JPH08299324A - Table - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a table which surely displays a scanning possible range despite of a simple structure. CONSTITUTION: In a table where an upper structure body with a cradle 2 moving in a gantry direction raises horizontally to a floor while approaching to the gantry direction, a correspondence table 11 which displays a changing state of a scanning possible range according to a rising position of the table when the cradle 2 moves in the gantry direction, is provided in the vicinity of the cradle 2.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a table in which an upper structure having a cradle movable in the gantry direction rises parallel to the floor while approaching the gantry direction.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 8 shows an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography).
) It is an external view from the side of the apparatus. In FIG. 8, 1 is an upper structure movable in the gantry direction, and 2 is a cradle movably provided on the upper structure 1. The table including the upper structure 1 and the cradle 2 is configured to be raised parallel to the floor while approaching in the gantry direction by the drive mechanism 3 using the parallel link mechanism. A gantry 4 of a CT apparatus using radiation such as X-rays and γ-rays is arranged on one of the movable upper structures 1.

A drive mechanism using a parallel link mechanism in which the table is raised parallel to the floor while approaching in the gantry direction is called a cobra system.

Further, in such a cobra type table, the cradle 2 is generally constructed so as to move in the gantry 4 direction. On the other hand, in a table called a telescope system, not only is the table raised by the cobra system to move the cradle in the gantry direction, but also the upper structure 1 is moved in the gantry 4 direction. FIG. 9 is a side view showing a state in which the cradle 2 and the upper structure 1 are elevated by the cobra system and are extended and moved in the gantry direction by the telescope system.

By the way, FIG. 10 is a top view of the table.
In the above, table covers 1 a and 1 b are provided on the left and right of the cradle 2 so as to cover the upper structure 1. Marks 10a and 10b are written at predetermined positions on the table covers 1a and 1b. The marks 10a and 10b are provided at the ends of the scannable range (hereinafter referred to as the scannable range).

The scannable range is from the end of the cradle 2 close to the gantry 4 to the position of the maximum range in which the cradle 2 can enter the gantry 4 and be scanned, and the marks 10a and 10b are described above. Cradle 2
Is provided on the side of the maximum position when entering the gantry 4.

[0007]

However, since the cobra system is used, the initial position of the cradle 2 in the gantry direction changes according to the table height, and the scannable range changes. Marks 10a and 10 in FIG.
b is provided based on the position assumed to be the average height of the table.

Therefore, in an actual case, the scannable range may be small if the table height is different. That is, there is a case where the scan range is noticed while the subject is fixed to the cradle 2 according to the marks 10a and 10b, and the scan range may be insufficient. Therefore, it is necessary to reset the subject and perform a re-scout scan. Become. In such a case, not only the throughput of the examination is lowered, but also the subject is exposed to unnecessary radiation exposure.

In the case of a table using the telescope system, the upper structure 1 and the cradle 2 may hit (contact) the opening of the gantry 4 depending on the table height and the tilt angle of the gantry. In that case, the upper structure 1 and the cradle 2 can move only to the contact position.

In practice, the opening of the gantry 4 has a curved surface, and the opening has a cross section similar to a parabola, as shown in the side sectional views of FIGS. 8 and 9. There is.
In addition, the end portions of the cradle 2 and the upper structure 1 may be formed of curved surfaces.

Therefore, depending on the height of the table and the tilt angle of the gantry (or the curved surface configuration of each end), the portion that comes into contact with the opening of the gantry 4 changes when the upper structure 1 or the cradle 2 moves. That is, the length by which the upper structure 1 or the cradle 2 can move in the gantry 2 direction (moving length) changes. In this case, the moving length changes intricately due to not only the table height and the tilt angle of the gantry but also the curved surface configuration of each part.

For this reason, the mark 10 described above is used.
The scannable range indicated by a and 10b may change in a complicated manner in an actual use state. Therefore, FIG.
A simple mark 10a showing the scannable range shown in
There were cases where 10b was inconvenient.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a table capable of reliably indicating a scannable range with a simple structure.

[0014]

Means for Solving the Problems A first method for solving the above problems is described below.
In the table, the upper structure having the cradle movable in the gantry direction rises parallel to the floor while approaching the gantry direction, and the table rises about the scannable range when the cradle moves in the gantry direction. A correspondence table showing the state of changes depending on the position is provided near the cradle.

A second means for solving the above problem is that an upper structure having a cradle movable in the gantry direction is
Correspondence table showing how the scannable range when the cradle moves in the gantry direction changes according to the table's ascended position and the gantry tilt angle in the table that rises parallel to the floor while approaching the gantry direction. Is provided near the cradle.

A third means for solving the above problem is that an upper structure having a cradle movable in the gantry direction is
For a table that rises parallel to the floor while approaching the gantry direction, the table height is detected, and display control means that calculates the scannable range according to the table height when the cradle moves in the gantry direction, and the cradle Display means provided near the cradle to indicate the range calculated by the display control means for the scannable range when moving in the direction.

A fourth means for solving the above-mentioned problems is that an upper structure having a cradle movable in the gantry direction,
Display that detects the table height and calculates the scannable range when the cradle moves in the gantry direction according to the tilt angle and the detected table height for a table that rises parallel to the floor while approaching the gantry direction Control means and display means provided in the vicinity of the cradle for indicating the range calculated by the display control means in the scannable range when the cradle moves in the gantry direction according to the tilt angle.

[0018]

In the table of the first means for solving the problem, the correspondence table showing the manner of change in the scannable range when the cradle moves in the gantry direction according to the rising position of the table is provided near the cradle. The scannable range can be known in advance when the subject is placed on the cradle, and proper scanning can be reliably performed.

In the table of the second means for solving the problem, the correspondence table showing the manner of change in the scannable range when the cradle moves in the gantry direction according to the rising position of the table and the tilt angle of the gantry. By providing in the vicinity of the cradle, the scannable range can be known in advance when the subject is placed on the cradle, and proper scanning can be reliably performed.

In the table of the third means for solving the problem, by providing the display means near the cradle which shows the range corresponding to the detected table height with respect to the scannable range when the cradle moves in the gantry direction, When the subject is placed on the cradle, the scannable range can be known in advance, and proper scanning can be reliably performed.

In the table of the fourth means for solving the problem, the cradle is provided with a display means for indicating a scannable range when the cradle is moved in the gantry direction, in accordance with the tilt angle of the gantry and the detected table height. By providing in the vicinity, the scannable range according to the tilt angle can be known in advance when the subject is placed on the cradle, and proper scanning can be reliably performed.

[0022]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a top view of a table according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the structure shown in FIG. 1, table covers 1a and 1b are provided on the left and right of the cradle 2 so as to cover the upper structure 1. A graph display unit 11 showing a scannable range is provided at a predetermined position on at least one of the table covers 1a and 1b.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing the graph display section 11 in an enlarged manner. As shown in FIG. 2, the graph display unit 11
, The tilt angle 11a is shown in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the cradle 2, and the table height 11b is shown in the cradle 2.
The scannable range determined by each tilt angle and each table height is shown as a linear or curved characteristic diagram. This characteristic diagram shows the shape of the opening of the gantry 4, the cradle 2 and the upper structure 1.
It is determined by the shape of the end of the. Therefore, what is shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to such a curve of the characteristic diagram, and a curve or straight characteristic diagram suitable for the apparatus is prepared.

Therefore, the operator reads the graph display portion 11 from the values of the table height and the tilt angle to read the cradle 2.
You can know the scannable range above. For this reason,
It becomes possible to mount the subject so that a necessary part is included in the scannable range.

As a result, not only is it possible to prevent the subject from being placed out of the scannable range as in the conventional case, but also the scannable range can be surely known, so that the range can be used to the fullest extent. Will also be able to.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention. Here, L using a plurality of matrix-shaped LEDs is used as a display unit showing the scannable range.
The ED matrix display section 12A and the tilt angle display section 12B are configured.

Although the display is made only on the side of the table cover 1b in FIG. 3, the display may be made on both of the table covers even on the side of the table cover 1a. Also, the tilt angle step and L
The number of elements of the ED matrix display portion 12A is an example, and the number is not limited to this.

FIG. 4 shows the LED of the second embodiment.
It is a configuration of a display control means for turning on the matrix display portion 12A. In the table of the second configuration, the table height detection encoder 21 detects the table height, and the determination circuit 23 refers to the content of the memory 22 based on the detection result, and detects the tilt angle at each detected table height. Is calculated, and the corresponding element of the LED matrix display section 12A is caused to emit light (continuous light emission or blinking) according to the calculated scannable range.

Therefore, the operator can determine this L from the value of the tilt angle.
The scannable range on the cradle 2 can be known by reading the illuminated portion of the ED matrix display section 12A.
In this case, the table height is the table height detection encoder 21.
Is read and the element at the position corresponding to the table height is lit in the matrix, so it is sufficient to read only the tilt angle. For this reason, it becomes extremely easy to mount the subject so that a necessary part is included in the scannable range.

As a result, not only is it possible to prevent the subject from being placed over the scannable range as in the conventional case, but also the scannable range can be surely known, so that the range can be used effectively to the limit. Will also be able to.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the third embodiment of the present invention. Here, the graph display sections 13a and 13b are used as the display means for indicating the scannable range. As the graph display portions 13a and 13b, the table height 11b is shown along the moving direction of the cradle 2, and the scannable range determined by each table height is shown as a characteristic diagram. That is, in the case of a table of a device in which the scannable range does not change depending on the tilt angle of the gantry 4, such graph display portions 13a and 13b are used.
Can be used. Although the display means is provided on both table covers here, it is also possible to provide the display means on only one side.

Therefore, the operator reads the graph display portions 13a and 13b from the table height value and reads the cradle 2.
You can know the scannable range above. For this reason,
It becomes possible to mount the subject so that a necessary part is included in the scannable range.

As a result, not only is it possible to prevent the subject from being placed out of the scannable range as in the prior art, but the scannable range can be surely known, so that the range can be used to the fullest extent. Will also be able to.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Here, the display means for indicating the scannable range is constituted by the LED display portions 14a and 14b using a plurality of LEDs. Although the display is shown on the table covers 1a and 1b in FIG. 6, the display may be provided only on one of the table covers. Further, the number of LEDs is not limited to that shown in the figure.

As the display control means in this case, the same one as described in FIG. 4 can be used. Also in the table of the fourth embodiment,
Similar to the table of the second embodiment already described, the table height detection encoder 21 detects the table height, and the determination circuit 23 refers to the contents of the memory 22 based on the detection result and detects the detected table height. The scannable range in is calculated, and the corresponding elements of the LED display units 14a and 14b are caused to emit light (continuous light emission or blinking) in accordance with the calculated scannable range.

Therefore, the operator has the LED display unit 14
It is possible to easily know the scannable range on the cradle 2 by reading the illuminated portions of a and 14b. in this case,
The table height is read by the table height detection encoder 21 and the element at a position corresponding to the table height is lit in the matrix, so that it is sufficient to simply read the lit portion. For this reason, it becomes extremely easy to mount the subject so that a necessary part is included in the scannable range.

As a result, not only is it possible to prevent the subject from being placed out of the scannable range as in the prior art, but the scannable range can be surely known, so that the range can be used to the fullest extent. Will also be able to.

In the second embodiment, the LED matrix display portion 12A provided in a matrix shape is provided in consideration of the tilt angle, but in the linear LED display portions 14a and 14b of the fourth embodiment. It is also possible to display the tilt angle by changing the display color.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Here, a plurality of types of marks 15a (15b), 16 are used as the display means showing the scannable range.
a (16b) is used.

These plural types of marks 15a to 16b are divided into a maximum scannable range without tilt and a scannable range with maximum tilt.
There are two types of marks that can distinguish the two states. Although the display means is provided on both table covers here, it is also possible to provide the display means on only one side. Further, the mark may be changed in shape, color, or density as long as it can distinguish the two types.

For example, in the case of a table of the telescope system, it is possible to show the scannable range as an extreme value in such a difference in tilt state. By doing this, if you do not perform tilting at all (or if you scan the whole body at once)
Includes a mark 16 indicating a scannable range that cannot be tilted.
The subject is placed so as to scan up to a and 16b. If there is a possibility of scanning, mark 1
The subject may be placed so as to scan up to 5a and 15b. If the tilt angle is small, 2
It is also possible to use the position between marks of a kind.

As a result, there is no need to place the subject outside the scannable range as in the conventional case, and reading can be performed very easily.

[0044]

As described above, according to the invention in which the correspondence table showing the change in the scannable range when the cradle moves in the gantry direction according to the rising position of the table is provided near the cradle, When it is placed on the cradle, the scannable range corresponding to each table height can be known in advance, and proper scanning can be reliably performed.

Further, according to the invention, the correspondence table showing the manner of change in the scannable range when the cradle is moved in the gantry direction according to the rising position of the table and the tilt angle of the gantry is provided near the cradle. When the table is placed on the cradle, the scannable range based on the table height and the tilt angle can be known in advance, and proper scanning can be reliably performed.

Further, according to the invention in which the display means is provided near the cradle to show the range of the scannable range when the cradle moves in the gantry direction, the range being calculated according to the detected table height, the subject is placed on the cradle. In doing so, the scannable range can be known in advance, and proper scanning can be reliably performed.

Further, according to the invention, a display means is provided near the cradle for indicating a scannable range when the cradle is moved in the gantry direction, the range being calculated according to the tilt angle of the gantry and the detected table height. When the subject is placed on the cradle, the scannable range corresponding to each tilt can be known in advance, and proper scanning can be reliably performed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the display means of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of display control means used in a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a moving state of a cobra system table.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a moving state of a telescopic table.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of a table provided with a mark indicating a scannable range.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1a, 1b Table cover 2 Cradle 11 Graph display part 12A LED matrix display part 12B Tilt angle display part 13a, 13b Graph display part 14a, 14b LED display part 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b Mark 21 Table height detection encoder 22 Memory 23 Judgment circuit

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A table in which an upper structure having a cradle movable in the gantry direction rises parallel to the floor while approaching the gantry direction, and a scannable range of the table when the cradle moves in the gantry direction. A table characterized in that a correspondence table showing a state of change according to a rising position is provided near the cradle. 2. A table in which an upper structure having a cradle movable in the gantry direction rises parallel to the floor while approaching the gantry direction, and a table about the scannable range when the cradle moves in the gantry direction A table provided in the vicinity of the cradle, showing a correspondence table showing the manner of change depending on the rising position of the gantry and the tilt angle of the gantry. 3. A table in which an upper structure having a cradle movable in the gantry direction rises parallel to the floor while approaching the gantry direction, detects the table height, and the cradle moves in the gantry direction. Display control means for calculating a scannable range according to the table height, and display means provided near the cradle for indicating the range calculated by the display control means for the scannable range when the cradle moves in the gantry direction. , A table having. 4. In a table in which an upper structure having a cradle movable in the gantry direction rises parallel to the floor while approaching the gantry direction, the table height is detected, and the tilt angle and the detected table height are detected. Display control means for calculating the scannable range when the cradle moves in the gantry direction, and the range calculated by the display control means for the scannable range when the cradle moves in the gantry direction according to the tilt angle. And a display means provided near the cradle for indicating.