X-ray CT apparatus and board position acquisition method

Abstract

To prevent acquisition of an incorrect image due to erroneous wiring of a cable between an ADC board and a control board in an X-ray detector.SOLUTION: An X-ray CT apparatus includes a plurality of ADC boards, a fixing part, a first communication device, second communication devices, and an acquisition part. The ADC boards are aligned in a channel direction. The fixing part rotatably supports a rotation part to which the ADC boards are attached. The first communication device is included in the fixing part. The second communication devices are respectively arranged in each one of the ADC boards and communicable with the first communication device. The acquisition part respectively acquires position information of the ADC boards based on a communication result between the first communication device and the second communication devices and the rotating direction of the rotation part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to an X-ray CT apparatus and a substrate position acquisition method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, X-ray detectors used in X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) devices include an ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) board for converting electrical signals output from detection elements that detect X-rays into digital signals. For example, some X-ray detectors include multiple ADC boards and a control board that communicates between the X-ray detector and a gantry fixture, and each ADC board and the control board are connected by a cable. In such a configuration, if there is incorrect wiring of the cable between the ADC board and the control board in the X-ray detector, an incorrect image may be acquired. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-126351 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-143334 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-244277 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to prevent the acquisition of unauthorized images due to incorrect wiring of the cable between the ADC board and the control board in the X-ray detector. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment includes a plurality of ADC boards, a fixed unit, a first communication device, a second communication device, and an acquisition unit. The plurality of ADC boards are arranged in a channel direction. The fixed unit rotatably supports a rotating unit to which the plurality of ADC boards are attached. A first communication device is provided on the fixed unit. A second communication device is provided on each of the plurality of ADC boards and is capable of communicating with the first communication device. The acquisition unit acquires position information for each of the plurality of ADC boards based on a communication result between the first communication device and the second communication device and the rotation direction of the rotating unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the light source, the ADC board, and the control board according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the cable miswiring detection process performed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, embodiments of the X-ray CT apparatus and the substrate position acquisition method disclosed in the present application will be described with reference to the drawings. The configurations shown in the drawings are schematic, and the dimensions of each component and the dimensional ratios between the components shown may differ from the actual ones. Furthermore, the dimensions of the same component and the dimensional ratios between the components may differ between the drawings.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0009] For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a gantry device 10, a bed device 30, and a console device 40. For convenience of explanation, Fig. 1 shows a plurality of gantry devices 10.

[0010] In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the rotating frame 13 in a non-tilted state or the longitudinal direction of the tabletop 33 of the bed device 30 is defined as the "Z-axis direction." Furthermore, the axis direction that is perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and horizontal to the floor surface is defined as the "X-axis direction." Furthermore, the axis direction that is perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and vertical to the floor surface is defined as the "Y-axis direction."

[0011] The gantry device 10 is a device that irradiates an object P (such as a patient) with X-rays, detects the X-rays that have passed through the object P, and outputs the detected X-rays to a console device 40. The gantry device 10 has an X-ray tube 11, an X-ray detector 12, a rotating frame 13, a fixed frame 18, a control device 15, a wedge 16, an X-ray aperture 17, and an X-ray high-voltage device 14.

[0012] The X-ray tube 11 is a vacuum tube that generates X-rays by irradiating thermoelectrons from a cathode (filament) toward an anode (target) when a high voltage is applied from the X-ray high voltage device 14. For example, the X-ray tube 11 is a rotating anode type X-ray tube that generates X-rays by irradiating a rotating anode with thermoelectrons.

[0013] The wedge 16 is a filter for adjusting the amount of X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11. Specifically, the wedge 16 is a filter that transmits and attenuates the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11 so that the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11 to the subject P have a predetermined distribution. For example, the wedge 16 is a filter made by processing aluminum so as to have a predetermined target angle and a predetermined thickness. The wedge 16 is also called a wedge filter or a bow-tie filter.

[0014] The X-ray aperture 17 includes a lead plate or the like for narrowing down the irradiation range of the X-rays transmitted through the wedge 16, and a slit is formed by combining a plurality of lead plates or the like.

[0015] The X-ray detector 12 detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 11 and passing through the subject P. Specifically, the X-ray detector 12 has a plurality of detection element rows, in which a plurality of detection elements are arranged in a channel direction along an arc centered on the focal point of the X-ray tube 11. For example, the X-ray detector 12 has a structure in which a plurality of detection element rows, in which a plurality of detection elements are arranged in the channel direction, are arranged in a row direction (also called a slice direction or row direction). Here, the detection elements are, for example, light-receiving elements such as photodiodes (PDs) and photomultiplier tubes (PMTs).

[0016] The X-ray detector 12 also has a DAS (Data Acquisition System) that processes the electrical signals output from each detection element. The DAS has an amplifier that amplifies the electrical signals output from each detection element of the X-ray detector 12 and an ADC board that converts the electrical signals into digital signals, and generates detection data. The detection data generated by the DAS is transferred to the console device 40.

[0017] X-ray high voltage device 14 has electrical circuits such as a transformer and a rectifier, and includes a high voltage generator having a function of generating a high voltage to be applied to X-ray tube 11, and an X-ray control device that controls the output voltage according to the X-ray output irradiated by X-ray tube 11. The high voltage generator may be of a transformer type or an inverter type. X-ray high voltage device 14 may be provided on rotating frame 13, which will be described later, or on fixed frame 18, which will be described later.

[0018] The rotating frame 13 is an annular frame that supports the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 so that they face each other, and rotates the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 under the control of a control device 15.

[0019] The fixed frame 18 is a frame that rotatably supports the rotating frame 13. Here, the rotation mechanism that rotates the rotating frame 13 includes, for example, a motor that generates a rotational driving force and a bearing that transmits the rotational driving force to the rotating frame 13 to rotate it. For example, the motor is provided on the fixed frame 18, and the bearing is physically connected to the rotating frame 13 and the motor, and the rotating frame 13 rotates in response to the rotational force of the motor.

[0020] Furthermore, the rotating frame 13 and the fixed frame 18 are each provided with a non-contact or contact communication circuit, and these communication circuits allow communication between the unit supported by the rotating frame 13 and the fixed frame 18 or an external device of the gantry device 10. For example, when optical communication is used as the non-contact communication method, detection data generated by the DAS of the X-ray detector 12 is transmitted by optical communication from a transmitter having a light emitting diode (LED) provided on the rotating frame 13 to a receiver having a photodiode provided on the fixed frame 18, and is then transferred from the fixed frame 18 to the console device 40 by the transmitter. Note that, other communication methods may also be used, such as non-contact data transmission methods such as capacitive coupling and radio wave methods, as well as contact data transmission methods using a slip ring and electrode brushes.

[0021] The control device 15 includes a processing circuit having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and a driving mechanism such as a motor and an actuator. The control device 15 has a function of receiving an input signal from the console device 40 or an input interface 43 attached to the gantry device 10 and controlling the operation of the gantry device 10 and the bed device 30. For example, the control device 15 receives the input signal and controls the rotation of the rotating frame 13, the tilt of the gantry device 10, and the operation of the bed device 30 and the tabletop 33. The control of tilting the gantry device 10 is realized by the control device 15 rotating the rotating frame 13 around an axis parallel to the X-axis direction based on inclination angle (tilt angle) information input via the input interface 43 attached to the gantry device 10. The control device 15 may be provided in the gantry device 10 or the console device 40.

[0022] The bed device 30 is a device on which the subject P, who is the subject of the scan, is placed and moved, and includes a base 31, a bed driving device 32, a top plate 33, and a support frame 34. The base 31 is a housing that supports the support frame 34 so that it can move in the vertical direction. The bed driving device 32 is a motor or actuator that moves the top plate 33, on which the subject P is placed, in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 33. The top plate 33, which is provided on the upper surface of the support frame 34, is a plate on which the subject P is placed. Note that the bed driving device 32 may move the support frame 34 in addition to the top plate 33 in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 33.

[0023] The console device 40 is a device that accepts operations of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 by an operator and reconstructs CT image data using detection data collected by the gantry device 10. The console device 40 has a memory 41, a display 42, an input interface 43, and a processing circuit 44. Note that, although an example in which the console device 40 and the gantry device 10 are separate entities will be described here, the gantry device 10 may include the console device 40 or some of the components of the console device 40.

[0024] The memory 41 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. The memory 41 stores, for example, projection data and CT image data.

[0025] The display 42 displays various types of information. For example, the display 42 outputs medical images (CT images) generated by the processing circuitry 44, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various operations from the operator, and the like. For example, the display 42 is a liquid crystal display or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display. Note that the display 42 may be provided on the gantry device 10, for example. Furthermore, the display 42 may be a desktop type, or may be configured as a tablet terminal or the like capable of wireless communication with the console device 40 main body.

[0026] The input interface 43 accepts various input operations from the operator, converts the accepted input operations into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuitry 44. For example, the input interface 43 accepts from the operator acquisition conditions for acquiring projection data, reconstruction conditions for reconstructing CT image data, image processing conditions for generating post-processed images from CT images, and the like. For example, the input interface 43 is realized by a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, or the like. For example, the input interface 43 may be provided in the gantry device 10. Furthermore, for example, the input interface 43 may be configured by a tablet terminal or the like capable of wireless communication with the console device 40 main body.

[0027] The processing circuitry 44 controls the overall operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1. For example, the processing circuitry 44 executes a system control function 441, a preprocessing function 442, a reconstruction processing function 443, and an image processing function 444.

[0028] The system control function 441 controls various functions of the processing circuitry 44 based on input operations received from an operator via the input interface 43. For example, the system control function 441 controls the CT scan executed in the X-ray CT device 1. The system control function 441 also controls the generation and display of CT image data in the console device 40 by controlling the preprocessing function 442, the reconstruction processing function 443, and the image processing function 444.

[0029] The preprocessing function 442 generates projection data by performing preprocessing such as logarithmic conversion processing, offset correction processing, inter-channel sensitivity correction processing, and beam hardening correction on the detection data output from the DAS of the X-ray detector 12. Note that the data before preprocessing (detection data) and the data after preprocessing may be collectively referred to as projection data.

[0030] The reconstruction processing function 443 performs reconstruction processing using a filtered back projection method, an iterative reconstruction method, or the like on the projection data generated by the preprocessing function 442 to generate CT image data (reconstructed image data).

[0031] The image processing function 444 converts the CT image data generated by the reconstruction processing function 443 into tomographic image data of an arbitrary cross section or three-dimensional image data by a known method based on an input operation received from the operator via the input interface 43. Note that the generation of three-dimensional image data may be performed directly by the reconstruction processing function 443.

[0032] Here, the processing circuitry 44 is realized by, for example, a processor. In this case, each processing function possessed by the processing circuitry 44 is stored in the memory 41 in the form of a program executable by a computer. The processing circuitry 44 then reads each program from the memory 41 and executes it to realize the function corresponding to each program. In other words, after each program has been read, the processing circuitry 44 has each processing function shown in the processing circuitry 44 of FIG. 1.

[0033] Although the above-described example illustrates a case in which each of the above-described processing functions is realized by a single processing circuit 44, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the processing circuit 44 may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may execute a program to realize each processing function. Furthermore, each processing function of the processing circuit 44 may be realized by being appropriately distributed or integrated among a single or multiple processing circuits. Furthermore, each processing function of the processing circuit 44 may be realized by a combination of hardware and software, such as circuits. Furthermore, the above-described example illustrates a case in which a single memory 41 stores programs corresponding to each processing function, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which multiple storage circuits are distributed and the processing circuit 44 reads and executes corresponding programs from the individual storage circuits.

[0034] The above has described the overall configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. Based on this configuration, in this embodiment, the X-ray detector 12 includes a plurality of ADC boards and a control board that performs communication between the X-ray detector 12 and the gantry fixed part, and each ADC board and the control board are connected by a cable.

[0035] In such a configuration, if there is a cable miswiring between the ADC board and the control board in the X-ray detector 12, an incorrect image may be acquired.

[0036] Generally, the configuration of X-ray detectors used in X-ray CT devices is such that multiple ADC boards are directly inserted into a backplane board, and in such a configuration, the connection between the ADC boards and the control board is ensured by the backplane board.

[0037] On the other hand, in a configuration where the ADC board and the control board are connected by a cable, the cable may be connected incorrectly due to a work error, etc. In that case, the spatial position of the detection data sent from each ADC board to the control board may be recognized incorrectly, which may result in the acquisition of an incorrect image.

[0038] For this reason, the X-ray CT device 1 of this embodiment is configured to prevent the acquisition of unauthorized images due to incorrect wiring of the cable between the ADC board and the control board in the X-ray detector 12.

[0039] Specifically, in this embodiment, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 has a plurality of ADC boards arranged in the channel direction. The plurality of ADC boards are attached to a rotating frame 13, and the rotating frame 13 is rotatably supported by a fixed frame 18. Here, the rotating frame 13 is an example of a rotating unit, and the fixed frame 18 is an example of a fixed unit.

[0040] In this embodiment, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 has a first communication device provided on the fixed frame 18, a second communication device provided on each of the multiple ADC boards and capable of communicating with the first communication device, and an acquisition unit that acquires position information of each of the multiple ADC boards based on the communication results between the first communication device and the second communication device of each ADC board and the rotation direction of the rotating frame 13.

[0041] In this embodiment, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 further includes a determination unit that determines whether the position information acquired by the acquisition unit matches a correct position that is predetermined for each ADC board.

[0042] The configuration of such an X-ray CT apparatus 1 will be described in detail below.

[0043] In the following, an example will be described in which the first communication device provided in the fixed frame 18 is a transmitting device that transmits a signal, and the second communication device provided in each ADC board is a receiving device that detects the signal transmitted from the transmitting device.

[0044] In the following, more specifically, an example will be described in which the transmitting device provided on the fixed frame 18 is a light-emitting device that emits light, and the receiving device provided on each ADC board is a light-receiving device that detects the light emitted from the light-emitting device.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0046] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 has a light source 50 provided on a fixed frame 18. The light source 50 emits light toward the inside of the gantry device 10 under the control of the control device 15. The light emitted from the light source 50 may be visible light or infrared light. For example, the light source is realized by an LED or the like. Here, the light source 50 is an example of a light-emitting device.

[0047] Furthermore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 has, as components of the X-ray detector 12, a plurality of ADC boards 60-1 to 60-n, a control board 70, and a plurality of cables 80 connecting the ADC boards 60-1 to 60-n and the control board 70. Here, the ADC boards 60-1 to 60-n, the control board 70, and the cables 80 are included in the above-mentioned DAS.

[0048] The ADC boards 60-1 to 60-n each convert an electrical signal output from a detection element that detects X-rays into a digital signal to generate detection data, and transmit the generated detection data to the control board .

[0049] The control board 70 receives the detection data transmitted from each of the ADC boards 60-1 to 60-n, and transmits the received detection data to the console device 40.

[0050] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the light source 50, the ADC boards 60-1 to 60-n, and the control board 70 according to the first embodiment.

[0051] 3, the light source 50 is attached to the fixed frame 18, and irradiates light having directivity toward the inside of the gantry 10 in the rotation direction of the rotating frame 13 (the direction of the arrow R shown in FIG. 3). Specifically, the light source 50 irradiates light toward the inside of the gantry 10 so as to illuminate only a part of the area within which the rotating frame 13 is disposed.

[0052] ADC substrates 60-1 to 60-n are attached to support substrate 90 fixed to rotating frame 13 in a state where they are arranged in the channel direction (the direction of double-headed arrow C shown in FIG. 3). Specifically, ADC substrates 60-1 to 60-n are individually inserted into a plurality of slots (not shown) arranged in the channel direction in support substrate 90. Here, each ADC substrate is a common component having the same configuration, and can be inserted into any slot in support substrate 90.

[0053] Furthermore, the control board 70 is installed on the outside of a support board 90 fixed to the rotating frame 13, and is connected to the ADC boards 60-1 to 60-n via a plurality of cables 80.

[0054] In this embodiment, each of the ADC boards 60-1 to 60-n includes a sensor 61 and a processing circuit 62, as shown in FIG.

[0055] The sensor 61 detects light emitted from the light source 50, converts the detected light into an electrical signal, and transmits the light detection information to the processing circuit 62. For example, the sensor 61 is realized by a photodiode or the like. Here, the sensor 61 is an example of a light-receiving device.

[0056] The processing circuit 62 has a control function 621. When the control function 621 receives light detection information from the sensor 61, it notifies the control board 70 that the sensor 61 has detected light. Note that the control function 621 may receive the amount of light detected by the sensor 61 as the light detection information, and when the received amount of light exceeds a predetermined threshold, notify the control board 70 that the sensor 61 has detected light.

[0057] In this embodiment, the ADC boards 60-1 to 60-n are moved from a range where the light is not incident to a range where the light is incident by rotating the rotating frame 13 while the light source 50 is emitting light. At this time, as the rotating frame 13 rotates, the ADC boards 60-1 to 60-n are moved so that each ADC board enters the range where the light is incident, in order of the ADC boards 60-1 to 60-n. As a result, notifications that light has been detected are sent to the control board 70 in order, starting with the ADC boards that have entered the range where the light is incident.

[0058] The control board 70 also has a plurality of slots 71-1 to 71-n and a processing circuit 72.

[0059] A plurality of ADC boards 60-1 to 60-n are individually connected to the slots 71-1 to 71-n via cables 80. Specifically, the same number of slots 71-1 to 71-n as the ADC boards 60-1 to 60-n are provided, and each slot is connected one-to-one to one ADC board.

[0060] The processing circuit 72 has an acquisition function 721 and a determination function 722. Here, the acquisition function 721 is an example of an acquisition unit, and the determination function 722 is an example of a determination unit.

[0061] The acquisition function 721 acquires position information of each of the plurality of ADC boards 60-1 to 60-n based on the detection result of the light detected by the sensor 61 of each ADC board and the rotation direction of the rotating frame 13.

[0062] Specifically, the acquisition function 721 acquires the order of notifications sent from the control function 621 of each ADC board when the rotating frame 13 is rotated while the light source 50 is emitting light, as position information of each ADC board.

[0063] The determination function 722 compares the position information acquired by the acquisition function 721 with the identification information that identifies each of the plurality of slots 71-1 to 71-n, thereby determining whether the position information of each ADC board matches the correct position.

[0064] Specifically, the determination function 722 determines whether the position information of each ADC board is consistent with the correct position by comparing the order of notifications from each ADC board acquired by the acquisition function 721 with the slot numbers pre-assigned to each slot of the control board 70.

[0065] In addition, if there is an ADC board whose position information acquired by the acquisition function 721 does not match the correct position, the determination function 722 notifies that there is incorrect wiring of the cable between the ADC board and the control board 70.

[0066] For example, in the control board 70, if the correct connection destinations of the ADC boards 60-1 to 60-n are slots 71-1 to 71-n, respectively, the slots 71-1 to 71-n are assigned slot numbers 1 to n, respectively.

[0067] In this case, the determination function 722 compares the order of notifications from each ADC board acquired by the acquisition function 721 with the slot numbers assigned to the slots that received each notification.The determination function 722 then determines that the cable wiring is correct if the order of notifications from each ADC board matches the slot numbers.Furthermore, the determination function 722 determines that the cable wiring is incorrect if the order of notifications from each ADC board does not match the slot numbers.

[0068] The following describes the procedure for detecting incorrect cable wiring performed by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to this embodiment.

[0069] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the cable miswiring detection process performed by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0070] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, first, the control device 15 starts emitting light from the light source 50 and rotating the rotating frame 13 (step S101).

[0071] Thereafter, each ADC board waits until the sensor 61 detects light (step S102, step S103, No).

[0072] Then, in each ADC board, when light is detected by the sensor 61 (step S103, Yes), the control function 621 of the processing circuit 62 notifies the control board 70 that the sensor 61 has detected light (step S104).

[0073] Thereafter, in the control board 70, the acquisition function 721 of the processing circuit 72 waits until it receives notifications from all the ADC boards (step S105, No).

[0074] Then, in the control board 70, when notifications are received from all ADC boards by the acquisition function 721 of the processing circuit 72 (step S105, Yes), the judgment function 722 of the processing circuit 72 compares the order of notifications from each ADC board with the slot number (step S106).

[0075] Then, when the order of notifications from each ADC board matches the slot number (step S107, Yes), the determination function 722 determines that the cable wiring is correct and notifies that the incorrect wiring has been corrected (step S108). For example, the determination function 722 outputs a message indicating that the cable wiring is correct to the display 42 of the console device 40.

[0076] On the other hand, if the order of notifications from each ADC board does not match the slot number, the determination function 722 determines that there is a cable miswiring and notifies the user of the miswiring (step S109). For example, the determination function 722 outputs the order of notifications and the slot number of the mismatched ADC board to the display 42 of the console device 40.

[0077] Here, the processing circuit 62 of each ADC board and the processing circuit 72 of the control board 70 are realized by, for example, a processor. In this case, each processing function of each processing circuit is stored in a memory or the like in the form of a program executable by a computer. Then, each processing circuit realizes the function corresponding to each program by reading and executing each program from the memory or the like.

[0078] The process of detecting incorrect cable wiring described here may be performed, for example, every time the X-ray CT device 1 is started up, or may be performed when instructed by the operator via the console device 40.

[0079] As described above, in this embodiment, the acquisition function 721 of the processing circuit 72 of the control board 70 acquires position information of each of the multiple ADC boards based on the communication results between the light source 50 provided on the fixed frame 18 and the sensor 61 provided on each of the multiple ADC boards, and the rotation direction of the rotating frame 13.

[0080] In this embodiment, the determination function 722 of the processing circuit 72 included in the control board 70 determines whether the position information acquired by the acquisition function 721 matches the correct position predetermined for each ADC board. If there is an ADC board whose position information does not match the correct position, the determination function 722 notifies that there is incorrect wiring of the cable between the ADC board and the control board 70.

[0081] This configuration can prevent an unauthorized image from being acquired due to incorrect wiring of the cable between the ADC board and the control board in the X-ray detector 12. As a result, it can also prevent unnecessary exposure to radiation due to re-imaging that is required when an unauthorized image is acquired due to incorrect wiring of the cable.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, when the control function 621 of the processing circuit 72 included in the control board 70 receives light detection information from the sensor 61, it notifies the control board 70 that the sensor 61 has detected light, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the control function 621 may receive the amount of light detected by the sensor 61 as the light detection information, and when the received amount of light exceeds a predetermined threshold, notify the control board 70 that the sensor 61 has detected light.

[0083] The first embodiment has been described above, but the above-described embodiment can also be implemented by appropriately modifying part of the configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1. Therefore, several modified examples of the first embodiment will be described below as other embodiments. Note that the following embodiments will be described focusing on differences from the first embodiment, and detailed description of content common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0084] (Second embodiment) For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which, when an ADC board whose position information does not match the correct position is found, a notification is given that there is incorrect wiring of the cable, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0085] For example, even if a cable is connected incorrectly, a correct image may be generated by correctly rearranging the data output from each ADC.

[0086] Specifically, when there is an ADC board whose position information acquired by the acquisition function 721 does not match the correct position, the judgment function 722 of the processing circuit 72 possessed by the control board 70 uses the position information acquired by the acquisition function 721 to rearrange the data output from each ADC board.

[0087] For example, when detection data transmitted from each ADC board is sent to the console device 40, the determination function 722 rearranges the data by associating the order of notifications from each ADC board acquired by the acquisition function 721, rather than associating the data with the slot numbers of the slots that received each piece of detection data. This allows the data output from each ADC to be rearranged in a spatially correct arrangement, and a correct image can be generated in the reconstruction process performed by the reconstruction processing function 443 of the console device 40.

[0088] Such data rearrangement may be performed instead of or in addition to the notification of cable miswiring.

[0089] According to this embodiment, even if there is incorrect wiring of the cables between the ADC board and the control board, the data output from each ADC is automatically rearranged to the correct arrangement, preventing the acquisition of incorrect images. As a result, the wiring of the cables between the ADC board and the control board can be freely performed.

[0090] (Third embodiment) Furthermore, for example, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the fixed frame 18 is provided with the light source 50 as a light emitting device, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0091] For example, if the gantry device 10 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is provided with a projector for positioning the subject, the projector may be used as the transmitting device.

[0092] Here, for example, the projector may be arranged inside the housing of the gantry device 10 and configured to irradiate light through Mylar, which is a transparent annular member provided along the inner wall of the opening of the housing. In this case, for example, the X-ray CT device 1 may further be provided with an adjustment mechanism that moves the position of the projector in the axial direction of the rotating frame 13 so that the light from the projector is appropriately irradiated onto the sensor 61 of each ADC when detecting incorrect cable wiring.

[0093] According to this embodiment, by using the light spotter provided for positioning the subject as a transmitting device, there is no need to add a new transmitting device to the X-ray CT device 1, and the cost of the equipment required to detect incorrect cable wiring can be reduced.

[0094] (Fourth embodiment) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the light source 50 is directly attached to the fixed frame 18 as a light emitting device, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0095] For example, a light emitting device such as the light source 50 may be provided on a jig that is detachable from the fixed frame 18 , and the jig may be attached to the fixed frame 18 , thereby providing the light emitting device on the fixed frame 18 .

[0096] According to this embodiment, a transmitting device used to detect incorrect cable wiring can be installed in the X-ray CT scanner 1 as part of a manufacturing or service jig, and can be removed after the X-ray CT scanner 1 begins operation.

[0097] (Fifth embodiment) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which each ADC board is provided with a sensor 61 as a receiving device, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0098] For example, a light receiving element included as a detecting element in the X-ray detector 12 may be used as a receiving device. In this case, for each ADC board, any one or more of the detecting elements connected to each ADC board is used as a receiving device.

[0099] According to this embodiment, by using the light receiving element included as a detection element in the X-ray detector 12 as a receiving device, there is no need to add a new receiving device to the X-ray CT device 1, and the cost of the equipment required to detect incorrect cable wiring can be reduced.

[0100] (Sixth embodiment) In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the order of notifications sent from each ADC board when the rotating frame 13 is rotated while the light source 50 is irradiating light is obtained as the position information of each ADC board, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0101] For example, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 may be configured to acquire the position information of each ADC board without rotating the rotating frame 13.

[0102] Specifically, the light receiving devices provided on each of the plurality of ADC boards 60-1 to 60-n are configured to detect light emitted from the light emitting devices provided on the fixed frame 18 in different patterns.

[0103] For example, the light-receiving device provided on each ADC board is composed of a sensor that detects light emitted from the light-emitting device and a slit that adjusts the pattern of light incident on the sensor. Here, the slits of each light-receiving device are formed to have different sizes or shapes so that light is detected in different patterns by the sensor on each ADC board.

[0104] In this case, the light emitting device provided on the fixed frame 18 emits light toward the inside of the gantry 10 so as to simultaneously illuminate an area including all of the ADC boards 60-1 to 60-n attached to the rotating frame 13.

[0105] Furthermore, when light is detected by the light receiving device, the control function 621 of the processing circuit 62 included in each ADC board notifies the control board 70 of the pattern of the detected light.

[0106] Then, the acquisition function 721 of the processing circuit 72 included in each of the plurality of ADC boards 60-1 to 60-n acquires position information of each of the plurality of ADC boards 60-1 to 60-n based on the light detection result of the light receiving device.

[0107] For example, when a light emitting device provided on the fixed frame 18 irradiates light onto the ADC boards 60-1 to 60-n, the acquisition function 721 acquires the light pattern notified from the control function 621 of each ADC board as position information of each ADC board.

[0108] Then, the determination function 722 determines whether the position information of each ADC board matches the correct position by comparing the light pattern notified from each ADC board acquired by the acquisition function 721 with the slot number pre-assigned to each slot of the control board 70.

[0109] For example, the determination function 722 converts the light pattern notified from each ADC board into a pattern number that is pre-assigned to each pattern. Here, pattern numbers 1 to n are assigned to the light patterns detected by the light receiving devices of each ADC board 60-1 to 60-n. The determination function 722 then compares the pattern number converted from the light pattern notified from each ADC board with the slot number assigned to the slot that received each notification. The determination function 722 then determines that the cable wiring is correct if the pattern number of the light pattern from each ADC board matches the slot number. Furthermore, the determination function 722 determines that the cable wiring is incorrect if the pattern number of the light pattern from each ADC board does not match the slot number.

[0110] According to this configuration, similarly to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to prevent an unauthorized image from being acquired due to incorrect wiring of the cable between the ADC board and the control board in the X-ray detector 12. As a result, it is possible to prevent unnecessary exposure to radiation due to re-imaging that is required when an unauthorized image is acquired due to incorrect wiring of the cable.

[0111] (Other embodiments) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the transmitting device provided on the fixed frame 18 is a light-emitting device that emits light, and the receiving device provided on each ADC board is a light-receiving device that detects the light emitted from the light-emitting device, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0112] For example, the transmitting device and the receiving device may communicate using signals other than light. For example, the transmitting device may be a magnetic transmitting device that transmits a magnetic signal of a specific pattern, and the receiving device may be a magnetic receiving device that detects the magnetic signal transmitted from the transmitting device. Alternatively, for example, the transmitting device may be a member such as a sticker on which an identification signal such as a specific character, symbol, or graphic is attached, and the receiving device may be a photographing device that photographs the member to detect the identification signal.

[0113] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the first communication device provided in the fixed frame 18 is a transmitting device that transmits a signal, and the second communication device provided in each ADC board is a receiving device that detects the signal transmitted from the transmitting device, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0114] For example, the second communication device provided on each ADC board may be a transmitting device that transmits a signal, and the first communication device provided on the fixed frame 18 may be a receiving device that detects the signal transmitted from the transmitting device.

[0115] The term "processor" used in the above description refers to a circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). If the processor is a CPU, for example, the processor realizes its function by reading and executing a program stored in a memory circuit. On the other hand, if the processor is an ASIC, for example, instead of storing a program in a memory circuit, the function is directly incorporated into the processor circuit as a logic circuit. Note that each processor in this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, but may be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its function. Furthermore, multiple components in FIG. 1 may be integrated into a single processor to realize its function.

[0116] In addition, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, the components of each device shown in the drawings are functional concepts and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific form of distribution or integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the drawings, and all or part of the devices can be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc. Furthermore, all or any part of the processing functions performed by each device can be realized by a CPU and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or can be realized as hardware using wired logic.

[0117] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using a known method.In addition, the information including the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified.

[0118] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to prevent an incorrect image from being acquired due to incorrect wiring of the cable between the ADC board and the control board in the X-ray detector.

[0119] Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1 X-ray CT device 12 X-ray detector 60-1 to 60-n ADC board 61 Sensors 70 Control board 71-1~71-n slots 72 Processing circuit 721 Acquisition Function 722 Judgment Function 80 Cable

Claims

1. a plurality of ADC substrates arranged in a channel direction; a fixed portion that rotatably supports a rotating portion to which the plurality of ADC substrates are attached; a first communication device provided in the fixed part; a second communication device provided on each of the plurality of ADC boards and capable of communicating with the first communication device; an acquisition unit that acquires position information of each of the plurality of ADC boards based on a result of communication between the first communication device and the second communication device and a rotation direction of the rotation unit; An X-ray CT device having the above.

2. a determination unit that determines whether the position information acquired by the acquisition unit matches a correct position that is predetermined for each of the ADC boards; The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1.

3. a control board having a plurality of slots to which the plurality of ADC boards are individually connected via cables; the determination unit determines whether the position information matches the correct position by comparing the position information with identification information that identifies each of the plurality of slots. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 2.

4. When an ADC board whose position information does not match the correct position is present, the determination unit notifies that there is a cable miswiring between the ADC board and the control board.

4. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 2 or 3.

5. When there is an ADC board whose position information does not match the correct position, the determination unit rearranges the data output from each ADC board using the position information acquired by the acquisition unit.

4. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 2 or 3.

6. the first communication device is an originating device that originates a signal; the second communication device is a receiving device that detects a signal transmitted from the transmitting device; 4. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1.

7. the light-emitting device is a light-emitting device that emits light; the receiving device is a light receiving device that detects light emitted from the light emitting device; The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 6.

8. the first communication device is a light projector provided for positioning the subject; 4. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1.

9. a plurality of ADC substrates arranged in a channel direction; a fixed portion that rotatably supports a rotating portion to which the plurality of ADC substrates are attached; a light-emitting device provided on the fixed portion and configured to emit light; a light-receiving device provided on each of the plurality of ADC boards to detect light emitted from the light-emitting device; an acquisition unit that acquires position information of each of the plurality of ADC boards; and the light-receiving devices provided on each of the plurality of ADC boards are configured to detect light emitted from the light-emitting devices in different patterns; the acquiring unit acquires position information of each of the plurality of ADC boards based on a detection result of light from the light receiving device. X-ray CT device.

10. 1. A substrate position acquisition method applied to a linear CT device having a plurality of ADC substrates arranged in a channel direction and a fixed part that rotatably supports a rotating part to which the plurality of ADC substrates are attached, comprising: acquiring position information of each of the plurality of ADC boards based on a result of communication between a first communication device provided in the fixed section and a second communication device provided in each of the plurality of ADC boards and based on a rotation direction of the rotating section; A substrate position acquisition method comprising:

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