JP6812202B2 - X-ray computed tomography equipment and display equipment - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to X-ray computed tomography equipment and display equipment.

X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging is usually performed in a lying position with the patient lying on the bed. In recent years, in the diagnosis of swallowing and the like, CT imaging in a standing or sitting state has been desired.

In the case of CT imaging in a standing or sitting position, it is necessary to stand the patient in an appropriate position in order to prevent contact between the patient and the gantry. It is also necessary to determine if the patient is in the proper position. However, in CT imaging in the standing or sitting state, a method of standing the patient in an appropriate position and a method of determining whether or not the patient is in an appropriate position have not been established.

JP-A-2002-328440

An object of the embodiment is to provide an X-ray computed tomography apparatus and a display apparatus capable of ensuring the safety of a subject in CT imaging in a standing or sitting state.

The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, a gantry, a support column, and a display device. The X-ray source generates X-rays. The X-ray detector detects X-rays that have passed through the subject. The gantry has the X-ray source and the X-ray detector with an opening in between. The stanchion maintains the central axis of the opening perpendicular to the floor surface and supports the gantry so as to be movable in the direction perpendicular to the floor surface. The display device is a range in which the imaging field of view formed by the X-ray source and the X-ray detector is projected onto the floor surface from the vertical movement direction of the gantry, or the outer edge of the opening included in the imaging field of view. Is displayed on the floor surface with a figure corresponding to the range projected onto the floor surface from the vertical movement direction of the gantry.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the first display device shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example of a predetermined standing position in the first display device shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of figures having different sizes corresponding to the photographing area in the first display device shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of a photographing area in the display device according to the tilt angle of the gantry. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of display control for the first display device according to the imaging site in the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of display control for the first display device according to the tilt angle of the gantry body in the X-ray computed tomography device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of operation control when the subject is not located at a predetermined standing position in the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of operation control when the subject is located outside the imaging region in the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the present embodiment.

Hereinafter, the X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same function and configuration are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be given only when necessary.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray computed tomography apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as an X-ray CT apparatus) according to the present embodiment includes a gantry apparatus 10 and a console 50. For example, the gantry device 10 is installed in the CT examination room, and the console 50 is installed in the control room adjacent to the CT examination room. The gantry device 10 and the console 50 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly. The gantry device 10 is a scanning device having a configuration for performing X-ray computed tomography (hereinafter, referred to as CT imaging) of a subject in a standing, sitting or lying position. The console 50 is a computer or workstation for controlling the gantry device 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, the gantry 11 is a substantially cylindrical structure in which an opening 15 forming a photographing region is formed. The imaging area substantially coincides with the field of view (FOV) in CT imaging in a standing, sitting or lying position. The gantry 11 accommodates an X-ray tube 17 and an X-ray detector 19 arranged so as to face each other with the opening 15 interposed therebetween.

More specifically, the gantry 11 further includes a main frame made of a metal such as aluminum, and a rotating frame 21 rotatably supported by the main frame around the central axis R1 via bearings or the like. .. An annular electrode is provided at a contact portion of the main frame with the rotating frame 21. A conductive slider is attached to the contact portion of the main frame so as to make sliding contact with the annular electrode. The rotating frame 21 is a metal frame formed in a ring shape by a metal such as aluminum, and for example, an X-ray tube 17 and an X-ray detector 19 are attached. The X-ray tube 17 and the X-ray detector 19 may be fitted into a recess formed in the rotating frame 21, or may be fastened with a fastener such as a screw.

The rotating frame 21 receives power from the rotation driving device 23 and rotates around the central axis R1 at a constant angular velocity. The rotation drive device 23 generates power for rotating the rotation frame 21 according to the control from the gantry control circuit 25. The rotation drive device 23 generates power by driving at a rotation speed corresponding to the duty ratio and the like of the drive signal from the gantry control circuit 25. The rotation drive device 23 is realized by, for example, a motor such as a direct drive motor or a servo motor. In the present embodiment, the rotation drive device 23 is housed in, for example, a gantry 11.

The support column 13 is a base that supports the gantry 11 away from the floor surface. The column 13 has a columnar shape such as a columnar shape and a prismatic shape. The strut 13 is formed of any material such as plastic or metal. The support column 13 is attached to the side surface of the gantry 11, for example. The support column 13 slidably supports the gantry 11 in a state where the central axis R1 of the opening 15 is maintained in the direction perpendicular to the floor surface in order to take an X-ray computed tomography of the standing subject.

The support column 13 accommodates a drive device (hereinafter, referred to as a support device) 27 for sliding the gantry 11 in the vertical direction. The strut drive device 27 generates power for sliding the gantry 11 in the vertical direction according to the control from the gantry control circuit 25. Specifically, the support column drive device 27 generates power by driving at a rotation speed corresponding to the duty ratio of the drive signal from the gantry control circuit 25 and the like. The support column 13 receives power from the support column drive device 27 and slides the gantry 11 in the vertical direction with respect to the support column 13. The strut drive device 27 is realized by, for example, a motor such as a direct drive motor or a servo motor.

The support column 13 is configured to rotatably support the gantry 11 around the horizontal axis (also referred to as a rotation axis; hereinafter referred to as a tilt axis) of the gantry 11, for example. In this case, the support column 13 and the gantry 11 are connected to each other via a bearing 77 or the like so that the gantry 11 can rotate around the tilt axis.

The support column 13 accommodates a drive device (hereinafter, referred to as a tilt drive device) 29 for tilting the tilt axis of the gantry 11. The tilt drive device 29 generates power for rotating the gantry 11 with respect to the tilt axis according to the control from the gantry control circuit 25. Specifically, the tilt drive device 29 generates power by driving at a rotation speed corresponding to the duty ratio of the drive signal from the gantry control circuit 25 and the like. The support column 13 receives power from the tilt drive device 29 and tilts the gantry 11 with respect to the tilt axis. The tilt drive device 29 is realized by, for example, a motor such as a direct drive motor or a servo motor.

This makes it possible to selectively perform standing and sitting imaging and recumbent imaging with one gantry device 10.

Here, the columns 13 are provided on both sides of the gantry 11. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, one support column 13 may be connected to only one side of both side portions of the gantry 11. Further, although the pillar 13 has a pillar shape, the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the support column 13 may have any shape such as a U shape as long as it can support at least one side portion of the gantry 11.

The first display device 31 is a device for displaying a figure corresponding to the projection on the floor surface of the photographing area or the outer edge of the opening 15 included in the photographing area. The outer edge of the opening 15 corresponds to the inner edge of the gantry 11. The first display device 31 displays a predetermined standing position or sitting position of the subject by the figure in the CT image taken by the gantry 11. The imaging area substantially coincides with the imaging field of view (FOV) in CT imaging in a standing, sitting or lying position.

The first display device 31 is installed on the floor surface located below the gantry 11. The first display device 31 may be, for example, a mat (laying mat) laid on the floor surface of the inspection room each time an inspection is performed. In this case, a marker or the like may be installed on the floor of the examination room so that it can be installed in the correct position even after it is removed. Further, the first display device 31 may be, for example, an electric bulletin board using a liquid crystal display and an LED, and may be permanently installed by being embedded in the floor of the examination room.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the first display device 31 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the first display device 31 displays a predetermined standing position 311 of the subject in the imaging area 313. In the present embodiment, the first display device 31 projects the imaging field of view formed by the X-ray tube 17 and the X-ray detector 19 onto the floor surface from the vertical movement direction of the gantry 11, or the outer edge of the opening 15. Is displayed on the floor surface from the vertical movement direction of the gantry 11. In FIG. 2, the first display device 31 displays, for example, a predetermined standing position 311 of the subject in the center of the imaging region 313. The center of the photographing region 313 substantially coincides with the center of the opening 15. In FIG. 2, the standing position 311 of the subject is displayed as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The first display device 31 may display the sitting position of the subject or the installation position of a chair or the like for putting the subject in the sitting position. The display regarding the predetermined standing position 311 of the subject may be realized, for example, by the display control of the first display device 31 by the system control circuit 61 according to the program stored in the main storage circuit 59.

Further, the first sensor 33 is provided at the standing position 311. The first sensor 33 is, for example, a touch sensor capable of detecting contact with a subject, a piezoelectric sensor capable of detecting a weak current generated by pressure, a load sensor capable of detecting a load of a subject, and the like. When the first sensor 33 detects the subject, the first sensor 33 transmits the detection signal of the subject (hereinafter, referred to as the first detection signal) to the determination circuit 63 of the console 50. Here, when the load sensor is used as the first sensor 33, the load can be detected, so that the center of gravity of the subject can be grasped. That is, the inclination of the subject can be grasped. In FIG. 2, the first sensor 33 is installed at the standing position 311 but is not limited to this. The first sensor 33 may be installed in the entire imaging region 313, for example.

In addition, the second sensor 35 is installed along the contour of the photographing area 313. The second sensor 35 is, for example, an optical sensor using a laser or the like. For example, when the subject blocks the irradiated laser or the like, the second sensor 35 transmits the detection signal of the subject (hereinafter referred to as the second detection signal) to the determination circuit 63 of the console 50. A light source such as an LED may be installed instead of the second sensor 35. This makes it possible to visually notify the subject and the operator that the subject is located outside the imaging area 313. Further, the second sensor 35 is provided along the contour of the photographing region 313, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. The second sensor 35 may be installed in the entire imaging area 313.

Further, in the area 315 outside the imaging area 313 in the first display device 31, for example, additional information 317 shown to the subject in CT imaging is displayed. Specifically, the breath-holding time, which is mainly performed for chest CT imaging of lungs and heart, or abdominal CT imaging of stomach and intestines, is not located in a predetermined standing position or sitting position. , And additional information 317 such as a warning to the subject notifying that it is located outside the imaging area 313. In addition, additional information 317 indicating the posture of the subject in CT imaging (for example, a static posture such as a standing position or a sitting position) is displayed. In addition, in order to make the additional information 317 easier to see, the additional information 317 is displayed in front of the subject. In FIG. 2, as an example of the additional information 317, the breath-holding time is displayed in front of the subject. These additional information can be changed and added at any time according to a predetermined scan plan, shooting method, and the like. Further, the display method of the additional information 317 is not limited to FIG.

Here, the first display device 31 may change the display regarding the standing position 311 according to the inspection information regarding the CT imaging. The test information includes, for example, patient information such as patient name, gender, height, and weight, and information on the imaging site where CT imaging is performed. Specifically, the first display device 31 may change the display regarding the predetermined standing position 311 of the subject in the imaging region 313 according to the imaging portion of the subject. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example of a predetermined standing position 311 in the first display device 31 shown in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the predetermined standing position 311 of the subject may be displayed by shifting from the center of the imaging region 313. Here, the display regarding the predetermined standing position 311 of the subject may be realized by, for example, the display control of the first display device 31 by the system control circuit 61 according to the program stored in the main storage circuit 59.

Further, the first display device 31 may select a figure from a plurality of figures stored in advance in the main storage circuit 59, and select and display the selected figure. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of figures having different sizes corresponding to the photographing area 313 in the first display device 31 shown in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the first display device 31 may select a figure such as S, M, or L size according to the imaged portion, and display the selected figure as the photographing area 313. Further, the figure may be changed by providing an input button on the first display device 31 and pressing the input button.

Further, the first display device 31 may change the displayed figure according to the rotation angle (hereinafter, referred to as a tilt angle) around the tilt axis of the gantry 11. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of the photographing area 313 in the first display device 31 according to the tilt angle of the gantry 11. As shown in FIG. 5A, when the gantry 11 is in the state A, the first display device 31 displays the photographing area 313 as a perfect circle as shown in FIG. 5B. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the gantry 11 is in the state B, the first display device 31 displays the photographing area 313 as an ellipse as shown in FIG. 5C.

Here, the reason for changing the displayed figure is to make the projection of the photographing area 313 on the floor surface substantially match according to the tilt angle. In other words, the photographing area 313 looks like an ellipse when viewed from the upper part of the gantry 11. Here, the display of the figure according to the tilt angle is performed by selecting a figure corresponding to the tilt angle around the tilt axis of the gantry 11 from a plurality of figures stored in advance in the main memory circuit 59 and corresponding to the selected figure. It may be realized by the display control of the first display device 31. Further, the display of the figure according to the tilt angle is realized by reading out the program according to the tilt angle from the programs stored in the main storage circuit 59 and controlling the display of the first display device 31 according to the read program. You may. At this time, the system control circuit 61 may calculate an ellipse from the tilt angle, for example.

The X-ray tube 17 generates X-rays by receiving a high voltage applied from the high voltage generator 37. The high voltage generator 37 is attached to, for example, the rotating frame 21. The high voltage generator 37 generates a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube 17 under the control of the gantry control circuit 25 from the electric power supplied from the power supply device of the gantry 11 via the annular electrode. The high voltage generator 37 and the X-ray tube 17 are connected via a high voltage cable. The high voltage generated by the high voltage generator 37 is applied to the X-ray tube 17 via the high voltage cable.

The X-ray detector 19 detects X-rays generated from the X-ray tube 17 and transmitted through the subject. The X-ray detector 19 is equipped with a plurality of X-ray detection elements arranged on a two-dimensional curved surface. Each X-ray detection element detects X-rays from the X-ray tube 17 and converts them into an electric signal having a peak value corresponding to the intensity of the detected X-rays. Each X-ray detector has, for example, a scintillator and a photoelectric converter. The scintillator receives X-rays and emits fluorescence. The photoelectric converter converts the generated fluorescence into charge pulses. The charge pulse has a peak value according to the intensity of X-rays. Specifically, as the photoelectric converter, a device such as a photomultiplier tube or a photodiode that converts a photon into an electric signal is used. The X-ray detector 19 according to the present embodiment is not limited to an indirect detection type detector that temporarily converts X-rays into fluorescence and then converts them into electric signals, and directly converts X-rays into electric signals. It may be a direct detection type detector.

The data collection circuit 39 collects digital data indicating the intensity of X-rays attenuated by the subject for each view. The data acquisition circuit 39 is realized, for example, by a semiconductor integrated circuit in which an integrator circuit provided for each of a plurality of X-ray detection elements and an A / D converter are mounted in parallel. The data collection circuit 39 is connected to the X-ray detector 19 in the gantry 11. The integrator circuit integrates the electrical signal from the X-ray detector over a predetermined view period to generate an integrator signal. The A / D converter A / D-converts the generated integrated signal to generate digital data having a data value corresponding to the peak value of the integrated signal. The converted digital data is called raw data. Raw data is a set of digital values of X-ray intensity identified by the channel number, column number, and view number indicating the collected view of the source X-ray detector. The raw data is supplied to the console 50, for example, via a non-contact data transmission device housed in the gantry 11.

The gantry 11 includes not only the X-ray tube 17, X-ray detector 19, rotating frame 21, main frame, power supply device, high voltage generator 37, and data acquisition circuit 39, but also other necessary for CT imaging. Various devices may be accommodated. For example, the rotating frame 21 may be equipped with a cooling device for cooling the X-ray tube. Further, a fan for air conditioning may be attached to the gantry 11.

The gantry control circuit 25 controls the high voltage generator 37, the rotation drive device 23, the support column drive device 27, and the tilt drive device 29 according to the control from the system control circuit 61 of the console 50. The gantry control circuit 25 has a processing device (processor) such as a CPU and MPU and a storage device (memory) such as a ROM and RAM as hardware resources. Further, the gantry control circuit 25 may be realized by an ASIC, FPGA, CPLD, SPLD or the like. The processing device realizes the above function by reading and realizing a program stored in the storage device. Instead of storing the program in the storage device, the program may be directly incorporated in the circuit of the processing device. In this case, the processing device realizes the above function by reading and executing a program incorporated in the circuit.

The console 50 includes an image reconstruction device 51, an image processing device 53, a second display device 55, an input interface (IF) circuit 57, a main storage circuit 59, and a system control circuit 61 connected via a bus. Have. Data communication between the image reconstruction device 51, the image processing device 53, the second display device 55, the input IF circuit 57, the main storage circuit 59, and the system control circuit 61 is performed via the bus.

The image reconstructing device 51 reconstructs a CT image of the subject based on the raw data from the console 50. Specifically, the image reconstruction device 51 includes a preprocessing circuit 511, a projection data storage circuit 513, and a reconstruction calculation circuit 515. The preprocessing circuit 511 preprocesses the raw data from the gantry device 10. The pre-processing includes various correction processing such as logarithmic transformation, X-ray intensity correction, and offset correction. The raw data after preprocessing is called projection data. The projection data storage circuit 513 is a storage device such as an HDD, SSD, or integrated circuit storage device that stores the projection data generated by the preprocessing circuit 511. The reconstruction calculation circuit 515 generates a CT image expressing the spatial distribution of CT values with respect to the subject based on the projection data. Image reconstruction algorithms include analytical image reconstruction methods such as the FBP (filtered back projection) method and CBP (convolution back projection) method, the ML-EM (maximum likelihood expectation maximization) method, and the OS-EM (ordered subset). An existing image reconstruction algorithm such as a statistical image reconstruction method such as the expectation maximization method may be used.

The image reconstruction device 51 has a processing device (processor) such as a CPU, MPU, and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and a storage device (memory) such as a ROM and RAM as hardware resources. Further, the image reconstruction device 51 may be realized by an ASIC, an FPGA, a CPLD, or a SPLD. The processing device realizes the functions of the preprocessing circuit 511 and the reconstruction calculation circuit 515 by reading and executing the program stored in the storage device. Instead of storing the program in the storage device, the program may be directly incorporated in the circuit of the processing device. In this case, the processing device realizes the functions of the preprocessing circuit 511 and the reconstruction calculation circuit 515 by reading and executing the program incorporated in the circuit. Further, a dedicated hardware circuit that functions as the preprocessing circuit 511 and a dedicated hardware circuit that functions as the reconstruction calculation circuit 515 may be mounted on the image reconstruction device.

The image processing device 53 performs various image processing on the CT image reconstructed by the image reconstructing device 51. For example, when the CT image is volume data, the image processing apparatus 53 performs volume rendering, surface volume rendering, image value projection processing, MPR (Multi-Planer Reconstruction) processing, CPR (Curved MPR) processing, and the like on the CT image. A display image is generated by performing three-dimensional image processing. The image processing device 53 has a processing device (processor) such as a CPU, MPU, and GPU and a storage device (memory) such as a ROM or RAM as hardware resources. Further, the image processing device 53 may be realized by an ASIC, an FPGA, a CPLD, or a SPLD.

The second display device 55 displays various information such as a two-dimensional CT image and a display image. As the second display device 55, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, a plasma display, or any other display known in the art can be appropriately used.

The input IF circuit 57 receives various commands and information inputs from the user. As the input IF circuit 57, a keyboard, a mouse, various switches, and the like can be used. For example, a tilt angle around an arbitrary tilt axis of the gantry 11 is input to the input IF circuit 57. The input IF circuit 57 may be provided in the console 50 or in the gantry device 10.

The main storage circuit 59 is a storage device such as an HDD, an SSD, or an integrated circuit storage device that stores various information. Further, the main storage circuit 59 may be a drive device or the like that reads and writes various information to and from a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM drive, a DVD drive, and a flash memory. For example, the main storage circuit 59 stores a control program or the like related to CT imaging according to the present embodiment. Specifically, the main memory circuit 59 stores a program for executing display control according to the imaging portion. Further, the main storage circuit 59 stores in advance a plurality of figures relating to the photographing area 313. For example, the main memory circuit 59 stores figures of different sizes shown in FIG. Further, the main storage circuit 59 stores a plurality of figures corresponding to a plurality of rotation angles around the tilt axis of the gantry 11.

The system control circuit 61 has the above-mentioned processing device and storage device as hardware resources. The system control circuit 61 functions as the center of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the present embodiment. Specifically, the system control circuit 61 reads out the control program stored in the main storage circuit 59, expands it on the memory, and controls each part of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the expanded control program.

The determination circuit 63 determines, for example, whether the subject is in a predetermined standing position or a sitting position based on the detection result of the first sensor 33. When the determination circuit 63 determines that the subject is not in a predetermined standing position or sitting position, the system control circuit 61 sets the subject in a predetermined standing position with respect to the subject via the gantry control circuit 25. It is controlled to execute at least one of a warning notifying that the user is not in a position or a sitting position, prohibiting the sliding operation of the gantry 11, and stopping the sliding operation of the gantry 11. Further, the determination circuit 63 determines whether or not the subject is located outside the imaging region 313, for example, based on the detection result by the second sensor 35. When it is determined that the subject is located outside the imaging area 313, the system control circuit 61 indicates that the subject is located outside the imaging area 313 with respect to the subject via the gantry control circuit 25. At least one of a warning notifying the above, prohibiting the sliding operation of the gantry 11, and stopping the sliding operation of the gantry 11 is executed.

The image reconstruction device 51, the image processing device 53, the system control circuit 61, and the determination circuit 63 may be integrated on a single board in the console 50, or may be distributed and mounted on a plurality of boards. Good.

Here, an operation example of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Display control for the first display device 31 according to the imaging site)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of display control for the first display device 31 according to the imaging portion.

As shown in FIG. 6, the system control circuit 61 acquires, for example, imaging site information selected by the input IF circuit 57 (step ST11). For example, the input IF circuit 57 selects an arbitrary imaging region for performing CT imaging from the plurality of imaging regions displayed on the second display device 55. The system control circuit 61 reads out a program corresponding to the acquired imaging site information from the main memory circuit 59 (step ST12). The system control circuit 61 executes display control for the first display device 31 according to the read program (step ST13). For example, the system control circuit 61 controls the first display device 31 to display a predetermined standing position 311 of the subject according to the selected imaging site. As a result, the first display device 31 displays a predetermined standing position 311 according to the selected imaging portion. Further, the system control circuit 61 controls the first display device 31 to display a figure having a size corresponding to the selected imaging portion. As a result, a shooting area having a size corresponding to the selected shooting portion is displayed.

The system control circuit 61 controls the first display device 31 via the gantry control circuit 25.

(Display control for the first display device 31 according to the tilt angle of the gantry 11)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of display control for the first display device 31 according to the tilt angle of the gantry 11.

As shown in FIG. 7, the system control circuit 61 acquires, for example, the tilt angle of the gantry 11 (step ST21). The tilt angle is input to, for example, the input IF circuit 57 and transmitted. The system control circuit 61 reads out the program corresponding to the acquired tilt angle from the main memory circuit 59 (step ST22). The system control circuit 61 executes display control of the first display device 31 according to the read program (step ST23). For example, the system control circuit 61 controls the first display device 31 to display a figure corresponding to the tilt angle. As a result, a perfect circle or ellipse shooting area 313 according to the tilt angle is displayed.

The system control circuit 61 controls the first display device 31 via the gantry control circuit 25.

(Operation control when the subject is not located at the predetermined standing position 311)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of operation control when the subject is not located at a predetermined standing position 311.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the system control circuit 61 does not receive the first detection signal from the first sensor 33 (No in step ST31), the system control circuit 61 determines whether or not CT imaging is in progress (step ST32). When CT imaging is in progress (Yes in step ST32), the system control circuit 61 controls to stop the X-ray irradiation (step ST33). Specifically, the high voltage generator 37 is controlled to stop applying the high voltage. Further, the system control circuit 61 controls the rotation drive device 23 to stop the operation of the gantry 11 (step ST34). Further, the system control circuit 61 controls the support column drive device 27 to stop the operation of the gantry 11 (step ST35).

Further, when CT imaging is not in progress (No in step ST32), the system control circuit 61 controls the support column driving device 27 to prohibit the operation of the gantry 11 (step ST36). The system control circuit 61 controls the first display device 31 to display a warning notifying that the subject is not located at a predetermined standing position 311 (step ST37).
The system control circuit 61 controls the first display device 31 via the gantry control circuit 25.

(Operation control when the subject is located outside the imaging area 313)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of operation control when the subject is located outside the imaging area 313.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the system control circuit 61 receives the second detection signal from the second sensor 35 (Yes in step ST41), the system control circuit 61 determines whether or not CT imaging is in progress (step ST42). During CT imaging (Yes in step ST42), the system control circuit 61 controls to stop X-ray irradiation (step ST43). Specifically, the high voltage generator 37 is controlled to stop applying the high voltage. Further, the system control circuit 61 controls the rotation drive device 23 to stop the operation of the gantry 11 (step ST44). Further, the system control circuit 61 controls the support column drive device 27 to stop the operation of the gantry 11 (step ST45).

Further, when CT imaging is not in progress (No in step ST42), the system control circuit 61 controls the support column drive device 27 to prohibit the operation of the gantry 11 (step ST46). The system control circuit 61 controls the first display device 31 to display a warning notifying that the subject is located outside the imaging area 313 (step ST47).
The system control circuit 61 controls the first display device 31 via the gantry control circuit 25.

According to the configuration described above, the following effects can be obtained.
The X-ray CT apparatus according to the present embodiment opens an X-ray source that generates X-rays, an X-ray detector that detects X-rays that have passed through a subject, and an X-ray source and the X-ray detector. An X-ray source and an X-ray detector, a stand that is sandwiched between them, a support that maintains the central axis of the opening in the direction perpendicular to the floor surface, and supports the stand so as to be movable in the direction perpendicular to the floor surface. A figure corresponding to the range obtained by projecting the photographing field formed by It is provided with a display device to be used. The display device makes it possible to stand the subject at an appropriate position by displaying a figure corresponding to the projection of the imaging area onto a part of the floor surface on the floor surface.

Therefore, the X-ray CT apparatus according to the present embodiment can prevent contact between the subject and the gantry in CT imaging in a standing or sitting position. That is, it is possible to provide an X-ray computed tomography apparatus and a display apparatus capable of ensuring the safety of a subject in CT imaging in a standing or sitting state.

In addition, the term "predetermined processor" used in the above description means, for example, a dedicated or general-purpose processor, circuitry, processing circuitry, operation circuitry, arithmetic circuitry, or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), programmable logic device (for example,). , Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), etc. Further, each component (each processing circuit) of this embodiment is a single processor. However, it may be realized by a plurality of processors. Further, a plurality of components (a plurality of processing circuits) may be realized by a single processor.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

10 ... gantry device, 11 ... gantry, 13 ... support, 15 ... opening, 17 ... X-ray tube, 19 ... X-ray detector, 21 ... rotating frame, 23 ... rotation drive device, 25 ... gantry control circuit, 27 ... support Drive device, 29 ... Tilt drive device, 31 ... 1st display device, 33 ... 1st sensor, 35 ... 2nd sensor, 37 ... High voltage generator, 39 ... Data acquisition circuit, 50 ... Console, 51 ... Image reconstruction Device, 511 ... Preprocessing circuit, 513 ... Projection data storage circuit, 515 ... Reconstruction calculation circuit, 53 ... Image processing device, 55 ... Second display device, 57 ... Input interface (IF) circuit, 59 ... Main storage circuit, 61 ... system control circuit, 63 ... judgment circuit.

Claims (16)

X-ray sources that generate X-rays and
An X-ray detector that detects X-rays that have passed through the subject,
A pedestal having the X-ray source and the X-ray detector with an opening in between,
A strut that maintains the central axis of the opening perpendicular to the floor and supports the gantry so as to be movable in the direction perpendicular to the floor.
Corresponds to a range obtained by projecting the field of view formed by said X-ray detector and the X-ray source range projected before Symbol floor, or, the outer edge of the opening included in the imaging field of view in front Symbol floor A display device for displaying the figure to be displayed on the floor surface is provided.
The display device displays a predetermined standing position or sitting position of the subject in the imaging field of view, and changes the display regarding the predetermined standing position or sitting position according to the examination information regarding CT imaging.
X-ray computed tomography equipment. A storage circuit for storing a plurality of figures related to the field of view is further provided.
The display device corresponds to each of the plurality of figures and has an input button for changing the displayed figure.
The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display device displays a graphic corresponding to each of the input buttons stored in the storage circuit by pressing the input button. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display device displays additional information shown to a subject in the CT imaging. A first sensor provided at the predetermined standing position or sitting position and detecting whether the subject is located at the predetermined standing position or sitting position.
A second sensor provided in the field of view to detect whether the subject is located in the field of view,
Further comprising Claim 1 X-ray computer tomography apparatus according. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the first sensor is a touch sensor capable of detecting contact with the subject. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the first sensor is a load sensor capable of detecting the load of the subject. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the second sensor is a laser sensor capable of detecting the subject by blocking the irradiated laser by the subject. Based on the detection result by the first sensor, it is determined whether the subject is located at the predetermined standing position or the sitting position, and based on the detection result by the second sensor, the subject is in the imaging field of view. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 4 , further comprising a determination circuit for determining whether or not the image is located outside. When it is determined that the subject is not in the predetermined standing position or sitting position, at least one of the warning to the subject, the prohibition of the sliding operation of the pedestal, and the stop of the sliding operation of the pedestal is executed. When it is controlled and it is determined that the subject is located outside the field of view of imaging, at least one of a warning to the subject, prohibition of the sliding operation of the gantry, and stopping of the sliding operation of the gantry are executed. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 8 , further comprising a control circuit for controlling the operation. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the display device displays the warning. The stanchions rotatably support the gantry about a horizontal axis.
The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display device changes the displayed figure according to a rotation angle around the rotation axis of the gantry. The support column supports the gantry so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the floor surface in a state where the central axis of the opening has a predetermined angle with respect to the floor surface.
In the above state, the display device displays on the floor surface a figure showing a range in which the photographing field of view is projected on the floor surface or a range in which the outer edge of the opening is projected on the floor surface.
The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1. The support column has a slide mechanism that slidably supports the gantry in the vertical direction, and a tilt mechanism that rotatably supports the gantry around a horizontal axis.
A first drive device in which the slide mechanism generates power for sliding the gantry, and
A second drive device in which the tilt mechanism generates power for rotating the gantry, and
A control circuit that controls the first drive device and the second drive device,
12. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 12 . A storage circuit that stores a plurality of figures corresponding to a plurality of rotation angles around the horizontal axis of the gantry, and
Further equipped with an input device for inputting the rotation angle,
The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 13 , wherein the display device displays a figure corresponding to the input rotation angle from the plurality of figures. A storage circuit that stores figures corresponding to the rotation angle around the horizontal axis of the gantry, and
An input device for inputting the rotation angle and
Further, a calculation unit for calculating the amount of deformation for deforming the figure according to the input rotation angle is provided.
The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 13 , wherein the display device displays the figure deformed by the calculated deformation amount. An X-ray source for generating X-rays, and X-ray detector for detecting X-rays, has an opening for forming a photographing region, the X-ray and the X-ray source located on opposite sides of the opening X-rays including a pedestal having a detector and a support column that maintains the central axis of the opening perpendicular to the floor surface and movably supports the pedestal in the direction perpendicular to the floor surface. Used in computer tomography equipment
Corresponds to a range obtained by projecting the field of view formed by said X-ray detector and the X-ray source range projected before Symbol floor, or, the outer edge of the opening included in the imaging field of view in front Symbol floor The figure to be displayed is displayed on the floor surface .
A predetermined standing position or sitting position of the subject in the field of view is displayed.
The display regarding the predetermined standing position or sitting position is changed according to the inspection information regarding CT imaging.
Display device.