Top plate 100 Opening 445 Setting function 446 Acquisition function 447 Judgment function

Claims (6)

a mount device having an opening through which a subject is sent;
a setting unit that sets, based on a scan plan, a feeding range representing a range in which the subject is fed into the opening due to movement of the subject or movement of the gantry;
an acquisition unit that acquires the position of the subject within the sending range as first position information;
a determination unit that determines whether the subject interferes with the gantry device based on the first position information;
Equipped with
The determination unit determines whether or not the subject interferes with the gantry device during the process of sending the subject into the opening, based on the first position information, and based on the result of the determination, and adjust the position of the top plate.
The determination unit includes:
If it is determined that the subject interferes with the gantry device, determining whether or not the photographing range included in the scan plan deviates from the photographable range within the opening by adjusting the position of the top plate;
A medical image diagnostic apparatus that interrupts feeding of the subject when the photographing range deviates from the photographable range within the opening due to position adjustment of the top plate . If it is determined that the subject will interfere with the gantry device, a notification unit that notifies the range of the interference or notifies that the subject will interfere with the gantry device;
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising: The feeding range represents a range in which the subject is fed into the opening by movement of a top plate on which the subject is mounted.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The determination unit includes:
Determining whether or not the subject interferes with the gantry device using the first position information and second position information representing the position of the opening;
If it is determined that the subject interferes with the gantry device, determining a correction amount for avoiding the interference based on the first position information and the second position information,
adjusting the position of the top plate based on the correction amount;
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3 . Before the subject is sent into the opening,
The acquisition unit acquires the first position information,
The determining unit determines whether the subject interferes with the gantry device based on the first position information, and adjusts the position of the top plate based on the result of the determination.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3 or 4 . The determination unit adjusts the position of the top plate when the photographing range is included in the photographable range within the opening due to the position adjustment of the top plate.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 .

Images