Ct imaging apparatus
The CT apparatus with a vertically extending frame and adjustable components addresses the mobility and flexibility issues of conventional CT systems, offering enhanced imaging capabilities and patient comfort through adaptable positioning and reduced weight.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025077587
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2019-06-03
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-07
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-30
- Estimated Expiration
- Not applicable · inactive patent
AI Technical Summary
Conventional CT apparatuses are large, heavy, and typically fixed to the floor, limiting their mobility and flexibility in imaging different anatomical structures, especially for applications like cranial imaging where patient positioning is critical.
A CT apparatus, particularly CBCT, with a vertically extending frame and horizontally extending support structure that includes an adjustable X-ray source and image detector, allowing for lateral movement and adjustable patient support, along with a gantry that can change its central axis of rotation, enabling more versatile and patient-friendly imaging configurations.
The solution provides a lightweight, mobile CT apparatus that enhances imaging flexibility and patient comfort by allowing adjustable positioning and improved access to anatomical structures, reducing the need for bulky floor-mounted designs.
Smart Images
Figure 2025111806000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a computed tomography imaging apparatus. Specifically, the features of the apparatus according to the present invention are applicable for use in the context of dental and medical cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging apparatuses.
Background Art
[0002] Computed tomography (CT) is a type of X-ray imaging that irradiates the volume to be imaged from different directions and can reconstruct a desired two-dimensional or three-dimensional image from the image information thus obtained.
[0003] Conventional CT apparatuses are large and heavy, and they are typically mounted on the floor. Patients are typically positioned on an examination platform that extends horizontally and is movable laterally, within the examination aperture of the apparatus for imaging.
[0004] For example, since the development of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology that uses a slower rotation speed of the imaging means, apparatuses with less weight than conventional CT apparatuses have been developed. Among CBCT apparatuses, there are some that are configured to be movable rather than being mounted on the floor, for example. Also, a configuration has been designed that includes a vertically extending frame and a horizontally extending support for the imaging means. Such a support may include, for example, a ring-shaped gantry or a so-called C-arm, and such an apparatus may be designed, for example, from the perspective of the need for cranial imaging. The rotation of the imaging means is known to be arranged to occur about a (virtual) vertical axis of rotation, and in such a context, supports have been developed that are designed to help keep the patient's head stationary, especially while standing during exposure.
Summary of the Invention
[0005] The object of the present invention and its preferred embodiments are applicable to general use and are CT apparatuses, particularly CBCT apparatuses, which enable imaging of various parts of anatomical structures. The characteristic functions of the present invention are defined in claim 1.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0006] The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to its preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
Figure 3a
Figure 3b
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0007] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of specific components of an embodiment as an example of the apparatus according to the present invention. The dental or medical CT imaging apparatus of FIG. 1 includes a substantially vertically extending frame portion 11 having an upper end portion and a lower end portion. From this substantially vertically extending frame portion 11, a support structure 12 that supports an X-ray source 14 and an image detector 15 (not visible in FIG. 1 itself) extends essentially horizontally. The X-ray source 14 and the image detector 15 that together form the X-ray imaging means 14, 15 may be attached to the support structures 12 on substantially opposite sides of each other, but in the embodiment, their relative positions may be arranged to be adjustable.
[0008] FIG. 1 further shows a patient support 18 that is mechanically connected to the substantially vertically extending frame portion 11 and has a structure that extends substantially parallel to the substantially vertically extending frame portion 11. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the patient support 18 is substantially the same length as the substantially vertically extending frame portion 11.
[0009] According to one aspect, for example, the length of the substantially vertically extending frame portion 11 is about 240 cm.
[0010] According to one aspect, for example, the length of the substantially vertically extending frame portion 11 is 220 cm to 260 cm.
[0011] According to one aspect, for example, the length of the patient support 18 is 80 to 90% of the length of the substantially vertically extending frame portion 11.
[0012] According to one aspect, for example, the patient support 18 has a dimension that is longer in a first direction and a dimension that is shorter in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.
[0013] According to one aspect, for example, the patient support 18 is radiation-transparent at least in a first direction for at least its main portion.
[0014] According to one embodiment, for example, the radiolucent portion of patient support 18 is essentially the same length as substantially vertically extending frame portion 11 .
[0015] According to one embodiment, for example, patient support 18 includes a section that is not radiolucent at at least one of its ends in a first direction.
[0016] According to one embodiment, for example, the length of the radiolucent portion of patient support 18 in the first direction is 80-90% of the length of the substantially vertically extending frame portion 11.
[0017] According to one embodiment, for example, the support arrangement 12 supporting the X-ray imaging means 14, 15 is a circular gantry having a central axis 13. The gantry may partially surround or completely house the X-ray imaging means 14, 15.
[0018] According to one embodiment not directly visible in Fig. 1, for example, the device comprises a drive mechanism 16 arranged to drive the X-ray imaging means 14, 15 about an axis of rotation, which may coincide with the central axis 13 of the support arrangement 12 in the form of a gantry, which may be a physical axis, as in the case of Fig. 1, or a virtual axis of rotation.
[0019] According to one embodiment, for example, the central axis 13 of the gantry coincides with the center / axis of rotation of the X-ray imaging means 14, 15 as they are driven along a curved path.
[0020] According to one embodiment, the axis of rotation is an instantaneous (virtual) axis of rotation, and the location of the instantaneous axis of rotation relative to the central axis 13 can be arranged to be changed.
[0021] According to one embodiment, the source 14 and / or image detector 15 components are arranged so that they are laterally movable from a location exactly opposite the other component.
[0022] According to one aspect, the structure 12 that supports the X-ray imaging means 14, 15 includes a gantry having a central axis, and the structure of the apparatus is configured to move the X-ray source 14 laterally between a position where the central ray it generates coincides with the central axis of the gantry and a position where the central ray it generates does not coincide with the central axis of the gantry, and to move the image detector 15 laterally between a position where the vector perpendicular to the detector surface at the center of the image detector 15 coincides with the central axis of the gantry and a position where the vector perpendicular to the detector surface at the center of the image detector 15 does not coincide with the central axis of the gantry, enabling at least one of these. The lateral movement of the X-ray imaging means 14, 15 may include moving the X-ray imaging means 14, 15 to positions where they face each other. However, on the one hand, the central ray generated by the X-ray source 14 does not coincide with the central axis of the gantry, and the vector perpendicular to the detector surface at the center of the image detector 15 does not coincide with the central axis of the gantry.
[0023] According to another aspect, another drive mechanism 17 is arranged in the apparatus to enable moving the support structure 12 back and forth in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the frame portion 11 extending substantially vertically extends. According to one aspect, the drive mechanism 17 may be configured to move the support structure 12 along or beside the frame portion 11 extending substantially vertically.
[0024] In the example according to FIG. 2a, the drive mechanism 17 of the support structure 12 discussed above includes a motor 110 and a gear 111 arranged to rotate a pulley 112. In the configuration shown as one embodiment of FIG. 2a, the motor 110 and the pulley 112 are located near the lower end of the frame portion 11 that extends substantially vertically, but there is another pulley 112' near the upper end of the frame portion 11 that extends substantially vertically. Around the pulleys 112, 112', corresponding functional components such as a belt 113 or a chain are running. This mechanism is then functionally connected to the support structure 12 and is adapted to drive it along the frame portion 11 that extends substantially vertically. As shown by way of example in FIG. 2b, a groove 114 is arranged in the frame portion 11 that extends substantially vertically, and a protrusion 121 is arranged on the support structure 12 so as to be adapted to slide along the groove 114. In one embodiment, a roller-type linear guideway is used to minimize friction, in which case the movement is rolling rather than sliding.
[0025] According to an aspect not shown in any of the figures, for example, the drive mechanism for driving the support structure 12 includes a motor arranged on the support structure 12 itself.
[0026] Regardless of the details of the configuration of the drive mechanism 17 for driving the support structure 12, in one preferred embodiment, the configuration of the device enables the support structure 12 to be driven over substantially the entire length between the upper and lower ends of the frame portion 11 that extends substantially vertically.
[0027] According to yet another aspect, as shown in FIG. 1, the device includes connection configurations 19, 20 that connect the patient support 18 to the frame portion 11 that extends substantially vertically.
[0028] According to another aspect where an example is shown in FIG. 3a, the device includes connection configurations 19, 20 that mechanically connect the patient support 18 to the frame portion 11 that extends substantially vertically.
[0029] The connection configurations 19, 20 may include patient support adjusting mechanisms 19', 20' configured to displace the patient support 18 closer to and farther from a frame portion 11 extending substantially vertically.
[0030] According to another aspect, drive mechanisms 19", 20" are arranged to be functionally connected to the patient support adjusting mechanisms 19', 20'.
[0031] According to another aspect, the patient support adjusting mechanisms 19', 20' may include a first adjusting mechanism 19' disposed substantially at an upper end of a frame portion 11 extending substantially vertically, together with a drive mechanism 19" included in the drive mechanisms 19", 20", and a second adjusting mechanism 20' disposed substantially at a lower end of the frame portion 11 extending substantially vertically, together with a drive mechanism 20" included in the drive mechanisms 19", 20".
[0032] According to one aspect, for example, the patient support adjusting mechanisms 19', 20' are arranged to be functionally related to a control system of the device, and the control system is configured to control drive mechanisms 19", 20" of the adjusting mechanisms 19', 20'.
[0033] According to one aspect, for example, the control system, together with the drive mechanism 19", a first connection configuration 19, 20 including a first adjusting mechanism 19' disposed substantially at an upper end of a frame portion 11 extending substantially vertically and a second adjusting mechanism 20' disposed substantially at a lower end of the frame portion 11 extending substantially vertically, together with the drive mechanism 20", is configured to control such that when adjusting a distance between the frame portion 11 extending substantially vertically and the patient support 18, the same distance is maintained between the upper end and the lower end of the first frame portion 11 extending substantially vertically.
[0034] According to another aspect, the distance between an end of the frame portion 11 extending substantially vertically and the patient support 18 can be adjusted differently. According to one aspect, the first and second adjusting mechanisms 19', 20' are arranged to be independently controlled.
[0035] According to one aspect, considering the first direction of the patient support structure 18 discussed above, as shown in FIG. 3b, the cross-section of its main part is curved to better support the patient with respect to the concave surface of the patient support structure 18.
[0036] According to another aspect, as shown in FIG. 3b, at the edge 181 of the cross-section of the patient support structure 18, the shape of the cross-section is curved in the opposite direction.
[0037] According to another aspect, as further shown in FIG. 3b, near the edge 181 of the cross-section of the patient support structure 18 discussed above and on the side opposite to the concave surface of its main part, a holding structure 182 is arranged. The holding structure 182 is used to receive a strap designed to span over or above the concave surface of the patient support structure 18 to provide additional support to the patient and help maintain stillness during imaging exposure, and may be, for example, an elongated handle or a mounting structure.
[0038] According to one aspect, in addition to what can be called the first substantially vertically extending frame portion 11 discussed above, the apparatus further comprises a second substantially vertically extending frame portion 21 that is mechanically connected to a first substantially vertically extending frame portion 11 having substantially the same length as the first substantially vertically extending frame portion 11. FIG. 4 shows an example of such a configuration as a schematic side view.
[0039] According to one aspect, referring to FIG. 4, in the vicinity of the upper ends of the first substantially vertically extending frame portions 11, 12, an articulated connection configuration 22 is arranged that mechanically connects the first substantially vertically extending frame portion 11 and the second substantially vertically extending frame portion 21 and enables the first substantially vertically extending frame portion 11 to be tilted about a horizontal tilt axis with respect to the second substantially vertically extending frame portion 21.
[0040] According to another aspect, an attachment structure 23 that is not directly visible in FIG. 4 is disposed and connected to the articulated connection configuration 22 on the side surface of the second substantially vertically extending frame portion 21. The attachment structure 23 may be disposed so as to be movable along or beside the second substantially vertically extending frame portion 21.
[0041] According to another aspect, for example, in the vicinity of the lower end of the second substantially vertically extending frame portion 21, a lock mechanism 24 configured to enable connection and separation of the first substantially vertically extending frame portion 11 and the second substantially vertically extending frame portion 21 is disposed.
[0042] When the second substantially vertically extending frame portion 21 is stably attached and the lock mechanism 24 does not connect the first substantially vertically extending frame portion 11 and the second substantially vertically extending frame portion 21, the lower end of the first substantially vertically extending frame portion 11 can move freely in the horizontal direction, and the articulated connection 22 between the frame portions 11 and 21 enables rotation of the first substantially vertically extending frame portion 11 about a horizontal tilt axis in the vicinity of the upper end of the first substantially vertically extending frame portion 11. On the other hand, the movably disposed attachment structure 23 enables the lowering and raising of the upper end of the first substantially vertically extending frame portion 11.
[0043] FIG. 5 shows the device according to FIG. 4 at the stage where the upper end of the first substantially vertically extending frame portion 11 has moved downward and the lower end of the first substantially vertically extending frame portion 11 has moved horizontally on the surface. The device may be configured to be able to lower the upper end of the first substantially vertically extending frame portion 11 all the way to the vicinity of the lower end of the second substantially vertically extending frame portion 21.
[0044] According to another aspect, although not directly visible in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the functional connection with the second substantially vertically extending frame portion 21, a drive mechanism 27 for driving the mounting structure 23 is arranged along or beside the second substantially vertically extending frame portion 21. When mechanically connected to the first substantially vertically extending frame portion 11, in the vicinity of its upper end portion, the drive mechanism 27 can move the upper end portion of the first substantially vertically extending frame portion 11.
[0045] The drive mechanism 27 for driving the mounting structure 23 may have the same configuration as the drive mechanism 17 for driving the support structure 12 of the imaging means 14, 15.
[0046] According to one aspect, the drive mechanism 27 for driving the mounting structure 23 includes a chain drive.
[0047] According to still another aspect, the locking mechanism 24 includes a displacement mechanism 25 (not directly visible in FIGS. 4 and 5) that moves the lower end portion of the first substantially vertically extending frame portion 11 away from the second substantially vertically extending frame portion 21 by a certain distance when the locking mechanism 24 separates the first substantially vertically extending frame portion 11 and the second substantially vertically extending frame portion 21.
[0048] According to one aspect not shown in detail in the figures, for example, the locking mechanism 24 includes a motor-driven arrangement having a fitting component on the side of the electric structure and on the first substantially vertically extending frame portion 11, respectively.
[0049] The locking mechanism 24 may further include a guiding configuration configured to directly guide the lower end portion of the first substantially vertically extending frame portion 11 on the locking mechanism 24 when the lower end portion of the first substantially vertically extending frame portion 11 is moving towards the locking mechanism 24.
[0050] According to yet another aspect, and as shown by way of example in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first substantially vertically extending frame portion 11 comprises at least one wheel or roller 26 in the vicinity of its lower end.
[0051] According to another aspect, instead of a wheel or roller, a structure designed to slide on a surface may be disposed at the lower end of the first substantially vertically extending frame portion 11.
[0052] According to one aspect, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the support configuration 12 for the imaging means 15, 16 in the form of a gantry does not basically completely surround the imaging means 14, 15, but rather functions mainly or solely as a support structure for holding the imaging means 14, 15 and functions as a structure disposed on a gantry for driving the imaging means 14, 15 about an axis. This type of solution makes it possible to realize a gantry that reduces weight and provides better access to the volume between the imaging means 14, 15, and physically makes it possible to consider an area that may have a clear line of sight to that volume.
[0053] FIG. 7 shows, as a block diagram, an example of the components of a control system applicable for use in the apparatus according to the present disclosure. In various embodiments, not all of these features necessarily exist in the control system of the apparatus. The control system described in FIG. 7 is first configured to enable control of the operations of the X-ray source and the image detector. The components for controlling the operations of the X-ray source and the image detector can include components physically arranged at the X-ray source and the image detector and / or other locations of the apparatus. The control system of FIG. 7 further controls various drive means of the apparatus, such as those for moving the imaging means supported by the support configuration, the support configuration itself, and the adjustment mechanism of the patient support. In the case of an embodiment including both the first and second substantially vertically extending frame portions, the control system may also control, for example, the drive of the attachment structure discussed above. Further, in the case of an apparatus provided with an electric lock mechanism for connecting and separating the first and second substantially vertically extending frame portions, the control system may also control the drive means of the lock mechanism. Overall, the control system may be arranged to control all of the operations discussed above or any part thereof.
Claims
1. A vertically arranged frame, an X-ray imaging unit vertically connected to the frame and configured to be movable parallel to the frame, a human body support unit connected parallel to the frame and configured to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the frame, and an X-ray imaging apparatus having the same.
2. A vertically arranged frame, an annular X-ray imaging unit vertically connected to the frame, a human body support unit connected parallel to the frame, and comprising: the X-ray imaging unit is in a state movable parallel to the frame, the human body support unit is in a state movable perpendicular to the frame, and each is connected to the frame, an X-ray imaging apparatus.