X-ray computed tomography apparatus

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a compact X-ray CT device capable of performing vertical imaging and recumbent imaging. [Solution] An X-ray CT device according to the present embodiment is provided with a gantry main body, a first support part, and a second support part. The gantry has an imaging system relating to imaging of a subject and an opening into which the subject is inserted. The first support portion has a first rotation mechanism that rotates the stand body about the pitch axis and a plurality of first movement mechanisms that move the stand body in the vertical direction, and at least two of the plurality of first movement mechanisms are disposed so as to sandwich the pitch axis in the horizontal direction. The second supporting part is provided with a second rotating mechanism enabling the stand main body to rotate around the pitch axis and one or more second moving mechanisms enabling the stand main body to move in the vertical direction, the number of the second moving mechanisms is smaller than that of the first moving mechanisms, and the second moving mechanisms are arranged between the pitch axis and the end of the stand main body in the horizontal direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and accompanying drawings relate to X-ray computed tomography apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, X-ray computed tomography (CT) devices capable of imaging subjects in supine or standing positions are known. These CT devices include a mechanism that rotates the frame housing the imaging system between imaging subjects in a supine position (hereinafter referred to as supine imaging) and imaging subjects in an standing position (hereinafter referred to as standing imaging). Furthermore, X-ray CT devices capable of performing both supine and standing imaging include, for example, types with a movable examination table base that allows the top plate to be used only during supine imaging, and types with a movable frame base that allows the frame to move while the top plate is fixed for both standing and supine imaging.

[0003] In both types, a movable base is required to move the examination bed or platform, thus leading to the problem of increasing the size of X-ray CT equipment. When X-ray CT equipment becomes larger, the installation space for that equipment also needs to be increased. Therefore, in order to miniaturize X-ray CT equipment capable of performing both supine and upright radiography, there are methods that involve installing a top plate on the platform.

[0004] However, when the top plate is placed on the CT scanner, there is a risk that the top plate may interfere with the ceiling or floor of the CT examination room as the CT scanner is moved during upright imaging. Sometimes the top plate is removed from the CT scanner.

[0005] Existing technical documents:

[0006] Patent documents:

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-77322 Utility Model Content

[0008] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and accompanying drawings is to realize a compact X-ray CT device capable of performing both upright and supine radiography. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and accompanying drawings are not limited to the above-mentioned problems. Problems corresponding to the effects of the various structures shown in the embodiments described below can also be identified as other problems.

[0009] The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to this embodiment includes a stage body, a first support, and a second support. The stage has an imaging system related to the imaging of a subject and an opening for inserting the subject. The first support has a first rotation mechanism for rotating the stage body about a pitch axis and a plurality of first movement mechanisms for moving the stage body in the vertical direction, at least two of which are arranged horizontally to clamp the pitch axis. The second support has a second rotation mechanism for rotating the stage body about the pitch axis and a second movement mechanism for moving the stage body in the vertical direction, the number of which is one or more but less than the number of the first movement mechanisms, and the second movement mechanisms are arranged horizontally between the pitch axis and an end of the stage body.

[0010] Alternatively, the dimensions of the second support portion may be smaller than those of the first support portion, at least in the horizontal direction.

[0011] Alternatively, it may also include an examination bed having a top plate for placing the subject, such that the top plate can be moved toward the opening, the horizontal direction being the same as the length direction of the top plate.

[0012] Alternatively, a predetermined interval may be set in the first positional relationship between the position of the examination bed before the top plate is moved toward the opening and the position of the second support when the opening is oriented in the vertical direction.

[0013] Alternatively, a predetermined interval may be set in the second positional relationship between the position of the examination bed before the top plate is moved toward the opening and the position of the second support when the opening is oriented in the horizontal direction.

[0014] Alternatively, the second support portion may move in the horizontal direction.

[0015] Alternatively, a support moving mechanism may be provided, which, when the opening is oriented in the vertical direction, causes the second support to move along the horizontal direction.

[0016] Alternatively, the main body of the platform may be a generally cylindrical structure, the first rotating mechanism may be a generally cuboid structure, and the second rotating mechanism may be a generally arc-shaped structure. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2This is a cross-sectional view of the YZ section of the first pillar involved in the embodiment, viewed from the X-axis.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the YZ section of the second pillar involved in the embodiment, viewed from the X-axis.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the movement state of the second pillar of the platform device in the upright mode according to the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the movement state of the second pillar of the platform device in the upright mode according to the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the state of the stand-up apparatus and the examination bed in the standing mode according to the implementation method.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a top view showing the state of the stand-up configuration according to the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a top view showing the state of the support device in the lying position mode according to the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the state of the stand-up device and the examination bed in the standing mode as described in the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a top view showing the state of the stand-up configuration of the device involved in the embodiment.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a top view showing the state of the stand device in the lying position mode according to the embodiment.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0029] 1…X-ray CT apparatus, 10, 20…stand assembly, 11, 12…stand, 13…first support, 14…second support, 15…opening, 17…X-ray tube, 19…X-ray detector, 21…rotating frame, 23…rotation drive, 25…stand control device, 27…first movement control circuit, 28…second movement control circuit, 29…operation panel, 30…top plate, 31…high voltage generator, 33…DAS, 35…examination bed, 53…first pitch mechanism 54, 543…Second pitch mechanism, 55, 56…Axis components, 57, 58…Directional guides, 59, 60…Blocks, 61…Pitch axis, 70…Support movement mechanism, 100…Control console device, 101…Memory, 103…Display, 105…Input interface, 107…Processing circuit, 111…System control function, 113…Preprocessing function, 115…Reconstruction function, 117…Image processing function, 131…First movement mechanism, 132…Second movement mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the X-ray computed tomography apparatus (hereinafter referred to as X-ray CT (computed tomography) apparatus) and the movement control method will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The X-ray CT apparatus of this embodiment has a structure that allows changing the posture of the frame between a standing imaging state where the subject can be imaged in a standing position and a supine imaging state where the subject can be imaged in a supine position. In the following embodiments, parts labeled with the same reference numerals will be described in the same manner, and repeated descriptions will be omitted where appropriate.

[0031] (Implementation Method)

[0032] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. (See diagram below.) Figure 1 As shown, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes a stand unit 10 and a control unit 100. For example, the stand unit 10 is located in the CT examination room, and the control unit 100 is located in a control room adjacent to the CT examination room. The stand unit 10 and the control unit 100 are connected via wired or wireless means to communicate with each other. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the ground, is defined as the Z-axis direction, and two directions orthogonal to the Z-axis direction are defined as the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0033] The gantry device 10 is a scanning apparatus having a structure for performing X-ray CT imaging on a subject in an upright or supine position. The control console device 100 is a computer that controls the gantry device 10. The gantry device 10 includes a gantry 11, a first support column 13, a second support column 14, a rotation drive device 23, and a gantry control device 25. The gantry 11 is also referred to as a frame.

[0034] The stage 11 has a radiographic system related to the imaging of the subject and an opening 15 into which the subject can be inserted. The stage 11 is an example of a stage body. The stage 11 is a generally rectangular parallelepiped structure. The opening 15 forms the radiographic space related to the imaging of the subject. The stage 11 is a generally cylindrical structure with the opening 15 formed therein. Figure 1 As shown, the stage 11 houses an X-ray tube 17 and an X-ray detector 19 arranged opposite each other across an opening 15. The X-ray tube 17 and X-ray detector 19 are included in the imaging system related to the imaging of the subject in this embodiment. Furthermore, the imaging system may also include a data acquisition circuit (hereinafter referred to as a DAS (Data Acquisition System)) 33, a high-voltage generator 31, a collimator, and a wedge, etc. That is, the stage 11 has an imaging system related to the imaging of the subject.

[0035] The platform 11 is supported by the first support column 13 and the second support column 14 in a vertically movable manner, forming a double-support beam. Furthermore, the platform 11 is supported by the first support column 13 and the second support column 14 in a manner that allows the orientation of the opening 15 to be changed between the vertical and horizontal directions. The orientation of the opening 15 corresponds, for example, to the direction in which the top plate 30 is inserted into the opening 15, in other words, along the direction of the rotation axis A1.

[0036] The platform 11 includes: a main frame (not shown) formed of a metal such as aluminum; and a rotating frame 21 supported by the main frame by means of bearings or the like, capable of rotating about a rotation axis A1. An annular electrode (not shown) is provided at the contact portion between the main frame and the rotating frame 21. A conductive sliding member (not shown) is mounted at this contact portion of the main frame in a sliding contact with the annular electrode.

[0037] The first support column 13 and the second support column 14 are bases that support the platform 11 separately from the ground. The first support column 13 is an example of a first support portion. The second support column 14 is an example of a second support portion. The first support column 13 and the second support column 14 are columnar shapes, such as cylindrical or prismatic. The first support column 13 and the second support column 14 are formed of any material, such as plastic or metal. The first support column 13 and the second support column 14 are mounted on the side of the platform 11, for example. In order to perform X-ray CT imaging on a subject in a sitting or standing position, the first support column 13 and the second support column 14 support the platform 11, which is in a state where the rotation axis A1 of the opening 15 is approximately perpendicular to the ground, so that it can slide in the vertical direction.

[0038] The first support column 13 has a first rotating mechanism and a plurality of first moving mechanisms 131. Additionally, the second support column 14 has a second rotating mechanism and a second moving mechanism 132. For example, the first support column 13 and the second support column 14 support the platform 11 such that the platform 11 can rotate between the vertical and horizontal directions about a horizontal axis parallel to the ground (hereinafter referred to as the pitch axis). The platform 11, the first support column 13, and the second support column 14 are connected, for example, via a slewing bearing, such that the platform 11 can rotate about the pitch axis.

[0039] Here, use Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first pillar 13 and the second pillar 14 are explained. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the YZ section of the first pillar involved in the embodiment, viewed from the X-axis. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the YZ section of the second pillar involved in the embodiment, viewed from the X-axis.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, a first sliding mechanism 51 for sliding the platform 11 in the vertical direction is housed inside the housing of the first support 13. The first sliding mechanism 51 is implemented, for example, by a ball screw. That is, the first sliding mechanism 51 has two screw shafts 511 and two sliders 512.

[0041] The lead screw shaft 511 is disposed inside the housing of the first support column 13 with its axis parallel to the vertical direction. One end of the lead screw shaft 511 is supported by a support body (bearing) 513 and is rotatable. The support body 513 is disposed, for example, at one end of the housing of the first support column 13. The other end of the lead screw shaft 511 is connected to the first support column drive device (motor) 514. The first support column drive device 514 drives the motor according to control from the platform control device 25.

[0042] The first pillar drive device 514 is disposed inside the housing of the first pillar 13 at the other end opposite to the support body 513. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, the support body 513 can also be disposed at the lower part of the housing of the first pillar 13, and the first pillar drive device 514 can be disposed at the upper part of the housing of the first pillar 13. Furthermore, the positional relationship between the support body 513 and the first pillar drive device 514 is not limited to the above. For example, the support body 513 can be disposed at the upper part of the housing of the first pillar 13, and the first pillar drive device 514 can be disposed at the lower part of the housing of the first pillar 13.

[0043] The slider 512 has a through hole with a threaded groove (internal thread) that engages with the threaded groove (external thread) of the lead screw shaft 511. The slider 512 is screwed onto the lead screw shaft 511. The lead screw shaft 511 rotates in conjunction with the rotation axis of the first support drive device 514, and the slider 512 slides along the axial direction of the lead screw shaft 511, i.e., the vertical direction, as the lead screw shaft 511 rotates. The aforementioned plurality of lead screw shafts 511 and plurality of sliders 512 correspond to a first moving mechanism 131 related to the movement of the platform 11. That is, the first moving mechanism 131 is mounted on the first support 13.

[0044] A first pitch mechanism 53 is mounted on the slider 512 of the first sliding mechanism 51 to support the platform 11 so that it can rotate about the rotation axis A1. The first pitch mechanism 53 is an example of a first rotation mechanism. The first pitch mechanism 53 causes the platform 12 to rotate about the pitch axis. The first pitch mechanism 53 is, for example, a generally cuboid-shaped structure. The first pitch mechanism 53 is implemented, for example, by a shaft member 55.

[0045] The shaft component 55 is mounted on the slider 512 with its axis aligned with the pitch axis 61. The shaft component 55 can be directly mounted to the slider 512 using fasteners or similar means, or it can be mounted via existing mechanical elements. One end of the shaft component 55 is connected to a rotary drive (motor) 23. The rotary drive 23 is, for example, mounted on the slider 512. The shaft component 55 rotates in conjunction with the rotation axis of the rotary drive 23. The rotary drive 23 drives the motor according to control from the platform control device 25.

[0046] The rotary drive device 23 is directly connected to the shaft component 55, but this is not a limitation; for example, it can be indirectly connected via mechanical elements such as gears. The rotary drive device 23 is disposed on the slider 512, but this embodiment is not limited to this; it can be directly or indirectly connected to the shaft component 55, or disposed at any part of the housing of the first support column 13. A slit is provided in the housing of the first support column 13 in a vertical direction, such that the shaft component 55 can slide vertically in conjunction with the rotational linkage of the rotational shaft A1 of the first support drive device 514. Therefore, the shaft component 55 can slide vertically in conjunction with the rotational linkage of the rotational shaft A1 of the first support drive device 514 without mechanical interference with the housing of the first support column 13.

[0047] Additionally, a plurality of linear guides 57 are provided along the vertical direction on the first support column 13. A slewing bearing is provided on a block 59 capable of moving along the linear guides 57. The block 59 moves along the linear guides 57 by being driven by a motor under the control of the first movement control circuit 27. The aforementioned plurality of linear guides 57 and slewing bearings correspond to a first movement mechanism 131 related to the movement of the platform 11. That is, the first movement mechanism 131 is mounted on the first support column 13.

[0048] The first moving mechanism 131, under the control of the first moving control circuit 27, moves the block 59 along the linear guide 57 arranged in the vertical direction, thereby moving the platform 11. Thus, the platform 11 can move up and down in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the mechanism related to the movement of the platform 11 in the vertical direction is not limited to the linear guide, etc.; for example, it can be implemented by known mechanisms such as rack and pinion devices.

[0049] Next, use Figure 3 The second pillar, 14, will be explained. For example... Figure 3 As shown, a second sliding mechanism 52 for sliding the platform 11 in the vertical direction is housed inside the housing of the second support 14. The second sliding mechanism 52 is implemented, for example, by a ball screw. That is, the second sliding mechanism 52 has a screw shaft 521 and a slider 522.

[0050] The lead screw shaft 521 is disposed inside the housing of the second support column 14 with its axis parallel to the vertical direction. One end of the lead screw shaft 521 is supported by a support body (bearing) 523 and is rotatable. The support body 523 is disposed, for example, at one end of the housing of the second support column 14. The other end of the lead screw shaft 521 is connected to the second support column drive device (motor) 524. The second support column drive device 524 drives the motor according to control from the platform control device 25.

[0051] The second pillar drive device 524 is disposed inside the housing of the second pillar 14 at the other end opposite to the support body 523. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, the support body 523 can also be disposed at the lower part of the housing of the second pillar 14, and the second pillar drive device 524 can be disposed at the upper part of the housing of the second pillar 14. Furthermore, the positional relationship between the support body 523 and the second pillar drive device 524 is not limited to the above. For example, the support body 523 can be disposed at the upper part of the housing of the second pillar 14, and the second pillar drive device 524 can be disposed at the lower part of the housing of the second pillar 14.

[0052] The slider 522 has a through hole with a threaded groove (internal thread) that engages with the threaded groove (external thread) of the lead screw shaft 521. The slider 522 is screwed into the lead screw shaft 521. The lead screw shaft 521 rotates in conjunction with the rotation axis of the second support drive device 524, and the slider 522 slides along the axial direction of the lead screw shaft 521, i.e., the vertical direction, as the lead screw shaft 521 rotates. The lead screw shaft 521 and the slider 522 correspond to the second moving mechanism 132 related to the movement of the platform 11. That is, the second moving mechanism 132 is mounted on the second support shaft 14.

[0053] A second pitch mechanism 54 is mounted on the slider 522 of the second sliding mechanism 52 to support the platform 11 so that it can rotate about the rotation axis A1. The second pitch mechanism 54 is an example of a second rotation mechanism. The second pitch mechanism 54 causes the platform 12 to rotate about the pitch axis. The second pitch mechanism 54 is a generally cuboid structure. The second pitch mechanism 54 is implemented, for example, by a shaft member 56.

[0054] The shaft component 56 is mounted on the slider 522 with its axis aligned with the pitch axis 61. The shaft component 56 can be directly mounted to the slider 522 using fasteners or other fasteners, or it can be mounted via existing mechanical elements. One end of the shaft component 56 is connected to a rotary drive (motor) 23. The rotary drive 23 is, for example, mounted on the slider 522. The shaft component 56 rotates in conjunction with the rotation axis of the rotary drive 23. The rotary drive 23 drives the motor according to control from the platform control device 25.

[0055] The rotary drive device 23 is directly connected to the shaft component 56, but this is not a limitation; for example, it can be indirectly connected via mechanical elements such as gears. The rotary drive device 23 is disposed on the slider 512, but this embodiment is not limited to this; it can be disposed anywhere on the housing of the second support column 14, as long as it is directly or indirectly connected to the shaft component. A slit is provided in the housing of the second support column 14 in the vertical direction, allowing the shaft component 56 to slide vertically in rotational linkage with the rotational axis of the second support column drive device 524. Thus, the shaft component 56 can slide vertically in rotational linkage with the rotational axis of the second support column drive device 524 without mechanical interference with the housing of the second support column 14.

[0056] Furthermore, a linear guide 58 is provided vertically on the second support column 14. A slewing bearing is provided on a block 60 that can move along the linear guide 58. The block 60 moves along the linear guide 58 by a motor driven under the control of the second movement control circuit 28. The aforementioned linear guide 58 and slewing bearing correspond to the second movement mechanism 132 related to the movement of the platform 11. That is, the second movement mechanism 132 is mounted on the second support column 14.

[0057] Under the control of the second movement control circuit 28, the second moving mechanism 132 moves the block 60 along the linear guide 58 arranged in the vertical direction, thereby moving the platform 11. Thus, the platform 11 can move up and down in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the mechanism related to the movement of the platform 11 in the vertical direction is not limited to the linear guide, etc.; for example, it can be implemented using known mechanisms such as rack and pinion devices.

[0058] For example, in the case of performing supine radiography on a subject, the first pitch mechanism 53 and the second pitch mechanism 54, under the control of the first movement control circuit 27 and the second movement control circuit 28, rotate the platform 11 so that the opening 15 is vertical. After the subject lies on the top plate 30, the top plate 30 is moved horizontally by the examination bed 35 (described later), thereby enabling supine radiography of the subject in the same manner as a conventional X-ray CT device.

[0059] Furthermore, during upright radiography of the subject, the first tilt mechanism 53 and the second tilt mechanism 54, under the control of the first movement control circuit 27 and the second movement control circuit 28, rotate the platform 11 so that the opening 15 is horizontal. The subject stands with their back against the top plate 30, and upright radiography is performed by moving the platform 11 up and down. Alternatively, the first movement control circuit 27 and the second movement control circuit 28 can also be configured as a single movement control circuit.

[0060] return Figure 1 X-ray tube 17 is a vacuum tube that generates X-rays by irradiating thermionic electrons from the cathode (filament) toward the anode (target) through the application of high voltage from high voltage generator 31 and the supply of filament current. X-rays are generated by the collision of thermionic electrons with the target. The X-rays generated at the focal point of the X-ray tube 17 are shaped into a cone-shaped beam, for example, by a collimator, and irradiate the subject.

[0061] For example, the X-ray tube 17 is a rotating anode type X-ray tube that generates X-rays by irradiating thermionic electrons onto a rotating anode. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it can be applied to both single-tube type X-ray CT devices and so-called multi-tube type X-ray CT devices in which multiple pairs of X-ray tubes 17 and X-ray detectors 19 are mounted on a rotating frame 21.

[0062] X-ray detector 19 detects X-rays that have irradiated the object P from X-ray tube 17 and passed through it, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the X-ray dose to DAS 33. X-ray detector 19 may have, for example, multiple arrays of detection elements arranged along an arc in the channel direction with the focal point of X-ray tube 17 as the center.

[0063] The X-ray detector 19, for example, has a configuration in which multiple rows of the detection elements are arranged in the slice direction (row direction). Furthermore, as an X-ray CT apparatus 1, there are Rotate / Rotate-Type (rotational type, third-generation CT) where the X-ray tube 17 and the X-ray detector 19 are integrated and rotate around the subject, and Stationary / Rotate-Type (fixed-rotation type, fourth-generation CT) where multiple X-ray detection elements are fixed and arranged in a ring, and only the X-ray tube 17 rotates around the subject; any type can be applied to this embodiment. Hereinafter, for the sake of clarity, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of this embodiment will be described using a third-generation CT as an example.

[0064] Alternatively, the X-ray detector 19 is, for example, an indirect conversion type detector having a grid, a scintillator array, and a light sensor array. The scintillator array has multiple scintillators, each having a scintillator crystal that outputs a photon quantity of light corresponding to the incident X-ray dose. The grid is disposed on the X-ray incident side of the scintillator array and has an X-ray shield that absorbs scattered X-rays.

[0065] Additionally, the grid is sometimes referred to as a collimator (one-dimensional collimator or two-dimensional collimator). The light sensor array has the function of converting light into an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of light from the scintillator, such as a light sensor with a photomultiplier tube (PMT). Furthermore, the X-ray detector 19 can also be a direct conversion type detector with a semiconductor element that converts incident X-rays into an electrical signal. Alternatively, the X-ray detector 19 can also be a photon counting type X-ray detector. The X-ray detector 19 is an example of an X-ray detection unit.

[0066] The rotating frame 21 has an opening 15 on which an X-ray tube 17 for generating X-rays is mounted. Specifically, the rotating frame 21 is an annular frame that supports the X-ray tube 17 and the X-ray detector 19 in opposition, and rotates the X-ray tube 17 and the X-ray detector 19 via a stage control device 25 described later. The rotating frame 21 is connected to a first pitch mechanism 53 and a second pitch mechanism 54, and is rotatably supported on the main frame via support bearings. The rotating frame 21 receives power from the rotation drive device 23 under the control of the stage control device 25 and rotates about the rotation axis A1 at a constant angular velocity.

[0067] In addition to the X-ray tube 17 and the X-ray detector 19, the rotating frame 21 also includes and supports a high-voltage generator 31 and a DAS 33. This rotating frame 21 is housed within a generally cylindrical shell that forms an opening 15 constituting the imaging space. The central axis of the opening 15 coincides with the rotation axis A1 of the rotating frame 21.

[0068] Furthermore, the detection data generated by the DAS33 is transmitted, for example, from a transmitter with a light-emitting diode (LED) via optical communication to a receiver with a photodiode located on the non-rotating part (e.g., the main frame) of the mounting device 10, and then transferred to the control console device 100. Moreover, the method of transmitting detection data from the rotating frame 21 to the non-rotating part of the mounting device 10 is not limited to the aforementioned optical communication; any non-contact data transmission method can be used.

[0069] The rotary drive unit 23 generates power to rotate the rotating frame 21 according to control from the platform control unit 25. The rotary drive unit 23 generates power by driving at a rotational speed corresponding to the duty cycle of the drive signal from the platform control unit 25. The rotary drive unit 23 is implemented, for example, by a direct drive motor, a servo motor, or the like. The rotary drive unit 23 is, for example, housed in the first support column 13 and the second support column 14.

[0070] The platform control device 25 controls the high-voltage generator 31, the rotary drive device 23, the first movement control circuit 27, the second movement control circuit 28, and the DAS 33 according to instructions from the control console device 100. The platform control device 25 has the function of receiving input signals from the control console device 100 and the input interface mounted on the platform device 10 to control the movement of the platform device 10. For example, the platform control device 25 controls the rotation of the rotating frame 21 by receiving input signals, and controls the pitch and tilt of the platform device 10.

[0071] Furthermore, the platform control device 25 can also be installed on the first support column 13 or the second support column 14 in the platform device 10, or it can be installed on the control console device 100. In addition, the functions implemented by the platform control device 25 can also be implemented as platform control functions in the processing circuit 107 in the control console device 100.

[0072] The stage control device 25 has processing units (processors) such as CPU (Central Processing Unit) and MPU (Micro Processing Unit) and storage devices (memory) such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory) as hardware resources. Alternatively, the stage control device 25 can also be implemented using application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), or simple programmable logic devices (SPLDs).

[0073] The processing device achieves the above-mentioned functions by reading and executing the program stored in the storage device. Alternatively, the processing device can be configured to directly program the program within its circuitry, instead of storing the program in the storage device. In this case, the processing device achieves the above-mentioned functions by reading and executing the program assembled within the circuitry.

[0074] The top plate 30 can hold the patient in the supine position and can be inserted into the opening 15. The top plate 30 is supported on the platform 11 via the examination bed 35. Specifically, the top plate 30 is held by the examination bed 35 located at both ends of the opening 15 on the platform 11. That is, the platform 11 is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the top plate 30 is supported by the examination bed 35 on the inner wall portion forming the opening 15.

[0075] The top plate 30 can move along the direction through which the opening 15 passes via the examination bed 35. In other words, the top plate 30 and the platform 11 are fixed via the examination bed 35 so that they can slide relative to the platform 11 along the rotation axis A1 of the rotating frame 21 in the imaging system.

[0076] The examination bed 35 is positioned at the opening 15 of the platform 11. For example, as... Figure 1As shown, the examination bed 35 is disposed at both ends of the opening 15. Under the control of the first movement control circuit 27 and the second movement control circuit 28, the examination bed 35 moves the top plate 30 toward the opening 15. The examination bed 35 is constructed, for example, by a component such as a roller guide. The examination bed 35 can be implemented by a structure such as a friction drive or a belt mechanism. Furthermore, the examination bed 35 is not limited to roller guides, friction drives, belt mechanisms, etc., and can be appropriately implemented by known mechanisms.

[0077] Furthermore, the examination table 35 can also be mounted on a vertical movement mechanism. This vertical movement mechanism, for example, mounts the examination table 35 and is positioned on the stand 11. The vertical movement mechanism allows the top plate 30 to move in a direction perpendicular to the surface on which the subject P is placed. For example, the vertical movement mechanism can be implemented using an actuator (e.g., a piston type) capable of moving (pushing upwards) the rotation axis of the roller guide along the Y-axis. However, the means of implementing the vertical movement mechanism are not limited to an actuator.

[0078] When the opening 15 is oriented vertically (hereinafter referred to as upright imaging), the first movement control circuit 27 and the second movement control circuit 28 control the examination bed 35 such that the top plate 30 moves in the opposite direction to the movement direction of the platform 11 as the platform 11 moves along the vertical direction. Furthermore, during upright imaging, when the platform 11 moves to the imaging position of the subject, the first movement control circuit 27 and the second movement control circuit 28 control the examination bed 35 such that the top plate 30 moves in the opposite direction to the movement direction of the platform 11.

[0079] Furthermore, during upright radiography, when performing helical or positional scanning as a photograph of the subject, the first movement control circuit 27 and the second movement control circuit 28 control the examination bed 35 to move the top plate 30 in the opposite direction to the movement direction of the platform 11. When the top plate 30 moves in the opposite direction to the movement direction of the platform 11, the first movement control circuit 27 and the second movement control circuit 28 control the examination bed 35 to move the top plate 30 in that opposite direction at the same speed as the platform 11.

[0080] During upright imaging, when performing a volume scan as described above, the first movement control circuit 27 and the second movement control circuit 28 stop the movement of the platform 11 and the top plate 30. Furthermore, when the opening 15 is oriented horizontally, the first movement control circuit 27 and the second movement control circuit 28 control the examination bed 35 to move the top plate 30 horizontally for imaging the subject. That is, when the platform device 10 is in supine mode, the first movement control circuit 27 and the second movement control circuit 28 control the examination bed 35 to move only the top plate 30 according to user instructions via the operation panel 29, etc.

[0081] The first movement control circuit 27 and the second movement control circuit 28 control the first movement mechanism 131, the second movement mechanism 132, and the examination bed 35, which are related to the movement of the platform 11, to achieve a predetermined relative positional relationship between the first support 13, the second support 14, the platform 11, and the top plate 30. The predetermined positional relationship is equivalent to the positional relationship of the first support 13, the second support 14, the platform 11, and the top plate 30 such that the top plate 30 does not contact the floor of the examination room when the platform 11 is rotated about the X-axis. When the predetermined relative positional relationship is achieved, the first movement control circuit 27 and the second movement control circuit 28 control the first pitch mechanism 53 and the second pitch mechanism 54 to rotate the orientation of the opening 15 between the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0082] The first movement control circuit 27 and the second movement control circuit 28 are implemented by the processor described above. The processor that implements the various movement control processes executed by the first movement control circuit 27 and the second movement control circuit 28 is equivalent to a movement control unit. Furthermore, in Figure 1 In this configuration, the first motion control circuit 27 and the second motion control circuit 28 are mounted on the first support column 13 and the second support column 14, but they can also be mounted on the platform 11 or the control console 100. Furthermore, the functions implemented by the first motion control circuit 27 and the second motion control circuit 28, as motion control functions, can also be mounted on the processing circuit 107 or the platform control device 25.

[0083] The operation panel 29 comprises power buttons, a touchpad for input via touch, and a touch panel display integrating the display screen and touchpad. The operation panel 29 converts user-received input into electrical signals and outputs them to the stage control device 25. For example, the operation panel 29 accepts selection operations, such as choosing an upright mode for imaging a standing subject or a supine mode for imaging a supine subject. The operation panel 29 is, for example, located on the first support column 13.

[0084] The high-voltage generator 31 includes circuits such as a transformer and a rectifier to generate a high voltage applied to the X-ray tube 17 and a filament current supplied to the X-ray tube 17. Furthermore, the high-voltage generator 31 controls the output voltage corresponding to the X-rays irradiated by the X-ray tube 17. The high-voltage generator 31 can be a transformer or an inverter. Additionally, the high-voltage generator 31 can be installed on the rotating frame 21 or on the main frame side of the stage 11.

[0085] The wedge-shaped element (not shown) is a filter used to adjust the X-ray dose emanating from the X-ray tube 17. Specifically, the wedge-shaped element is a filter that transmits and attenuates the X-rays emanating from the X-ray tube 17 to the subject P in a predetermined distribution. The wedge-shaped element is, for example, a wedge filter or bow-tie filter, made of aluminum machined to a specified target angle or thickness.

[0086] The collimator, not shown, is a lead plate or similar device used to reduce the X-rays transmitted through the wedge to the X-ray irradiation range. A slit is formed by combining multiple lead plates or similar devices.

[0087] The DAS33 has an amplifier that amplifies the electrical signals output from each X-ray detection element of the X-ray detector 19 and an A / D converter that converts the electrical signals into digital signals to generate detection data. The detection data generated by the DAS33 is transmitted to the control console 100.

[0088] The console device 100 includes a memory 101, a display 103, an input interface 105, and processing circuitry 107. Data communication between the memory 101, the display 103, the input interface 105, and the processing circuitry 107 is performed, for example, via a bus.

[0089] The memory 101 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or integrated circuit memory device that stores various types of information. For example, the memory 101 stores projection data and reconstructed image data. Besides HDDs and SSDs, the memory 101 can also be a drive device for reading and writing various types of information with removable storage media such as CDs (Compact Discs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), flash memory, and semiconductor storage elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory). Furthermore, the storage area of ​​the memory 101 can be located within the console device 100 or in an external storage device connected via a network. Additionally, the memory 101 stores the control program involved in this embodiment. The memory 101 also stores volume data generated through pre-scanning or formal scanning.

[0090] The display 103 displays various information. For example, the display 103 outputs medical images (CT images) generated by the processing circuit 107, and a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for handling various operations from the user. For example, the display 103 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, an organic EL display (OELD), a plasma display, or any other type of display. Furthermore, the display 103 can also be mounted on the stand device 10. Alternatively, the display 103 can be a desktop unit, or it can be configured as a tablet terminal capable of wireless communication with the main body of the control console device 100. The display 103 is equivalent to a display unit.

[0091] Input interface 105 accepts various input operations from the user, converts the accepted input operations into electrical signals, and outputs them to processing circuit 107. For example, input interface 105 accepts collection conditions when collecting projection data, reconstruction conditions when reconstructing CT images, and image processing conditions when generating post-processed images from CT images. As input interface 105, a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, touchpad, and touch panel display can be appropriately used, for example.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the input interface 105 is not limited to physical operating components such as a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, touchpad, and touch panel display. For example, a processing circuit that receives electrical signals corresponding to input operations from an external input device separate from the device and outputs those electrical signals to the processing circuit 44 is also included in the input interface 105. Additionally, the input interface 105 is an example of an input unit. Furthermore, the input interface 105 may also be provided on the stand device 10. Additionally, the input interface 43 may be configured as a tablet terminal or the like capable of wireless communication with the main body of the console device 100. The input interface 105 is equivalent to an input unit.

[0093] The processing circuit 107 controls the overall operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 based on the electrical signal of the input operation output from the input interface 105. For example, the processing circuit 107 has processors such as CPU, MPU, and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and memories such as ROM and RAM as hardware resources. The processing circuit 107 executes system control function 111, preprocessing function 113, reconstruction function 115, and image processing function 117 by executing a program expanded in memory. The processing circuit 107, which executes system control function 111, preprocessing function 113, reconstruction function 115, and image processing function 117 respectively, corresponds to the system control unit, preprocessing unit, image generation unit, and image processing unit. Furthermore, the system control function 111, preprocessing function 113, reconstruction function 115, and image processing function 117 are not limited to being implemented by a single processing circuit. Multiple independent processors can also be combined to form a processing circuit, and each processor executes a program to realize system control function 111, preprocessing function 113, reconstruction function 115 and image processing function 117 respectively.

[0094] The processing circuit 107 controls its various functions based on input operations received from the user via the input interface 105 through the system control function 111. Specifically, the system control function 111 reads the control program stored in the memory 101 and expands it in the memory within the processing circuit 107, controlling each part of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the expanded control program. For example, the processing circuit 107 controls its various functions based on input operations received from the user via the input interface 105.

[0095] The processing circuit 107 generates preprocessed data from the detection data output from the DAS33 through the preprocessing function 113, which includes logarithmic transformation, offset correction, inter-channel sensitivity correction, and beam hardening correction. The data before preprocessing is referred to as the raw data, and the data after preprocessing is referred to as the projected data.

[0096] The processing circuit 107, through the reconstruction function 115, performs reconstruction processing on the projection data generated by the preprocessing function 113 using methods such as filtered back projection (FBP) and successive approximation reconstruction, to generate CT image data. That is, the reconstruction function 115 generates an image based on the output from the imaging system. The reconstruction function 115 then saves the reconstructed CT image data to the memory 101.

[0097] The processing circuit 107 performs various image processing operations on the CT image reconstructed by the reconstruction function 115 through the image processing function 117. For example, the image processing function 117 performs three-dimensional image processing on the CT image, such as volume rendering, surface volume rendering, image value projection processing, MPR (Multi-Planer Reconstruction) processing, and CPR (Curved MPR) processing, to generate a display image.

[0098] However, conventional X-ray CT apparatuses capable of imaging subjects in supine or standing positions require a movable base for moving the examination table or platform, resulting in a problem of large-scale X-ray CT apparatuses. Therefore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 in this embodiment achieves a compact X-ray CT apparatus by moving the second pillar 14 of the support platform 11 in the horizontal direction. Hereinafter, the horizontal movement of the second pillar 14 will be described.

[0099] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the movement state of the second support column 14 of the platform device 10 in the upright mode according to the embodiment. Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 The diagram shows the platform 11, first support column 13, first pitch mechanism 53, and second pitch mechanism 54 of the platform device 10 in the standing mode. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second support column 14 is equipped with a support column moving mechanism 70 that moves the second support column 14 along the horizontal direction M1 when the opening 15 is oriented vertically.

[0100] like Figure 4 As shown, the second support column 14 cooperates with the support column moving mechanism 70, and the end 141 of the second support column 14 moves horizontally to a position approximately in a straight line with the end 541 of the second pitch mechanism 54. Additionally, as... Figure 5 As shown, the second pillar 14 cooperates with the pillar moving mechanism 70, and the end 142 of the second pillar 14 moves horizontally to a position substantially in line with the end 542 of the second pitch mechanism 54. The dimensions of the second pillar 14 are smaller than those of the first pillar 13, at least in the horizontal direction.

[0101] Next, refer to Figure 6 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 The positional relationship between the second pillar 14 and the examination bed 35 is explained. Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the state of the stand-up apparatus and the examination bed in the standing mode according to the implementation method. Figure 7 This is a top view showing the state of the stand-up configuration according to the embodiment. Figure 8 This is a top view showing the state of the support frame device in a supine position according to the embodiment. Figure 6 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 The diagram shows the platform 11, first support column 13, top plate 30, examination bed 35, first pitch mechanism 53, second pitch mechanism 54, pitch axis 61, and support column moving mechanism 70 of the platform device 10.

[0102] Figure 6 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 The illustrated frame assembly 10 includes a frame 11, a first pitch mechanism 53, and a plurality of first moving mechanisms 131. At least two of the plurality of first moving mechanisms 131 have a first support column 13, a second pitch mechanism 54, and a second moving mechanism 132 arranged in the horizontal direction to clamp a pitch axis 61. There are one or more second moving mechanisms 132, but fewer in number than the first moving mechanisms 131. Each second moving mechanism 132 has a second support column 14 arranged in the horizontal direction between the pitch axis 61 and the end 141 of the frame 11. Additionally, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 also includes an examination table 35 with a top plate 30, the aforementioned horizontal direction being the same as the longitudinal direction of the examination table 35.

[0103] Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The position of the second support 14 is the position after the end 142 of the second support 14 has been moved to a position that is approximately in a straight line with the end 542 of the second pitch mechanism 54. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the examination bed 35 causes the top plate 30 to move along the length direction M2 of the examination bed 35. The horizontal direction M1 of the movement of the second support column 14 is the same as the length direction M2 of the examination bed 35.

[0104] In addition, Figure 6 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 In this configuration, the second pillar 14 is located in the horizontal direction M1 at the position furthest from the position of the examination bed 35 before the top plate 30 is moved. In this positional relationship, for example, as... Figure 7As shown, a predetermined interval L1 is provided in the first positional relationship between the position of the examination bed 35 before the top plate 30 moves toward the opening 15 and the position of the second support column 14 when the opening 15 is oriented vertically. Additionally, for example, as... Figure 8 As shown, a predetermined interval L1 is set in the second positional relationship between the position of the examination bed 35 before the top plate 30 moves toward the opening 15 and the position of the second support column 14 when the opening 15 is oriented horizontally.

[0105] Here, the specified interval L1 refers to the interval that ensures the movement path of the patient within the examination room. The specified interval L1 is, for example, the width of the patient transport vehicle that the patient can move on, such as a wheelchair. Therefore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 can perform both upright and supine imaging, achieving a compact X-ray CT apparatus.

[0106] The X-ray CT apparatus 1 described in the above embodiments includes: a stage body having an imaging system related to the imaging of a subject and an opening 15 for inserting the subject; a first rotation mechanism for rotating the stage body about a pitch axis; and a plurality of first movement mechanisms 131 for moving the stage body in the vertical direction. At least two of the plurality of first movement mechanisms 131 have: a first support portion arranged in the horizontal direction to clamp the pitch axis 61; a second rotation mechanism for rotating the stage body about the pitch axis; and a second movement mechanism 132 for moving the stage body in the vertical direction. The number of second movement mechanisms 132 is one or more and less than the number of first movement mechanisms 131. The second movement mechanisms 132 are arranged in the horizontal direction between the pitch axis 61 and the end of the stage body.

[0107] This structure ensures sufficient space between the examination table 35 and the second support. Consequently, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 can perform both upright and supine radiography, achieving a compact X-ray CT device.

[0108] In addition, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 also includes an examination table 35, which has a top plate 30 for placing the subject and is movable toward the opening 15 in a horizontal direction that is the same as the direction of the long side of the top plate 30. Furthermore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 provides a predetermined interval L1 in a first positional relationship between the position of the examination table 35 before the top plate 30 is moved toward the opening 15 and the position of the second support when the opening 15 is oriented vertically.

[0109] Furthermore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 establishes a predetermined interval L1 in the second positional relationship between the position of the examination table 35 before the top plate 30 moves toward the opening 15 and the position of the second support when the opening 15 is oriented horizontally. This ensures the smooth movement of the subject.

[0110] Furthermore, the second support moves horizontally, and the X-ray CT apparatus 1 also includes a support moving mechanism that allows the second support to move horizontally when the opening 15 is oriented vertically. Thus, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 can easily change the movement path of the subject according to the imaging location and the layout of the examination room.

[0111] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can also be appropriately modified by changing a portion of the structure or function of each device. Therefore, several variations of the above-described embodiments will be described below as other embodiments. In addition, the following mainly describes the differences from the above-described embodiments, using the same reference numerals for points common to the already described content, and omitting detailed descriptions. Furthermore, the other embodiments described below can be implemented individually or in appropriate combinations.

[0112] (Modified Example)

[0113] The difference between this modified example and the implementation method is that the platform 11 in the implementation method is a generally rectangular parallelepiped structure, while the platform in the modified example is a generally cylindrical structure. Furthermore, the second pitching mechanism is also different, as the platform in the modified example is a generally cylindrical structure. Here, using... Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 The modified X-ray CT apparatus will be described.

[0114] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the state of the stand device 20 and the examination bed 35 in the standing mode involved in the modified example. Figure 10 This is a top view showing the state of the platform device 20 in the upright mode involved in the modified example. Figure 11 This is a top view showing the state of the support frame device 20 in the horizontal position, as described in the modified example. Figure 9 , Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 The table shows the platform 12, the first support column 13, the top plate 30, the examination bed 35, the first pitch mechanism 53, the second pitch mechanism 543, the pitch axis 61, and the support column moving mechanism 70 of the platform device 20.

[0115] The stage 12 has a photographic system related to the imaging of the subject and an opening 15 into which the subject can be inserted. The stage 12 is an example of a stage body. The opening 15 constitutes a photographic space related to the imaging of the subject. The stage 12 is a generally cylindrical structure with the opening 15 formed therein.

[0116] The platform 12 is supported by the first support column 13 and the second support column 14 in a vertically movable manner, forming a double-support beam. Furthermore, the platform 12 is supported by the first support column 13 and the second support column 14 in a manner that allows the orientation of the opening 15 to be changed between the vertical and horizontal directions. The second pitch mechanism 543 is a generally arc-shaped structure.

[0117] Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 The position of the second support 14 is the position after the end 142 of the second support 14 has been moved to a position that is approximately in a straight line with the end 544 of the second pitch mechanism 543. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the examination bed 35 causes the top plate 30 to move along the length direction M2 of the examination bed 35. The horizontal direction M3 of the movement of the second support column 14 is the same as the length direction M2 of the examination bed 35.

[0118] In addition, Figure 9 , Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 In this configuration, the second pillar 14 is located at the position furthest from the position of the examination bed 35 before the top plate 30 is moved, in the horizontal direction M3. In this positional relationship, for example, as... Figure 10 As shown, a predetermined interval L1 is set in the third positional relationship between the position of the examination bed 35 before the top plate 30 moves toward the opening 15 and the position of the second support column 14 when the opening 15 is oriented vertically.

[0119] Additionally, for example, such as Figure 11 As shown, a predetermined interval L1 is set in the fourth positional relationship between the position of the examination bed 35 before the top plate 30 moves toward the opening 15 and the position of the second support column 14 when the opening 15 is oriented horizontally. Thus, the modified X-ray CT apparatus 1 can ensure the path of movement of the subject.

[0120] According to at least one embodiment, modification, etc. described above, standing and supine radiography can be performed, and a compact X-ray CT device 1 can be realized.

[0121] Several embodiments have been described, but these embodiments are given by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the utility model. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit of the utility model. These embodiments or variations thereof are included within the scope or spirit of the utility model, and also within the scope of the utility model and its equivalents as described in the claims.

Claims

1. An X-ray computed tomography apparatus, wherein, have: The main body of the stand has a photographic system related to the photographing of the subject and an opening for inserting the subject; The first support portion has a first rotation mechanism that causes the platform body to rotate about the pitch axis and a plurality of first moving mechanisms that cause the platform body to move in the vertical direction, wherein at least two of the plurality of first moving mechanisms are configured in the horizontal direction to clamp the pitch axis. as well as The second support portion has a second rotation mechanism that causes the platform body to rotate about the pitch axis and a second movement mechanism that causes the platform body to move along the vertical direction. The number of the second movement mechanisms is one or more but less than the number of the first movement mechanisms. The second movement mechanisms are arranged in the horizontal direction between the pitch axis and the end of the platform body.

2. X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The dimensions of the second support portion are smaller than those of the first support portion, at least in the horizontal direction.

3. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes an examination bed, which has a top plate for placing the subject, and the top plate is movable toward the opening. The horizontal direction is the same as the length direction of the top plate.

4. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, A predetermined interval is set in a first positional relationship between the position of the examination bed before the top plate is moved toward the opening and the position of the second support when the opening is oriented in the vertical direction.

5. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, A predetermined interval is set in the second positional relationship between the position of the examination bed before the top plate is moved toward the opening and the position of the second support when the opening is oriented in the horizontal direction.

6. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The second support moves along the horizontal direction.

7. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, It also includes a support moving mechanism, which moves the second support along the horizontal direction when the opening is oriented in the vertical direction.

8. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The main body of the platform is a roughly cylindrical structure. The first rotating mechanism is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped-shaped structure. The second rotating mechanism is a roughly arc-shaped structure.

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