X-ray CT scanner and medical imaging diagnostic system

Abstract

To support stable imaging of the subject in an X-ray CT scanner. [Solution] The X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiment is an X-ray CT apparatus configured to be connectable to a wearable display that can be attached to a subject, and comprises a stand, an acquisition unit, a generation unit, and a display control unit. The stand takes images of the subject wearing the wearable display. The acquisition unit acquires body detection positions obtained by detecting body parts of the subject. The generation unit generates support information relating to at least one of the position information of the stand and the target position information of the subject, based on the acquired body detection positions. The display control unit causes the wearable display to display the support information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to an X-ray CT apparatus and a medical image diagnosis system.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional technique, in order to observe the dynamics of a standing subject, an imaging diagnostic apparatus for standing, for example, a standing X-ray CT apparatus, is used. The standing X-ray CT apparatus includes a rotating body that rotates an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector in a horizontal plane, a gantry that houses the rotating body, and a column that supports the gantry so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction. When performing X-ray imaging with the standing X-ray CT apparatus, the rotating body housed in the gantry moves up and down in the body axis direction while rotating around the body axis of the standing subject.

[0003] Since it is difficult for the subject to stand with eyes closed, it is considered that the subject often undergoes X-ray imaging in a state of standing with eyes open. At this time, the subject will see the ascending and descending gantry and the rotating body rotating at high speed up close through the window provided on the gantry, so the subject may feel a strong sense of stress due to a sense of confinement or a sense of compression.

[0004] In addition, in imaging in a state of walking at a certain rhythm, or in imaging in a state where the knee joint or elbow joint is maintained at a desired angle or is flexed and extended at a desired cycle, etc., the movement of the subject may deviate from the desired movement, and there is a risk of having to retake the image.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] One of the problems that the embodiments disclosed herein and in the drawings aim to solve is to support stable imaging of a subject in an X-ray CT scanner. However, the problems that the embodiments disclosed herein and in the drawings aim to solve are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in each embodiment described later can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiment is configured to be connectable to a wearable display that can be attached to a subject, and comprises a stand, an acquisition unit, a generation unit, and a display control unit. The stand takes images of the subject wearing the wearable display. The acquisition unit acquires body detection positions obtained by detecting body parts of the subject. The generation unit generates support information relating to at least one of the position information of the stand and the target position information of the subject, based on the acquired body detection positions. The display control unit causes the wearable display to display the support information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a standing X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a standing X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processing of the standing X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4(A) is an illustrative diagram showing the reference direction for fixing the orientation of subject S's body. Figure 4(B) is a diagram showing an example of an image used to fix the orientation of subject S's body. [Figure 5] Figure 5(A) is an illustrative diagram showing the reference position for moving subject S's knee. Figure 5(B) is an example of an image showing the movement of subject S's knee. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of the standing X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7(A) is an illustrative image showing a demonstration image. Figure 7(B) is an example of an image used to reduce anxiety and stress in subject S. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes in detail embodiments of the X-ray CT scanner and the medical imaging diagnostic system with reference to the drawings.

[0010] [First Embodiment] The first embodiment relates to the processing of dynamic imaging support for a standing X-ray CT apparatus 1. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the standing X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The standing X-ray CT apparatus 1 is an example of an X-ray CT apparatus.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the standing X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes a pallet 10, a console 50, and an image reconstruction apparatus 51. For example, the pallet 10 is installed in the CT examination room, and the console 50 and image reconstruction apparatus 51 are installed in a control room adjacent to the CT examination room. The pallet 10, console 50, and image reconstruction apparatus 51 are connected to each other by wire or wireless so that they can communicate with one another.

[0012] The rigging device 10 photographs a subject S wearing a wearable display. The rigging device 10 is a scanning device configured for X-ray computed tomography (hereinafter referred to as "X-ray CT imaging") of a standing subject S. The rigging device 10 has an X-ray tube 17 (see Figure 2) that rotates around the subject S and intermittently exposes the subject S to X-rays, and an X-ray detector 19 (see Figure 2) that detects the X-rays that have passed through the subject S, and is a device capable of scanning the subject S. The rigging device 10 collects projection data through this scan. The console 50 is a computer that controls the rigging device 10. The image reconstruction device 51 generates a CT image (reconstructed image) by reconstruction processing using the projection data collected by the rigging device 10. Note that the console 50 and the image reconstruction device 51 may be configured as an integrated unit.

[0013] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the standing X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The standing X-ray CT apparatus 1 is configured to be connectable to a wearable display 67 that can be attached to a subject S. The standing X-ray CT apparatus 1 and the wearable display 67 together are referred to as the standing X-ray CT system 100. The standing X-ray CT system 100 is an example of a medical imaging diagnostic system. This embodiment is applicable not only to X-ray CT apparatuses but also to PET (Positron Emission Tomography) apparatuses and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatuses.

[0014] The support structure 10 comprises a support body 11 and support columns 13. Hereinafter, the vertical direction is defined as the Y direction, the direction perpendicular to the central axis R1 of the opening 15 and parallel to the horizontal axis R2 is defined as the X direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Y and X directions is defined as the Z direction.

[0015] As shown in Figure 2, the pedestal body 11 is a substantially cylindrical structure with an opening 15 forming the field of view. As shown in Figure 2, the pedestal body 11 houses a rotating frame 21 (rotating body) including an X-ray tube 17 and an X-ray detector 19, which are arranged facing each other across the opening 15. The pedestal body 11 surrounds the subject S, who is standing and wearing a wearable display 67, and performs X-ray CT imaging of the subject S while rotating while fixed at a predetermined height, or while performing movements including rotation and raising / lowering. The pedestal body 11 is an example of a pedestal. X-ray CT imaging is an example of X-ray imaging.

[0016] The rotating frame 21 rotates at a constant angular velocity around the central axis R1 by receiving power from the rotary drive unit 23. The rotary drive unit 23 generates power to rotate the rotating frame 21 according to the control from the frame control circuit 25. The rotary drive unit 23 generates power by driving at a rotational speed corresponding to, for example, the duty cycle of the drive signal from the frame control circuit 25. The rotary drive unit 23 is implemented by, for example, a motor such as a direct drive motor or a servo motor. The rotary drive unit 23 is housed, for example, in the frame body 11.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, the support column 13 is a base that supports the frame body 11 away from the floor. The support column 13 is installed on the floor. The support column 13 is a structure that supports the frame body 11 so that it can slide along the longitudinal direction of the support column 13. The support column 13 has a columnar shape, such as a cylindrical or rectangular prism shape. The support column 13 is made of any material, such as plastic or metal. The support column 13 is attached to the side of the frame body 11. The support column 13 has a structure that can support the frame body 11 so that the central axis R1 of the opening 15 faces the vertical Y direction in order to perform X-ray CT imaging of the subject S in an upright position. The support column 13 has a robust structure to support the frame body 11. The number of support columns 13 is not limited to the two shown in Figure 2, but may be one or three or more. In addition, the support columns 13 may be fixed not only to the floor as shown in Figure 2, but also to the wall or ceiling. Alternatively, the support column 13 may be moved horizontally, or the support column 13 may be configured in the shape of a robotic arm, and the frame body 11 may be moved using the robotic arm-shaped support column.

[0018] A gantry driving device 31 for sliding the gantry main body 11 in the Y direction is connected to the support column 13. The gantry driving device 31 generates power for sliding the gantry main body 11 in the longitudinal direction D according to the control from the gantry control circuit 25. Specifically, for example, the gantry driving device 31 generates power by driving at a rotational speed corresponding to, for example, the duty ratio of the drive signal from the gantry control circuit 25. The support column 13 receives the power from the gantry driving device 31 and slides the gantry main body 11 along the longitudinal direction D with respect to the support column 13. Note that such a sliding movement of the gantry main body 11 along the longitudinal direction D corresponds to the "lifting and lowering" of the gantry main body 11.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the X-ray tube 17 generates X-rays upon receiving an application of a high voltage from the high-voltage generator 39. The high-voltage generator 39 is, for example, attached to the rotating frame 21. The high-voltage generator 39 generates a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube 17 according to the control by the gantry control circuit 25 from the power supplied from a power supply device (not shown) of the gantry main body 11 via an annular electrode. The high-voltage generator 39 and the X-ray tube 17 are connected via a high-voltage cable (not shown). The high voltage generated by the high-voltage generator 39 is applied to the X-ray tube 17 via the high-voltage cable.

[0020] The X-ray detector 19 detects the X-rays generated from the X-ray tube 17 and transmitted through the subject S. The data collection circuit 41 collects digital data indicating the intensity of the X-rays attenuated by the subject S for each view. The data collection circuit 41 is realized, for example, by a semiconductor integrated circuit in which an integration circuit and an A / D converter provided for each of a plurality of X-ray detection elements are mounted in parallel. The data collection circuit 41 is connected to the X-ray detector 19 within the gantry main body 11.

[0021] The gantry control circuit 25 controls the high-voltage generator 39, the rotary drive unit 23, and the gantry drive unit 31 according to the control from the system control circuit 59 of the console 50. For example, the gantry control circuit 25 controls the gantry body 11 and various devices mounted on the gantry device 10 in order to perform X-ray CT imaging within the imaging range set by the setting circuit 61.

[0022] The frame control circuit 25 has hardware resources including various processing units (processors) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and various storage devices (memory, etc.) such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0023] The mounting device 10 has a plurality of imaging devices, namely a first camera 43 and a second camera 45, which are used to photograph the subject S. The first camera 43 and the second camera 45 each have, for example, an optical system (lens, etc.) for forming an image and data acquisition circuits 431 and 451, respectively. The data acquisition circuits 431 and 451 may be mounted on the console 50. The first camera 43 and the second camera 45 are, for example, cameras capable of photographing the subject S (movie camera, video camera, etc.).

[0024] The first camera 43 and the second camera 45 are mounted on the stand device 10 so that the subject S can be photographed from different directions. The first camera 43 is mounted on the stand device 10 with the X direction as the shooting direction, for example. The first camera 43 may also be mounted on the support column 13. As shown in Figure 2, the first camera 43 has a field of view A1 that can photograph the subject S.

[0025] The second camera 45 is installed, for example, on the floor of the CT examination room where the rigging device 10 is installed, with the Y direction as the imaging direction. Alternatively, the second camera 45 may be installed on the ceiling of the CT examination room where the rigging device 10 is installed. As shown in Figure 2, the second camera 45 has a field of view A2 capable of imaging the subject S.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the console 50 includes an image reconstruction device 51, an image processing device 53, a main memory circuit 57, a system control circuit 59, an input device 63, and a display 65, all connected via a bus. Data communication between the image reconstruction device 51, the image processing device 53, the main memory circuit 57, the system control circuit 59, the input device 63, and the display 65 takes place via the bus.

[0027] The image reconstruction device 51 reconstructs a CT image of the subject S based on the raw data from the rigging device 10. The image reconstruction device 51 is controlled, for example, by a system control circuit 59.

[0028] The image processing device 53 performs various image processing operations on the CT image reconstructed by the image reconstruction device 51.

[0029] The main memory circuit 57 is a storage device such as an HDD, SSD, or integrated circuit storage device that stores various information. The main memory circuit 57 stores a control program related to X-ray CT imaging according to the first embodiment, a program related to setting the imaging range for X-ray CT imaging for the subject S (imaging range setting program), setting conditions related to the imaging plan, etc. The main memory circuit 57 stores the setting conditions related to each imaging plan in association with the name of the imaging plan. Examples of imaging plans include standing imaging, sitting imaging, and dynamic imaging.

[0030] The setting conditions for the imaging plan may include parameters relating to at least one of the following: imaging range, imaging conditions, reconstruction conditions, and post-processing conditions. The imaging range includes, for example, information about the imaging area such as the chest, or positional information on a human body model. The imaging conditions include, for example, at least one of the following: FOV (Field of View), tube voltage, tube current, presence or absence of contrast agent, temporal conditions (or number of imaging), and the position of the subject S. The FOV as an imaging condition (imaging FOV) represents the X-ray irradiation range. The reconstruction conditions include, for example, at least one of the following: reconstruction algorithm, reconstruction function, reconstruction range, slice thickness, and FOV. The FOV as a reconstruction condition (reconstruction FOV) represents the range within the X-ray irradiation range where reconstruction is performed. The post-processing conditions include at least one of the following: type of 3D processing, presence or absence of subtraction processing, display processing settings such as display array, and type of clinical application.

[0031] The system control circuit 59 has hardware resources including a processing unit (processor) such as a CPU, MPU, or GPU, and a storage device (memory) such as ROM or RAM. The system control circuit 59 functions as the central part of the upright X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to this embodiment.

[0032] Specifically, the system control circuit 59 reads the control program stored in the main memory circuit 57, loads it into memory, and controls each part of the standing X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the loaded control program. The system control circuit 59 controls various devices and circuits according to various commands and information inputs received via the input device 63. For example, the system control circuit 59 controls the gantry device 10, etc., in order to perform X-ray CT imaging within the imaging range set by the setting circuit 61.

[0033] The processor in the system control circuit 59 implements a position acquisition function 591, an information generation function 592, a display control function 593, and a plan acquisition function 594. Each of these functions is stored in the main memory circuit 57 in the form of a program.

[0034] The position acquisition function 591 acquires body detection positions obtained by detecting body parts of the subject S. The body detection positions acquired by the position acquisition function 591 are detected by position sensors attached to body parts of the subject S, or by the first camera 43 and second camera 45 provided on the standing X-ray CT scanner 1. Examples of body parts include the entire body of the subject S, head, chest, shoulders, knees, elbows, etc.

[0035] The information generation function 592 generates support information that contributes to stable imaging of the subject S based on the body detection position acquired by the position acquisition function 591. The information generation function 592 generates support information relating to at least one of the position information of the mount body 11 and the target position information of the subject S based on the body detection position acquired by the position acquisition function 591. The display control function 593 causes the above support information to be displayed on the wearable display 67. The plan acquisition function 594 acquires the imaging plan for X-ray CT imaging of subject S. The imaging plan is an example of the process for X-ray imaging of the subject.

[0036] The input device 63 receives various commands and information inputs from the operator P. The input device 63 can be a keyboard, mouse, various switches, etc. The input device 63 outputs the various commands and information inputs received by the operator P to the system control circuit 59. The input device 63 may be located on the console 50 or on the mounting device 10. An input device located on the mounting device 10 outputs the various commands and information inputs received by the operator P to the mounting control circuit 25.

[0037] Display 65 displays screens for inputting various commands and information, screens for adjusting the shooting plan, and screens identical to those on the wearable display 67. Display 65 is a display device that operator P refers to.

[0038] The wearable display 67 is a head-mounted display that can be attached to the head of the subject S. The body detection position acquired by the position acquisition function 591 may be detected by an angle sensor provided on the head-mounted display, or by an angle sensor and a position sensor provided on the head-mounted display. The angle sensor detects, for example, the rotation angle (roll, pitch, yaw) around the X, Y, and Z axes.

[0039] The wearable display 67 may also be an augmented reality (AR) contact lens that can be attached to the eye of the subject S. In that case, the body detection position acquired by the position acquisition function 591 may be the position of the pupil or iris of the subject S, detected by a camera located outside the standing X-ray CT scanner 1.

[0040] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processing of the standing X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. This processing is related to dynamic imaging support for the subject S, which is performed by the system control circuit 59 in X-ray CT imaging. Dynamic imaging support includes support for fixing the subject S and support for moving the subject S.

[0041] In step S1, operator P attaches position sensors to the subject S beforehand. When the subject S is to be fixed in place, for example, one position sensor is attached to each of the subject S's shoulders. This makes it possible to assist in fixing the orientation of the subject S's body. When the subject S is to be moved, for example, one position sensor is attached to each of the subject S's knees. This makes it possible to assist in moving the subject S's knees to a desired position or at a desired rhythm.

[0042] In step S2, the plan acquisition function 594 of the system control circuit 59 acquires the name of the imaging plan input by the operator P via the input device 63. Next, the system control circuit 59 reads the setting conditions associated with the acquired imaging plan name from the main memory circuit 57. Then, the system control circuit 59 identifies the reference direction or reference position of the subject S according to the read setting conditions (e.g., imaging range, imaging conditions, etc.).

[0043] Figure 4(A) is an illustrative diagram showing the reference directions for fixing the orientation of the subject S's body. As shown in Figure 4(A), when attempting to fix the orientation of the subject S's body, the system control circuit 59 identifies, for example, the vertical and horizontal directions from the height of the subject S's shoulders as reference directions. The system control circuit 59 may also identify only the horizontal direction as a reference direction.

[0044] Figure 5(A) is an illustrative diagram showing the reference position for moving the subject S's knee. As shown in Figure 5(A), when attempting to move the subject S's knee to a desired position, the system control circuit 59 identifies a range higher than the knee position of the subject S in a standing position as the reference position P3.

[0045] In step S3, the system control circuit 59 starts X-ray CT imaging according to the imaging plan, that is, according to the setting conditions associated with the name of the imaging plan read from the main memory circuit 57. At this time, the system control circuit 59 may display the time remaining until the X-ray CT imaging is completed on the screen.

[0046] The processes from steps S4 to S7 are performed sequentially to assist in fixing or moving the subject S. During this process, the display control function 593 controls the support information to be displayed on the wearable display 67 during X-ray CT imaging, according to the imaging plan for the X-ray CT imaging.

[0047] In step S4, the position acquisition function 591 of the system control circuit 59 acquires the position and orientation of the wearable display 67 attached to the subject S.

[0048] In steps S5 and S6, the information generation function 592 of the system control circuit 59 generates support information for fixing the subject S's body in a reference direction P1 during X-ray CT imaging, based on the reference direction P1 and the current position P2 (see Figure 4). The body is an example of a specific body part. The reference direction P1 is an example of target position information for the subject S and is an example of a predetermined direction. The current position P2 is an example of a body detection position.

[0049] Furthermore, the information generation function 592 generates at least one of the following for the knee of the subject S during X-ray CT imaging: 1) support information for moving to a reference position P3, and 2) support information for moving to a reference rhythm, based on the reference position P3 (see Figure 5), at least one of the reference rhythm, and the current position P4 (see Figure 5). The knee is an example of a specific body part. The reference position P3 is an example of target position information for the subject S and is an example of a desired position. The reference rhythm is an example of a desired rhythm. The current position P4 is an example of a body detection position. The details of steps S5 and S6 are described below.

[0050] In step S5, the position acquisition function 591 of the system control circuit 59 acquires the current position of the subject S. Then, the information generation function 592 of the system control circuit 59 identifies a position (hereinafter simply referred to as the "display position") on the screen of the wearable display 67 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "screen") where the current position of the subject S will be displayed.

[0051] Figure 4(B) shows an example of an image used to fix the orientation of the subject S's body. The subject S's body axis is assumed to pass through the midpoint between the two shoulders to which the position sensors are attached, and the intersection of this body axis and the line connecting the subject S's shoulders is defined as the subject S's current position P2. The information generation function 592 then positions the subject S's current position P2 in the center of the screen of the wearable display 67.

[0052] Figure 5(B) shows an example of an image used to move the knee of subject S. When subject S is standing, the height of the knee does not change, but it is easier for subject S to understand if the display position of the knee on the screen is changed depending on the direction in which subject S is looking. Therefore, the information generation function 592 changes the display positions of the current knee positions P4L and P4R according to the direction of the wearable display 67.

[0053] For example, if the wearable display 67 (i.e., the subject S's line of sight) is oriented horizontally, the information generation function 592 positions the current knee positions P4L and P4R at the bottom of the screen. Conversely, if the wearable display 67 is oriented diagonally downwards, the information generation function 592 positions the current knee positions P4L and P4R at approximately the center of the screen in the vertical direction.

[0054] Furthermore, when the wearable display 67 is facing left, the information generation function 592 positions the current knee positions P4L and P4R on the right side of the screen, as shown in Figure 5(B). Conversely, when the wearable display 67 is facing right, the information generation function 592 positions the current knee positions P4L and P4R on the left side of the screen.

[0055] In step S6, the information generation function 592 of the system control circuit 59 identifies the display position of the reference direction or reference position of the subject S on the screen of the wearable display 67.

[0056] In Figure 4(B), the reference direction P1 is displayed to the upper left of the current position P2. This indicates that the subject S's body is located to the lower right of the reference direction P1. In other words, the support information for fixing the subject S's body to the reference direction P1 is visual information showing the difference between the subject S's reference direction P1 and its current position P2. This visual information is a crosshair whose position changes according to the difference between the subject S's reference direction P1 and its current position P2. The crosshair is an example of landmark information. Instead of a crosshair, vertical lines, horizontal lines, etc., may also be used. This visual information may also be color information that changes according to the difference between the subject S's reference direction P1 and its current position P2. For example, this color information may gradually change from blue to red as the difference between the subject S's reference direction P1 and its current position P2 increases.

[0057] In Figure 5(B), reference positions P3L and P3R are displayed above current positions P4L and P4R. This indicates that both knees of subject S are lower than reference positions P3L and P3R. In other words, the support information for moving subject S's knees to reference position P3 is visual information showing the difference between the reference position P3 and the current position P4 of subject S's knees. This visual information is an ellipse whose position changes according to the difference between the reference position P3 and the current position P4 of subject S's knees. The ellipse is an example of marker information. A circle, polygon, etc., may be used instead of an ellipse. In addition to or instead of displaying reference position P3, a figure indicating reference position P3L and a figure indicating reference position P3R may be alternately displayed and hidden as a reference rhythm. This visual information may also be color information that changes according to the difference between the reference position P3 and the current position P4 of subject S's knees. The color information may, for example, gradually change from blue to red as the difference between the reference position P3 and the current position P4 of the subject S's knee increases.

[0058] In step S7, the display control function 593 of the system control circuit 59 displays the subject S's reference direction or reference position and current position as visual information on the screen of the wearable display 67. The display control function 593 may also display a message on the screen prompting the subject to align their current position with the reference direction or reference position.

[0059] As shown in Figure 4(B), the subject S can align their current position P2 with the reference direction P1 by looking at the screen of the wearable display 67 and correcting their posture by turning both shoulders to the left and raising them slightly. This makes it possible to suppress movement of parts of the body that are not targeted for X-ray CT imaging (for example, the upper body including the head and chest).

[0060] The display control function 593 may display multiple fixed points on the screen instead of vertical or horizontal lines as the reference direction P1 and current position P2. Furthermore, when the distance between the reference direction P1 and the current position P2 on the screen exceeds a predetermined value, or when the amplitude of the current position P2 exceeds a predetermined value, the display control function 593 may display a warning message on the screen. That is, the support information for fixing the subject S's body to the reference direction P1 may be a warning message generated when the difference between the subject S's reference direction P1 and current position P2 exceeds a predetermined threshold. The warning message is an example of alert information. When the difference between the subject S's reference direction P1 and current position P2 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the display control function 593 may restrict the subject S's movement by changing the color of vertical lines, horizontal lines, or multiple fixed points as visual information, or by emitting a warning sound as audio information.

[0061] According to Figure 5(B), subject S can perform the desired action by looking at the screen of the wearable display 67 and alternately raising both knees to their respective reference positions P3.

[0062] When the distance between the reference position P3 and the current position P4 on the screen is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, or when the amplitude of the current position P4 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the display control function 593 may display a warning message on the screen. In other words, the support information for moving the subject S's knee to the reference position P3 may be a warning message generated when the difference between the reference position P3 and the current position P4 of the subject S's knee exceeds a predetermined threshold. The warning message is an example of alert information.

[0063] Furthermore, when the target area of ​​the subject S reaches the reference position P3, the display control function 593 may change the color or sound of the object indicating the target area. Also, when performing X-ray CT imaging in synchronization with the operation, the display control function 593 may restrict the movement of the subject S by making the object indicating the target area of ​​the subject S blink to maintain a constant walking (stepping, etc.) rhythm.

[0064] In step S8, the system control circuit 59 determines whether or not the X-ray CT scan is complete. If the X-ray CT scan is complete (YES in step S8), the system control circuit 59 proceeds to step S9. If the X-ray CT scan is not complete (NO in step S8), the system control circuit 59 returns to step S4.

[0065] In step S9, the display control function 593 of the system control circuit 59 terminates displaying the image on the screen of the wearable display 67.

[0066] According to the above, when fixing the orientation of the subject S's body, a center line indicating the reference position of the subject S's body axis is displayed on the screen, suppressing the movement of the subject S other than the subject being photographed. This reduces motion artifacts caused by influences other than the subject being photographed.

[0067] Furthermore, when moving the subject S, a reference position (for example, a point or an object indicating a predetermined range) is displayed on the screen, and the subject is instructed to move the target part (for example, the knee) to that reference position. This makes it possible to keep the movement of the subject S constant. The first embodiment can be applied not only to walking dynamics including knee movement, but also to elbow joint movement and imaging at a desired angle.

[0068] [Second Embodiment] The second embodiment relates to a process for reducing stress on a subject S when using a standing X-ray CT scanner 1. The configuration of the standing X-ray CT scanner 1 is the same as in Figures 1 and 2 of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, when consideration is needed for the subject S, the wearable display 67 is used to restrict the subject S's field of vision or to apply image processing to the area where the actual stand body 11 is visible, thereby reducing the subject S's anxiety and stress.

[0069] To reduce the anxiety and stress of the subject S, the wearable display 67 can superimpose and display real-world images of the subject S's surroundings with support information that contributes to stable imaging of the subject S. Furthermore, the display control function 593 of the system control circuit 59 can hide a portion of the real-world images of the subject S's surroundings and superimpose that real-world image with the support information on the wearable display 67. The portion of the real-world image that is hidden may be the real-world image of the mounting base 11.

[0070] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of the standing X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. This processing is related to dynamic imaging support and stress reduction for the subject S, which is performed by the system control circuit 59 during X-ray CT imaging. Figure 6 is the same as Figure 3 with steps S13 and S14 added. Therefore, the processing of steps S11, S12, S15 to S21 in Figure 6 is the same as the processing of steps S1 to S9 in Figure 3, so a detailed explanation will be omitted. The processing of steps S13 and S14 will be described below.

[0071] In step S13, the display control function 593 of the system control circuit 59 displays a demonstration image on the screen of the wearable display 67 that shows the operation including the raising and lowering of the gantry body 11, based on the imaging plan, that is, according to the setting conditions associated with the name of the imaging plan read from the main memory circuit 57, before X-ray CT imaging. This process is performed according to the requests and conditions (necessary) of the subject S. The demonstration image is an example of the position information of the gantry body 11. Figure 7(A) is an illustrative diagram showing a demonstration image. As shown in Figure 7(A), the subject S can virtually experience in advance the rotation and raising / lowering movements of the stand body 11 around their body through the wearable display 67.

[0072] In step S14, the display control function 593 of the system control circuit 59 displays images on the wearable display 67 to reduce the anxiety and stress of the subject S. For example, it hides a portion of the surrounding real-world image according to the shooting plan. That is, the display control function 593 displays a predetermined image on the screen so that the subject S wearing the wearable display 67 cannot see at least the actual rig body 11.

[0073] Specifically, the display control function 593 may, depending on the position and orientation of the wearable display 67, display a different image on the screen in the area where the stand body 11 would normally be visible, while allowing the actual visible scene to pass through to areas outside that area (augmented reality). Figure 7(B) shows an example of an image used to reduce the anxiety and stress of subject S. As shown in Figure 7(B), the display control function 593 may display an image of the background of the stand body 11 (the actual object) captured by the camera, so as to be transparent to the stand body 11. This makes it possible to hide the actual stand body 11.

[0074] Furthermore, the display control function 593 may display a different image (virtual reality) across the entire screen, regardless of the position and orientation of the wearable display 67. This makes it possible to hide the entire real image from the subject S's field of vision.

[0075] Furthermore, the other image may be a single-color screen image. For example, when the mounting frame 11 is stopped, the display control function 593 may not display an image on the screen, but instead allow it to pass through.

[0076] According to the above, subject S will no longer have to see the moving platform or the rapidly rotating body, which will result in reduced stress.

[0077] As a modification of the second embodiment, in the flowchart of Figure 6, in addition to the processing of steps S16 to S19 after the processing of step S15, the processing of steps S16 to S19 may be performed before the processing of step S15. That is, before X-ray CT imaging, the display control function 593 may display the reference direction and current position of the subject S on the wearable display 67. With this, the subject S can stabilize their posture by looking at the wearable display 67 as practice for X-ray CT imaging before the actual X-ray CT imaging, so that X-ray CT imaging can be performed smoothly.

[0078] According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to support stable imaging of the subject.

[0079] Note that the position acquisition function 591 is an example of an acquisition unit. The information generation function 592 is an example of an information generation unit. The display control function 593 is an example of a display control unit. The plan acquisition function 594 is an example of a process acquisition unit.

[0080] While several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 1… Standing X-ray CT scanner 11…Main frame 59... System control circuit 67… Wearable displays 591…Position acquisition function 592…Information generation function 593...Display control function 594... Plan acquisition function S…Subject

Claims

1. An X-ray CT apparatus configured to be connectable to a wearable display that can be attached to a subject, A stand for photographing the subject wearing the wearable display, An acquisition unit that acquires a body detection position obtained by detecting the body parts of the subject, A generation unit generates support information relating to at least one of the position information of the stand and the target position information of the subject, based on the acquired body detection position. A display control unit that causes the support information to be displayed on the wearable display, An X-ray CT scanner equipped with [a specific feature].

2. The system further comprises a process acquisition unit that acquires the process related to X-ray imaging of the subject, The display control unit, Prior to the aforementioned X-ray imaging, a demonstration image showing the operation of the stand, including its raising and lowering, based on the aforementioned process related to the X-ray imaging, is displayed on the wearable display. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The system further comprises a process acquisition unit that acquires the process related to X-ray imaging of the subject, The display control unit, During the aforementioned X-ray imaging, the support information to be displayed on the wearable display is controlled according to the process related to the said X-ray imaging. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The generating unit is The support information for fixing a specific body part of the subject in a predetermined direction during the X-ray imaging is generated based on the predetermined direction and the body detection position. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned support information is, This is visual information indicating the difference between the predetermined direction and the body detection position. The display control unit, The aforementioned visual information is displayed on the wearable display. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned visual information is This is marker information whose position changes according to the difference between the predetermined direction and the body detection position. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned visual information is This is color information that changes according to the difference between the predetermined direction and the body detection position. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 5.

8. The aforementioned support information is, This is alert information generated when the difference between the predetermined direction and the body detection position exceeds a predetermined threshold. The display control unit, The alert information is displayed on the wearable display. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 4.

9. The generating unit is During the X-ray imaging, at least one of the support information for moving a specific body part of the subject to a desired position and at least one of the support information for moving it at a desired rhythm is generated based on at least one of the desired position and the desired rhythm and the body detection position. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1.

10. The aforementioned support information is, Visual information indicating the difference between at least one of the desired position and the desired rhythm and the body detection position. The display control unit, The aforementioned visual information is displayed on the wearable display. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The aforementioned visual information is This is marker information whose position changes according to the difference between at least one of the desired position and the desired rhythm and the body detection position. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 10.

12. The aforementioned visual information is Color information that changes according to the difference between at least one of the desired position and the desired rhythm and the body detection position. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 10.

13. The aforementioned support information is, Alert information is generated when the difference between at least one of the desired position and the desired rhythm and the body detection position exceeds a predetermined threshold. The display control unit, The alert information is displayed on the wearable display. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 9.

14. The wearable display is capable of displaying the real-world image of the subject's surroundings and the support information superimposed on each other. The display control unit hides a portion of the surrounding real-world image and displays the real-world image and the support information superimposed on it. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1.

15. The portion of the real image to be hidden is the real image of the mounting base. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 14.

16. The body detection position acquired by the acquisition unit is detected by a position sensor attached to the body part of the subject, or by a camera provided outside the X-ray CT apparatus. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1.

17. The wearable display is a head-mounted display that can be attached to the head of the subject. The body detection position acquired by the acquisition unit is detected by an angle sensor provided on the head-mounted display, or by an angle sensor and a position sensor provided on the head-mounted display. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1.

18. The wearable display is an AR (Augmented Reality) contact lens that can be attached to the eye of the subject. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1.

19. The body detection position acquired by the acquisition unit is the position of the pupil or iris of the subject, as detected by a camera located outside the X-ray CT apparatus. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 18.

20. A wearable display that can be attached to the subject, A stand for photographing the subject wearing the wearable display, An acquisition unit that acquires a body detection position obtained by detecting the body parts of the subject, A generation unit generates support information relating to at least one of the position information of the stand and the target position information of the subject, based on the acquired body detection position. A display control unit that causes the support information to be displayed on the wearable display, A medical imaging diagnostic system equipped with [a specific feature].

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