Imaging aid and x-ray ct apparatus

Abstract

To easily support subjects of various body shapes.SOLUTION: An imaging holder includes a seat plate, a rotary shaft, and a holding member. The seat plate has a surface with which the subject comes into contact. The rotating shaft is rotatably attached to the seat plate. The holding member transitions between a first state in which the seat plate is movable along a pole erected on a floor surface and a second state in which the seat plate is held with respect to the pole by rotation around the rotation shaft due to tilting of the seat plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in the present specification and drawings relate to an imaging aid and an X-ray CT apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are X-ray CT devices that image subjects in various positions, such as standing, lying, and sitting. In X-ray CT devices that image subjects in various positions, there are imaging support devices that can be deformed into shapes that make it easier to support subjects in different positions. Examples of imaging support devices of this type include a bed that rotates around a horizontal axis to support subjects in lying and standing positions, and a chair formed by deforming first and second chair members that are plate-shaped and arranged vertically.

[0003] Conventional imaging support devices can support subjects in different positions. However, while subjects' body shapes vary, conventional imaging support devices have a roughly fixed shape for each position. Therefore, if the subject's body shape does not fit the imaging support device, it can be difficult to support the subject. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 10,624,596 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-102510 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to facilitate support of subjects with various body shapes. However, the problem to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is 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]

[0006] The imaging support device of the embodiment has a seat plate, a rotation shaft, and a support member. The seat plate has a surface that contacts the subject. The rotation shaft is rotatably attached to the seat plate. The support member transitions between a first state in which the seat plate can move along a pole installed on a floor surface and a second state in which the seat plate is supported by the pole, by rotation about the rotation shaft accompanying tilting of the seat plate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of an X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a photography auxiliary tool 60. [Figure 3] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing examples of a number of usage states of the photography auxiliary tool 60. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a right holding member 63. [Figure 5] 6A and 6B are perspective views of a wedge member 67 in an attached state and a diagram showing an example of the function of the wedge member 67. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the fitting member 68 has moved to the uppermost end. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a right holding member 63 to which a fixing member 70 is attached. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a fixing member 70. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a photography auxiliary tool 80 according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a photography auxiliary tool 90 according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an imaging support tool and an X-ray CT device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The X-ray CT device according to the embodiment is, for example, a device in which a gantry (mounting) is movable up and down and rotatable (tiltable) around a horizontal axis. A pole is placed upright on the floor below the gantry, and the imaging support tool holds the pole to fix a seat on which a subject sits.

[0009] (First embodiment) A first embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of an X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes, for example, a gantry device 10 and a console device 40. For convenience of explanation, Fig. 1 shows both a view of the gantry device 10 from the Z-axis direction and a view of the gantry device 10 from the X-axis direction, but in reality, there is only one gantry device 10.

[0010] In the first embodiment, when the rotating frame 17 is in a non-tilted state, the rotation axis of the rotating frame 17 along the horizontal direction is defined as the Z-axis direction (front-to-back direction), the axis perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and horizontal to the floor surface is defined as the X-axis direction (circumferential direction), and the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and perpendicular to the floor surface is defined as the Y-axis direction (up-down direction).

[0011] The X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes, for example, a gantry device 10 and a console device 40. The gantry device 10 includes, for example, a gantry 20, a gantry drive device 30, and an imaging support device 60. The gantry 20 is supported by the gantry drive device 30. The gantry drive device 30 moves the gantry 20 in the up-down and left-right directions, and tilts the gantry 20 to change the orientation of the gantry 20.

[0012] The gantry 20 includes an X-ray tube 11, a wedge 12, a collimator 13, an X-ray high voltage device 14, an X-ray detector 15, a data acquisition system (hereinafter referred to as DAS: Data Acquisition System) 16, a rotating frame 17, and a cover 18. The X-ray tube 11, the wedge 12, the collimator 13, the X-ray high voltage device 14, the X-ray detector 15, the DAS 16, and the rotating frame 17 are housed in the cover 18. The X-ray tube 11 is an example of an X-ray irradiator.

[0013] The X-ray tube 11 generates X-rays by irradiating thermoelectrons from a cathode (filament) to an anode (target) when a high voltage is applied from the X-ray high voltage device 14. The X-ray tube 11 irradiates the X-rays onto the subject P. The X-ray tube 11 includes a vacuum tube. 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.

[0014] The wedge 12 is a filter for adjusting the amount of X-rays (radiation dose) irradiated from the X-ray tube 11 to the subject P. The wedge 12 attenuates the X-rays that pass through it so that the distribution of the X-ray dose irradiated from the X-ray tube 11 to the subject P becomes a predetermined distribution. The wedge 12 is also called a wedge filter or a bow-tie filter. The wedge 12 is made by processing aluminum to have a predetermined target angle and a predetermined thickness, for example.

[0015] The collimator 13 is a mechanism for narrowing the irradiation range of the X-rays that have passed through the wedge 12. The collimator 13 narrows the irradiation range of the X-rays, for example, by forming a slit using a combination of multiple lead plates. The collimator 13 is sometimes called an X-ray aperture. The collimator 13 may be an active collimator whose narrowing range can be mechanically driven.

[0016] The X-ray high voltage device 14 includes, for example, a high voltage generator and an X-ray control device. The high voltage generator has an electric circuit including a transformer and a rectifier, and generates a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube 11. The X-ray control device controls the output voltage of the high voltage generator according to the X-ray dose to be generated by the X-ray tube 11. The high voltage generator may be one that boosts voltage using the above-mentioned transformer, or one that boosts voltage using an inverter. The X-ray high voltage device 14 may be provided on the rotating frame 17, or may be provided on the side of the fixed frame (not shown) of the gantry device 10.

[0017] The X-ray detector 15 detects the intensity of X-rays generated by the X-ray tube 11 and incident upon the subject P. The X-ray detector 15 outputs an electrical signal (which may be an optical signal, etc.) corresponding to the intensity of the detected X-rays to the DAS 16. The X-ray detector 15 has, for example, multiple X-ray detection element rows. Each of the multiple X-ray detection element rows has multiple X-ray detection elements arranged in the channel direction along an arc centered on the focal point of the X-ray tube 11. The multiple X-ray detection element rows are arranged in the slice direction (column direction, row direction).

[0018] The X-ray detector 15 is, for example, an indirect detector having a grid, a scintillator array, and a photosensor array. The scintillator array has multiple scintillators. Each scintillator has scintillator crystals. The scintillator crystals emit light with an amount of light corresponding to the intensity of the incident X-rays. The grid is arranged on the surface of the scintillator array on which the X-rays are incident and has an X-ray shielding plate that has the function of absorbing scattered X-rays. The grid is sometimes called a collimator (one-dimensional collimator or two-dimensional collimator). The photosensor array has, for example, a photosensor such as a photomultiplier tube (PMT). The photosensor array outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of light emitted by the scintillator. The X-ray detector 15 may also be a direct conversion detector having a semiconductor element that converts incident X-rays into an electrical signal.

[0019] The DAS 16 includes, for example, an amplifier, an integrator, and an A / D converter. The amplifier performs an amplification process on the electrical signal output by each X-ray detection element of the X-ray detector 15. The integrator integrates the amplified electrical signal over a view period (described below). The A / D converter converts the electrical signal indicating the integration result into a digital signal. The DAS 16 outputs detection data based on the digital signal to the console device 40.

[0020] The rotating frame 17 is an annular member that supports the X-ray tube 11, wedge 12, collimator 13, and X-ray detector 15 in opposing positions. The rotating frame 17 is supported by a fixed frame so as to be rotatable around the subject P introduced inside. The rotating frame 17 also supports the DAS 16. Detection data output by the DAS 16 is transmitted by optical communication from a transmitter having a light-emitting diode (LED) provided on the rotating frame 17 to a receiver having a photodiode provided on a non-rotating portion of the gantry device 10 (e.g., the fixed frame), and then transferred to the console device 40 by the receiver. Note that the method of transmitting the detection data from the rotating frame 17 to the non-rotating portion is not limited to the above-mentioned method using optical communication, and any non-contact transmission method may be adopted. The rotating frame 17 is not limited to an annular member, and may be an arm-like member as long as it can support and rotate the X-ray tube 11 and the like.

[0021] A central opening 19 is provided in the cover 18. The central opening 19 is an opening through which the subject P is inserted. A rotating frame 17 is provided inside the cover 18 and is disposed inside the cover 18, surrounding the central opening 19. The rotating frame 17 rotates around the central opening 19.

[0022] The X-ray CT device 1 is, for example, a Rotate / Rotate-Type X-ray CT device (third generation CT) in which both the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 15 are supported by a rotating frame 17 and rotate around the subject P, but is not limited to this and may also be a Stationary / Rotate-Type X-ray CT device (fourth generation CT) in which multiple X-ray detection elements arranged in a circular ring are fixed to a fixed frame and the X-ray tube 11 rotates around the subject P.

[0023] The gantry drive device 30 supports the gantry 20. The gantry drive device 30 includes, for example, a vertical movement device 31 and a horizontal movement device 32. The vertical movement device 31 moves the gantry 20 up and down (vertical direction). The horizontal movement device 32 is fixed to the floor surface. The horizontal movement device 32 moves the vertical movement device 31 and the gantry 20 in the horizontal direction. The gantry 20 is tiltable around a horizontal axis.

[0024] The console device 40 includes, for example, a memory 41, a display 42, an input interface 43, and a processing circuit 50. In the first embodiment, the console device 40 is described as being separate from the gantry device 10, but the gantry device 10 may include some or all of the components of the console device 40.

[0025] 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, detection data, projection data, reconstructed image data, CT image data, etc. These data may be stored in an external memory with which the X-ray CT apparatus 1 can communicate, instead of (or in addition to) the memory 41. The external memory is controlled by, for example, a cloud server that manages the external memory, by the cloud server accepting a read / write request.

[0026] The display 42 displays various types of information. For example, the display 42 is an output interface that displays medical images (CT images) generated by a processing circuit, GUI (Graphical User Interface) images that accept various operations by operators such as doctors and engineers, etc. The display 42 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, etc. The display 42 may be provided on the gantry device 10. The display 42 may be a desktop type, or may be a display device (for example, a tablet terminal) that can wirelessly communicate with the main body of the console device 40.

[0027] The input interface 43 accepts various input operations by the operator and outputs an electrical signal indicating the content of the accepted input operation to the processing circuitry 50. For example, the input interface 43 accepts input operations such as acquisition conditions when acquiring detection data or projection data, reconstruction conditions when reconstructing a CT image, and image processing conditions when generating a post-processed image from the CT image.

[0028] The input interface 43 is realized by, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a drag ball, a switch, a button, a joystick, a camera, an infrared sensor, a microphone, etc. The input interface 43 may be realized by a display device (e.g., a tablet terminal) capable of wireless communication with the main body of the console device 40. The input interface 43 outputs an electrical signal for setting a scan trajectory to the processing circuitry 50 based on an operation by the operator.

[0029] In this specification, the input interface is not limited to an interface having physical operation parts such as a mouse, keyboard, etc. For example, an example of an input interface also includes an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs this electrical signal to a control circuit.

[0030] The processing circuitry 50 controls the overall operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1. The processing circuitry 50 includes, for example, a control function 51, a pre-processing function 52, a reconstruction processing function 53, an image processing function 54, and a trajectory setting function 55. The processing circuitry 50 realizes these functions by, for example, a hardware processor executing a program stored in a storage device (storage circuit).

[0031] A hardware processor refers to a circuit such as a CPU, GPU, application-specific integrated circuit, programmable logic device or composite programmable logic device, or field programmable gate array. Instead of storing a program in a storage device, the program may be directly embedded in the circuit of the hardware processor. A hardware processor is not limited to a single circuit, but may be configured as a single hardware processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize each function. The storage device may be a non-transitory (hardware) storage medium. Furthermore, multiple components may be integrated into a single hardware processor to realize each function.

[0032] Each component of the console device 40 or the processing circuitry 50 may be distributed and realized by multiple pieces of hardware. The processing circuitry 50 may not be a component of the console device 40, but may be realized by a processing device capable of communicating with the console device 40. The processing device is, for example, a workstation connected to one X-ray CT device, or a device (for example, a cloud server) connected to multiple X-ray CT devices and collectively executing processing equivalent to that of the processing circuitry 50 described below.

[0033] The control function 51 controls various functions of the processing circuit 50 based on the input operation received by the control function 43. The control function 51 controls, for example, the X-ray high voltage device 14, the DAS 16, the control device 24, etc., to execute collection processing when collecting detection data in the gantry device 10.

[0034] The pre-processing function 52 performs pre-processing such as logarithmic conversion processing, offset correction processing, inter-channel sensitivity correction processing, and beam hardening correction on the detection data output by the DAS 16, generates projection data, and stores the generated projection data in the memory 41.

[0035] The reconstruction processing function 53 performs reconstruction processing using a filtered back projection method, an iterative reconstruction method, or the like on the projection data set by the preprocessing function 52 to generate CT image data, and stores the generated CT image data in the memory 41. The reconstruction processing function 53 is an example of a reconstruction unit.

[0036] The image processing function 54 converts the CT image data into three-dimensional image data or cross-sectional image data of an arbitrary cross section by a known method based on the input operation received by the input interface 43. The conversion into three-dimensional image data may be performed by the pre-processing function 52.

[0037] Next, the photographing auxiliary tool 60 will be described. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the photographing auxiliary tool 60. The photographing auxiliary tool 60 can be transformed into different usage states depending on the body position of the subject P when imaging the subject P with the X-ray CT device 1. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of usage states of the photographing auxiliary tool 60.

[0038] The photography support tool 60 includes, for example, a right pole 61, a left pole 62, a right holding member 63, a left holding member 64, a rotation shaft 65, and a seat plate 66. The right holding member 63 holds the right pole 61, and the left holding member 64 holds the left pole 62. When the right holding member 63 and the left holding member 64 are released from holding the right pole 61 and the left pole 62, respectively, they become movable up and down along the right pole 61 and the left pole 62.

[0039] The X-ray CT device 1 is capable of imaging the subject P in different positions, such as a sitting position or a standing position. The imaging support tool 60 supports the subject P in various positions, such as a sitting position or a standing position. Therefore, the imaging support tool 60 can be transformed into various states so that the subject P in various positions can assume a comfortable posture.

[0040] The photography support tool 60 can be used in various states, for example, in the proper sitting position state shown in Fig. 3(A), the proper standing position state shown in Fig. 3(B), the proper back support state shown in Fig. 3(C), the proper chest support state shown in Fig. 3(D), and the detached state shown in Fig. 3(E). In the proper sitting position state and the proper standing position state, the seat plate 66 is positioned extending horizontally, in the proper back support state, the seat plate 66 is positioned extending vertically, and in the detached state, the seat plate 66 is used detached from the pole.

[0041] In the following description, the proper sitting position and the proper standing position will be referred to as the "horizontal use position," and the proper back support position and the proper chest support position will be referred to as the "vertical use position," based on the orientation of the seat plate 66. As shown in FIG. 3(B), the seat plate 66 may be formed with a hole through which the subject can put their hand (palm). The horizontal use position is, for example, a use position in which the subject P sits on the seat plate 66, and the vertical use position is, for example, a use position in which the subject P leans against the seat plate 66.

[0042] The right pole 61 and the left pole 62 are erected side by side on the floor directly below the gantry 20. An imaging support tool 60 on which the subject P sits is attached to the right pole 61 and the left pole 62. The right pole 61 is an example of a first pole, and the left pole 62 is an example of a second pole.

[0043] The right holding member 63 holds the right pole 61 and is fixed to the right pole 61. The left holding member 64 holds the left pole 62 and is fixed to the left pole 62. The rotating shaft 65 is attached to the seat plate 66. The rotating shaft 65 is hung between the right holding member 63 and the left holding member 64 and is rotatable. The right holding member 63 is an example of a first holding member. The left holding member 64 is an example of a second holding member. The rotating shaft 65 rotates together with the seat plate 66 relative to the right holding member 63 and the left holding member 64. The rotating shaft 65 may be fixed to the right holding member 63 and the left holding member 64, and the seat plate 66 may rotate relative to the rotating shaft 65.

[0044] The right holding member 63 and the left holding member 64 transition between a first state and a second state by rotating about the rotation axis 65 in accordance with the tilt of the seat plate 66. In the first state, the right holding member 63 and the left holding member 64 allow the seat plate 66 to move along the right pole 61 and the left pole 62, respectively. In the second state, the seat plate 66 is held by the right pole 61 and the left pole 62, so that movement of the seat plate 66 relative to (movement along) the right pole 61 and the left pole 62 is restricted.

[0045] The right holding member 63 and the left holding member 64 have a common configuration. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the right holding member 63. The right holding member 63 includes, for example, a wedge member 67 and a fitting member 68. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the attached state of the wedge member 67 and a diagram showing an example of the function of the wedge member 67.

[0046] A through hole extending in the height direction is formed in the center of the wedge member 67 when viewed from above. As shown in FIG. 5(A), the wedge member 67 is inserted into the right pole 61 that passes through the through hole. The wedge member 67 is cone-shaped, and an outer wedge tapered surface 67T is formed on its outer surface. The wedge member 67 has notches 67S formed in part of its circumferential direction, in this example, at two opposing positions on the wedge member 67 when viewed from above. The outer wedge tapered surface 67T is an example of a first tapered surface.

[0047] The notch portion 67S is formed at a high position in the height direction of the wedge member 67, and a lower portion of the notch portion 67S in the wedge member 67 is continuous. As shown in Fig. 5(B) , when the notch portion 67S in the wedge member 67 is closed, the diameter of the through hole is reduced and the width of the wedge outer tapered surface 67T is narrowed, and the wedge member 67 is in a closed wedge state. When the wedge member 67 is in the closed wedge state and the diameter of the through hole of the wedge member 67 is reduced, the right pole 61 is restrained by the wedge member 67, and the right holding member 63 becomes immovable (fixed) relative to the right pole 61.

[0048] 5(C), the opening of the notch 67S in the wedge member 67 causes the diameter of the through hole to increase, the width of the wedge outer tapered surface 67T to increase, and the wedge member 67 enters an open wedge state. When the wedge member 67 enters the open wedge state and the diameter of the through hole of the wedge member 67 increases, the constraint of the wedge member 67 on the right pole 61 is released, and the wedge member 67 becomes movable relative to the right pole 61 (it is released from the fixation).

[0049] A fitting member 68 is fitted into the wedge member 67. The fitting member 68 is formed with a fitting member inner tapered surface 68T that can be fitted into the wedge outer tapered surface 67T. The fitting member inner tapered surface 68T is formed in an opening in the fitting member 68 that faces downward (hereinafter referred to as a downward opening). The lower end surface of the downward opening of the fitting member 68 is circular and has a larger diameter than the upper end surface of the wedge outer tapered surface 67T. The fitting member inner tapered surface 68T is an example of a second tapered surface.

[0050] The downward opening of the fitting member 68 is capable of being inserted into the wedge member 67. When the downward opening of the fitting member 68 begins to enter the wedge member 67, the wedge member 67 is in an open wedge state with the notch 67S open. In this state, the right holding member 63 is movable relative to the right pole 61. When the downward opening of the fitting member 68 further enters the wedge member 67, the fitting member inner tapered surface 68T of the fitting member 68 abuts against the wedge outer tapered surface 67T of the wedge member 67.

[0051] After the fitting member inner tapered surface 68T abuts against the wedge outer tapered surface 67T, the downward opening of the fitting member 68 enters the wedge member 67, and the notch 67S of the wedge member 67 gradually closes. Figure 4 shows the fitting member 68 in a state where it has reached its lowest end. When the fitting member 68 reaches its lowest end, the notch 67S of the wedge member 67 closes, resulting in a closed wedge state. In this state, the right holding member 63 is immovable relative to the right pole 61. A rotating shaft 65 is rotatably attached to the fitting member 68.

[0052] The seat plate 66 is, for example, a member on which the subject P sits. The seat plate 66 has a seat surface on its upper surface. The seat surface is the surface that the subject comes into contact with. The seat plate 66 is attached to the rotating shaft 65. The seat plate 66 includes, for example, a seat plate main body 66A and a grip member 66B. The seat plate main body 66A is a plate-shaped member in which plate materials are attached to the top and bottom of a frame material. The grip member 66B is fixed to one end of the seat plate main body 66A. The grip member 66B grips the rotating shaft 65, thereby fixing the seat plate 66 to the rotating shaft 65.

[0053] A handle hole 66H is formed on the side of the seat plate main body 66A opposite to the side where the grip member 66B is provided. The handle hole 66H is formed, for example, at approximately the center position in the width direction of the seat plate 66. The handle hole 66H is formed so that a user or the like can grasp it. The user can rotate it around the rotation axis 65 by grasping the handle hole 66H.

[0054] A stopper 69 that prevents the fitting member 68 from moving upward is provided at the upper end of the wedge member 67. The stopper 69 is a ring-shaped member that is provided while being inserted into the right pole 61. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the fitting member 68 has moved to the uppermost end. The fitting member 68 is movable relative to the wedge member 67 from the lowermost end position shown in Figure 4 to the uppermost end position shown in Figure 6.

[0055] When the engaging member 68 is at its lowest position, the engaging member 68 engages with the wedge member 67, and the wedge member 67 is in a closed wedge state. In the closed wedge state, the wedge member 67 grips the right pole 61, and the right holding member 63 cannot move relative to the right pole 61. When the engaging member 68 is at its highest position, the engaging member 68 releases the wedge member 67, and the wedge member 67 is in an open wedge state. In the open wedge state, the wedge member 67 releases its grip on the right pole 61, and the right holding member 63 can move relative to the right pole 61.

[0056] When the wedge member 67 moves up and down, the left and right holding members 63, 64, the rotation shaft 65 spanning between the left and right holding members 63, 64, and the seat plate 66 attached to the rotation shaft 65 move up and down in accordance with the up and down movement of the wedge member 67. As the seat plate 66 moves up and down, and as the seat plate 66 rotates around the rotation shaft 65, the seat plate 66 changes between a state that is easy for the subject P to use in a sitting position and a state that is easy for the subject P to use in a standing position. The procedure for changing the imaging support tool 60 will be described below.

[0057] The use state of the imaging support tool 60 can be changed between a horizontal use state suitable for imaging a subject P in a seated position and a vertical use state suitable for imaging a subject P in a standing position, for example, by rotating the rotation axis 65. The horizontal use state is a state in which the seat board 66 is arranged along a horizontal plane, as shown by the solid line in Fig. 2. The standing position appropriateness information is a state in which the seat board 66 is arranged along a vertical plane, as shown by the chain line in Fig. 2.

[0058] When the imaging support tool 60 is in a horizontal use state, the subject P is seated on the seat plate 66, and when it is in a vertical use state, the subject P is standing and using the seat plate 66 as a chest rest. Therefore, the seat plate 66 is positioned higher when the imaging support tool 60 is in a vertical use state than when it is in a horizontal use state.

[0059] Since subjects P can have a variety of body shapes, the appropriate height position of the seat plate 66 may differ for each subject P depending on differences in physique, particularly height, even when the device is in the horizontal or vertical use state. When the wedge member 67 and the fitting member 68 are disengaged from each other, the seat plate 66 can move up and down, so the height of the seat plate 66 can be easily adjusted even when the device is in the horizontal or vertical use state.

[0060] Next, a procedure for transforming the photographing support tool 60 will be described. First, a procedure for transforming the photographing support tool 60 from a vertical use state to a horizontal use state will be described. For example, when the photographing support tool 60 is in the horizontal use state, as shown in Fig. 4, the fitting member 68 fits into the wedge member 67, the through hole of the wedge member 67 is reduced in diameter, and the wedge member 67 grips the left and right poles 61, 62. By the wedge member 67 gripping the left and right poles 61, 62, the seat plate 66 is restrained in the height direction and maintained at a constant height.

[0061] From this state, when a user or the like grasps the handle hole 66H formed in the seat plate 66 and pulls up the side of the seat plate 66 where the handle hole 66H is formed, the seat plate 66 rises and the fitting member 68 also rises. As the fitting member 68 rises, the fitting member 68 gradually separates from the wedge member 67, creating a gap between the fitting member inner tapered surface 68T and the wedge outer tapered surface 67T. Due to this gap, the wedge member 67 is released from the constraint of the fitting member 68 and gradually expands in diameter.

[0062] When the seat plate 66 is further raised, the fitting member 68 rises to a position where it abuts against the stopper 69, as shown in FIG. 6. When the fitting member 68 rises to a position where it abuts against the stopper 69, the fitting member 68 is released from the wedge member 67, the through hole of the wedge member 67 expands in diameter, and the wedge member 67 becomes movable in the vertical direction. Since the wedge member 67 is now movable in the vertical direction, the rotation shaft 65 and the seat plate 66 also become movable in the vertical direction. By moving the seat plate 66 in the vertical direction, the user can move the seat plate 66 to a position where it is at an appropriate height for use in a vertical state.

[0063] Once the user has moved the seat plate 66 to a position where it is at an appropriate height, the user presses down on the seat plate 66 while holding down the wedge member 67 from below, thereby pressing down the fitting member 68 together with the seat plate 66. The force of the user pressing down on the fitting member 68 causes the downward opening of the fitting member 68 to enter the wedge member 67. Eventually, the fitting member inner tapered surface 68T of the fitting member 68 comes into contact with the wedge outer tapered surface 67T of the wedge member 67, and the fitting member 68 restrains the wedge member 67, thereby reducing the diameter of the through hole of the wedge member 67, and the wedge member 67 comes into a state where it grips the left and right poles 61, 62.

[0064] Furthermore, the photographing support tool 60 can be transformed from the vertical use state to the horizontal use state by performing the reverse procedure of the procedure for transforming the photographing support tool 60 from the vertical use state to the horizontal use state. Also, when the photographing support tool 60 is in the horizontal use state and the height of the seat plate 66 needs to be adjusted in accordance with the physique of the subject P, the user only needs to pull up the seat plate 66 to release the engagement between the fitting member 68 and the wedge member 67, and then move the seat plate 66 up and down. The same applies when the photographing support tool 60 is in the vertical use state and the height of the seat plate 66 needs to be adjusted in accordance with the physique of the subject P.

[0065] The imaging support tool 60 of the first embodiment can be changed between a horizontal use state and a vertical use state, thereby reducing the effort required to capture X-ray CT images in both a sitting and standing position. At this time, the left and right holding members 63, 64 are fixed to the left and right poles 61, 62 by the fitting member 68 fitting into the wedge member 67, which contracts in diameter to grip the left and right poles 61, 62.

[0066] Therefore, in order to move the left and right holding members 63, 64 up and down, it is sufficient to lift the fitting member 68 from the wedge member 67 to release the fitting between the fitting member 68 and the wedge member. This reduces the effort required to move the left and right holding members 63, 64 and further the seat plate 66 up and down, making it easier to support subjects with a variety of body shapes.

[0067] Similarly, when the imaging support device 60 is used in a horizontal or vertical state, if it is desired to move its height up or down, the engaging member 68 can be pulled up from the wedge member 67 to release the engagement between the engaging member 68 and the wedge member, making it easier to support the subject P even if the subject P has a variety of body shapes when taking X-ray CT images in a sitting or standing position.

[0068] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that a fixing member 70 can be attached to the left and right holding members 63, 64. In the following description, members and the like that are common to the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0069] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the right holding member 63 to which a fixing member 70 is attached. When the photographing support tool 60 is in a horizontal use state, the fixing member 70 is sandwiched between the fitting member 68 and the stopper 69, filling the space between the fitting member 68 and the stopper 69. The fixing member 70 is disposed, for example, on one side of the seat plate 66 on the side of the left and right poles 61, 62. The thickness of the fixing member 70 is approximately the same as the distance between the fitting member 68 and the stopper 69 when the photographing support tool 60 is in a horizontal use state.

[0070] 8 is a perspective view showing an example of a fixing member 70. The fixing member 70 includes, for example, a main body 71, a right end 72, and a left end 73. An opening 74 is formed between the right end 72 and the left end 73. The fixing member 70 has a rectangular shape in plan view with one side removed to form an opening.

[0071] The main body 71 has a uniform thickness and is generally U-shaped in plan view. Both sides of the main body 71 continue to a right end 72 and a left end 73. The thickness of the main body 71 is uniform and is approximately the same as the distance between the fitting member 68 and the stopper 69 when the photographing aid 60 is in a horizontal use state.

[0072] The right tip 72 and the left tip 73 have substantially the same shape. The right tip 72 and the left tip 73 have inclined portions that become thinner as they approach the opening 74. The thickness of the inclined portions at the tips of the inclined portions at the right tip 72 and the left tip 73 is the thinnest compared to the thickness at other positions.

[0073] The opening width of the opening 74 is approximately the same as the diameter of the right pole 61. The fixing member 70 is used, for example, by being sandwiched between the fitting member 68 and the stopper 69 when the photographing support tool 60 is in a vertical use state. The fixing member 70 may also be used, for example, when the photographing support tool 60 is in a horizontal use state. In the second embodiment, the inclined portions are provided on the top and bottom of the fixing member 70, but the inclined portions may be provided on either the top or bottom of the fixing member 70.

[0074] The photographing support tool 60 of the second embodiment has the same effects as the photographing support tool 60 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the photographing support tool 60 of the second embodiment includes a fixing member 70 that is used by being sandwiched between the fitting member 68 and the stopper 69 when the photographing support tool 60 is in a horizontal use state. Therefore, when the photographing support tool 60 is used in a horizontal use state, the left and right holding members 63, 64 can firmly grip the left and right poles 61, 62, respectively, thereby preventing the left and right holding members 63, 64 and the seat plate 66 from falling.

[0075] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. The photographing support tool of the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the left and right holding members. Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a photographing support tool 80 of the third embodiment. For example, as shown in Fig. 9 (A-1), the photographing support tool 80 of the third embodiment includes a right pole 81, a left pole 82, a right holding member 83, a left holding member 84, a rotating shaft 85, and a seat plate 86.

[0076] The right pole 81 and the left pole 82 have the same configuration as the right pole 61 and the left pole 62 of the first embodiment. The right holding member 83 and the left holding member 84 have a common configuration. As shown in FIG. 9(A-2), the right holding member 83 includes a wedge member 87, a fitting member 88, and a stopper 89. The wedge member 87 and the stopper 89 have the same configuration as the wedge member 67 and the stopper 69 of the first embodiment, and are inserted into the right pole 81.

[0077] The fitting member 88 includes a fitting portion 88A having a downward opening similar to that of the fitting member 68 of the first embodiment, a hollow cylindrical body 88B provided on the side of the fitting portion 88A, and a bearing 88C housed in the cylindrical body 88B. The bearing 88C is housed rotatably in the cylindrical body 88B. An end of the rotating shaft 85 can be fitted into the bearing 88C. The bearing 88C rotates together with the rotating shaft 85. The bearing 88C is an example of a co-rotating member.

[0078] The rotating shaft 85 and the bearing 88C are relatively movable along the extension direction of the rotating shaft 85. For example, both ends of the rotating shaft 85 are extendable and retractable along their respective longitudinal directions, and as the rotating shaft 85 extends and retracts, the rotating shaft 85 and the bearing 88C move relatively. In the third embodiment, the bearing 88C is movable along the longitudinal direction of the rotating shaft 85, but it does not have to be movable. The seat plate 86 includes a seat plate main body 86A and a grip member 86B similar to those in the first embodiment. The seat plate main body 86A is fixed to the rotating shaft 85 by the grip member 86B. As shown in FIG. 9(A-2), when the rotating shaft 85 extends and fits into the bearings 88C of the left and right holding members 83 and 84, the rotating shaft 85 and the seat plate 86 are held by the left and right holding members 83 and 84, as shown in FIG. 9(A-1).

[0079] The seat plate body 86A is formed with a handle hole 86H similar to the handle hole 66H of the first embodiment. The seat plate body 86A is fixed to the rotating shaft 85 by a grip member 86B. The end of the rotating shaft 85 may be engaged with a bearing 88C. The bearing 88C rotates together with the rotating shaft 85.

[0080] From this state, as shown in Fig. 9(B-1), when the rotation shaft 85 contracts, the end of the rotation shaft 85 is pulled out of the bearing 88C as shown in Fig. 9(B-2). When the rotation shaft 85 is pulled out of the bearing 88C, the rotation shaft 85 and the seat plate 86 are removed from the left and right holding members 83, 84 as shown in Fig. 9(B-1). In this way, the seat plate 86 of the photographing support tool 80 of the third embodiment can be easily attached and detached.

[0081] The imaging support tool 80 of the third embodiment has the same effects as the imaging support tool 60 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the imaging support tool 80 of the third embodiment, the seat plate 86 is detachable from the left and right holding members 83, 84. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 3(E), imaging can be smoothly performed using the X-ray CT device with the seat plate 86 removed.

[0082] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The photographing support tool of the fourth embodiment differs from the photographing support tool of the first embodiment mainly in that there is only one pole and one holding member. Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a photographing support tool 90 of the fourth embodiment. The photographing support tool 80 of the fourth embodiment includes, for example, a central pole 91, a central holding member 93, a rotating shaft 95, and a seat plate 96, as shown in Fig. 10(A-1).

[0083] The central pole 91 is installed independently on the floor. As shown in Fig. 10(A-2), the central holding member 93 includes a wedge member 97, a fitting member 98, and a stopper 99. The wedge member 97 and the stopper 99 have the same configuration as the wedge member 97 and the stopper 99 in the first embodiment, and are inserted into the central pole 91.

[0084] The fitting member 98 includes a fitting portion 98A having a downward opening similar to that of the fitting member 68 of the first embodiment, and a rotating shaft support portion 98B that rotatably supports the rotating shaft 95. The rotating shaft 95 is shorter than the rotating shaft 65 of the first embodiment. A through hole through which the rotating shaft 95 passes is formed in the rotating shaft support portion 98B.

[0085] The seat plate 96 includes a seat plate main body 96A and a rotating shaft holder 96B. The rotating shaft holder 96B is attached to the seat plate main body 96A and holds both ends of the rotating shaft 95 in a fixed state. When the rotating shaft 95 rotates on its axis and the rotating shaft holder 96B rotates, the seat plate 96 changes orientation between the vertical and horizontal directions, and the photographing support tool 90 changes between the horizontal use state shown in Fig. 10(A-1) and the vertical use state shown in Fig. 10(B-1). When the photographing support tool 90 is in the vertical use state, the orientation of the rotating shaft holder 96B becomes the orientation shown in Fig. 10(B-2).

[0086] The photographing support tool 90 of the fourth embodiment has the same effects as the photographing support tool 60 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the photographing support tool 90 of the fourth embodiment has only a central pole 91 standing upright, and does not have multiple poles. Therefore, it can have a simpler configuration than photographing support tools that require multiple poles.

[0087] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the device has a holding member that holds a pole that is erected on the floor surface and that can move along the pole when the holding is released, a rotation shaft that is rotatably attached to the holding member, and a seat plate that is attached to the rotation shaft, and by rotating the rotation shaft, the orientation of the seat plate can be changed between a first state and a second state that have different orientations, making it easier to support subjects with a variety of body shapes.

[0088] 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, and modifications 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]

[0089] 1 X-ray CT device 10 Mounting device 11 X-ray tube 12 Wedges 13 Collimator 14 X-ray high voltage device 15 X-ray detector 16 DAS 17 Rotating Frame 18 Cover 19 Central opening 20 Mounting stand 24 Control device 30 Mounting drive unit 31 Up and down movement device 32 Horizontal movement device 40 Console device 41 memory 42 Display 43 Input Interface 50 Processing circuit 51 Control Functions 52 Pre-processing function 53 Reconstruction processing function 54 Image processing functions 55 Orbit setting function 60,80,90 Photography aids 61,81 Right pole 62,82 Left pole 63,83 Right retaining member 64,84 Left retaining member 65,85,95 rotation axis 66,86,96 seat plate 66A, 86A, 96A seat body 66B, 86B Grip material 66H,86H handle hole 67,87,97 Wedge member 67S Notch 67T Wedge outer tapered surface 68, 88, 98 Fittings 68T Inner tapered surface of fitting 69,89,99 stopper 70 Fixing member 71 Main body 72 Right tip 73 Left tip 74 Opening 80 Photography aids 88A, 98A mating part 88B cylinder 88C bearing 90 Photography Aids 91 Central Pole 93 Central holding member 96B Rotating shaft holder 98B Rotating shaft support P Subject

Claims

1. a seat plate having a surface that comes into contact with the subject; a rotation shaft rotatably attached to the seat plate; a holding member that transitions between a first state in which the seat plate is movable along a pole erected on a floor surface and a second state in which the seat plate is held relative to the pole by rotation around the rotation axis accompanying tilting of the seat plate; A photography aid equipped with:

2. The holding member includes a wedge member that is inserted into the pole and has a first tapered surface; a fitting member having a second tapered surface that can be fitted into the first tapered surface and to which the rotary shaft is attached; Equipped with The photography aid according to claim 1 .

3. the fitting member is fitted into the wedge member when the seat plate is in a first state in which the seat plate is oriented horizontally; The seat plate in the first state is rotated around the horizontal axis, and thereby pulled out from the state in which it is fitted into the wedge member. The photography aid according to claim 2.

4. A notch is formed in at least a portion of the circumferential direction of the wedge member. The photography aid according to claim 2.

5. A stopper is provided at the upper end of the wedge member to prevent the fitting member from moving upward. The photography aid according to claim 2.

6. a stopper is provided at an upper end of the wedge member to prevent the fitting member from moving upward; A fixing member can be attached to fill the space between the fitting member and the stopper when the fitting member is in the first state. The photography aid according to claim 3.

7. The poles include a first pole and a second pole, the holding member includes a first holding member that holds the first pole and a second holding member that holds the second pole, The rotation shaft is suspended between the first holding member and the second holding member. The photography aid according to claim 2.

8. At least one of the first holding member and the second holding member includes a co-rotating member into which an end of the extended rotating shaft is fitted and which rotates together with the rotating shaft, and a cylindrical body fixed to the first pole or the second pole and accommodating the co-rotating member, The rotation shaft and the co-rotation member are relatively movable along the extension direction of the rotation shaft. The photography aid according to claim 7.

9. The rotation shaft is rotatably held by one of the fitting members, The fixing member is disposed on one side of the seat plate on the pole side. The photography aid according to claim 6.

10. The fixing member is disposed at a substantially central position in the width direction of the seat plate. The photography aid according to claim 9.

11. An X-ray CT apparatus comprising a gantry including an X-ray irradiator and an X-ray detector, wherein X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiator are used by the X-ray detector to image an object seated on or leaning against a seat plate, The seat plate is the seat plate of the photography support tool according to any one of claims 1 to 10. X-ray CT device.

12. The platform is tiltable around a horizontal axis. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 11.

Images