X-ray CT scanner and X-ray CT system

Abstract

To reduce vibrations during shooting. [Solution] The X-ray CT apparatus according to this embodiment includes a scanner unit, a stand unit, and a support unit. The scanner unit has an imaging system. The stand unit is a stand unit that supports the scanner unit and has a rotating unit connected to the scanner unit that rotates when switching between a first mode for imaging a subject in an upright or sitting position and a second mode for imaging a subject in a supine position, and a moving mechanism connected to the rotating unit and the scanner unit that moves the scanner unit in the longitudinal direction of the stand. The support unit is stored in a storage unit in the first mode and supports at least one of the rotating unit and the scanner unit in the second mode.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus that can perform imaging in both the standing or sitting position of a subject and the lying position where the subject is lying on a bed by tilting the scanner unit by 90 degrees. Furthermore, a configuration in which the scanner unit and the bed are integrated and connected to a stand unit on one side has also been considered, and imaging is enabled by moving the scanner unit in the longitudinal direction of the bed. Specifically, if the opening of the scanner unit faces vertically, a subject in the standing or sitting position can be imaged, and if the opening of the scanner unit faces horizontally, a subject in the lying position can be imaged. Here, when the scanner unit moves, it is assumed that the scanner unit vibrates in the direction of gravity. Particularly when imaging a subject in the lying position, the scanner unit moves horizontally, but there is a problem that it is likely to vibrate in the direction of gravity (vertical direction) as it moves. As a result, there is a possibility that the image quality of the CT image deteriorates.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to reduce vibration during imaging. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problems. The problems corresponding to the respective effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The X-ray CT apparatus according to this embodiment includes a scanner unit, a stand unit, and a support unit. The scanner unit has an imaging system. The stand unit is a stand unit that supports the scanner unit and has a rotating unit connected to the scanner unit that rotates when switching between a first mode for imaging a subject in an upright or sitting position and a second mode for imaging a subject in a supine position, and a moving mechanism connected to the rotating unit and the scanner unit that moves the scanner unit in the longitudinal direction of the stand. The support unit is stored in a storage unit in the first mode and supports at least one of the rotating unit and the scanner unit in the second mode. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a first example of the formation of the support portion in the supine imaging mode according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a second example of the formation of the support portion in the supine imaging mode according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a third example of the formation of the support portion in the supine imaging mode according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a fourth example of the formation of the support portion in the supine imaging mode according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the storage of the support unit in the standing shooting mode according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a first example of the formation of the support part for the supine imaging mode according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a first example of the formation of the support part for the standing shooting mode according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of an X-ray CT system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the X-ray CT system according to the third embodiment in supine position mode. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows the X-ray CT system according to the third embodiment in standing position mode. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments of X-ray CT apparatuses and X-ray CT systems will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts with the same reference numerals perform similar operations, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate. Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0008] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 has a scanner unit 10, a stand unit 20, a patient table 30, and a console 40. The scanner unit 10 is a scanning device configured for X-ray CT imaging of a subject P. The stand unit 20 includes a base 21, a rotating unit 22, and a moving mechanism and a tilt mechanism (not shown, but described later). The base 21 is placed on the floor. One side of the rotating unit 22 is connected to the base 21, and the scanner unit 10 and the patient table 30 are integrally connected to the other side. The rotating unit 22 allows the scanner unit 10 and the patient table 30 to rotate according to the imaging mode. The stand control device 23 controls the rotation of the rotating part 22 in response to instructions from, for example, the console 40.

[0009] The patient bed 30 is a platform on which the subject P, who is to be subjected to X-ray CT imaging, is placed. The console 40 is a computer that controls the scanner unit 10. For example, the scanner unit 10, stand unit 20, and patient table 30 are installed in the CT examination room, and the console 40 is installed in a control room adjacent to the CT examination room. The scanner unit 10, stand unit 20, and console 40 are connected to each other by wired or wireless connections so that they can communicate with one another. However, the console 40 does not necessarily have to be installed in the control room. For example, the console 40 may be installed in the same room as the scanner unit 10, stand unit 20, and patient table 30.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the scanner unit 10 includes an X-ray tube 11, an X-ray detector 12, a rotating frame 13, an X-ray high-voltage device 14, a control device 15, a wedge 16, a collimator 17, and a data acquisition system (DAS) 18. The configuration including at least the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 is also called the imaging system.

[0011] The X-ray tube 11 irradiates the subject P with X-rays. Specifically, the X-ray tube 11 includes a cathode that generates thermionic electrons, an anode that receives thermionic electrons flying from the cathode and generates X-rays, and a vacuum tube that holds the cathode and anode. The X-ray tube 11 is connected to the X-ray high-voltage device 14 via a high-voltage cable. A tube voltage is applied between the cathode and anode by the X-ray high-voltage device 14. The application of the tube voltage causes thermionic electrons to fly from the cathode to the anode. A tube current flows as thermionic electrons fly from the cathode to the anode. X-rays are generated when thermionic electrons collide with the anode.

[0012] The X-ray detector 12 detects the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11 and passed through the subject P, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the detected X-ray dose to the DAS 18. The X-ray detector 12 has a structure in which a plurality of X-ray detection element arrays in which a plurality of X-ray detection elements are arranged in the channel direction are arranged in a plurality in the slice direction (column direction). The X-ray detector 12 is, for example, an indirect conversion type detector having a grid, a scintillator array, and an optical sensor array. The scintillator array has a plurality of scintillators. The scintillator outputs light having an amount corresponding to the incident X-ray dose. The grid is disposed on the X-ray incident surface side of the scintillator array and has an X-ray shielding plate that absorbs scattered X-rays. Note that the grid may also be called a collimator (one-dimensional collimator or two-dimensional collimator). The optical sensor array converts the amount of light from the scintillator into an electrical signal. As the optical sensor, for example, a photodiode is used.

[0013] Note that the X-ray detector 12 may be a photon counting type detector. In the case of a photon counting type detector, the scintillator converts the incident X-rays into a number of photons corresponding to the intensity of the incident X-rays. The optical sensor array has a function of amplifying the light received from the scintillator and converting it into an electrical signal, and generating an output signal (energy signal) having a pulse height value corresponding to the energy of the incident X-rays. Further, the X-ray detector 12 may be a direct conversion type detector having a semiconductor element that converts the incident X-rays into an electrical signal.

[0014] The rotating frame 13 is an annular frame that supports the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis (Z-axis). Specifically, the rotating frame 13 supports the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 in an opposing manner. Note that, in addition to the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12, the rotating frame 13 further supports the X-ray high voltage device 14 and the DAS 18. The rotating frame 13 is supported by a fixed frame (not shown) so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis. The rotation mechanism includes, for example, a motor that generates a rotational driving force and a bearing that transmits the rotational driving force to the rotating frame 13 to cause rotation. The motor is provided on the fixed frame, the bearing is physically connected to the rotating frame 13 and the motor, and the rotating frame 13 rotates according to the rotational force of the motor. When the rotating frame 13 rotates around the rotation axis, the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 rotate around the rotation axis. The rotating frame 13 is an example of a rotating part.

[0015] The X-ray high voltage device 14 has a high voltage generator and an X-ray control device. The high voltage generator has electric circuits such as a transformer and a rectifier, and generates a high voltage applied to the X-ray tube 11 and a filament current supplied to the X-ray tube 11. The X-ray control device controls the output voltage according to the X-rays irradiated by the X-ray tube 11. The high voltage generator may be of a transformer type or an inverter type. The X-ray high voltage device 14 may be provided on the rotating frame 13 within the scanner unit 10 or may be provided on a fixed frame (not shown) within the scanner unit 10.

[0016] The wedge 16 adjusts the dose of X-rays irradiated to the subject P. Specifically, the wedge 16 attenuates the X-rays so that the dose of X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11 to the subject P has a predetermined distribution. For example, as the wedge 16, a metal plate such as aluminum, such as a wedge filter or a bow-tie filter, is used.

[0017] The collimator 17 limits the irradiation range of X-rays that have passed through the wedge 16. The collimator 17 slidably supports multiple lead plates that shield the X-rays and adjusts the shape of the slit formed by the multiple lead plates. The collimator 17 is sometimes called an X-ray diaphragm.

[0018] The DAS18 reads an electrical signal from the X-ray detector 12 corresponding to the X-ray dose detected by the X-ray detector 12. The DAS18 amplifies the read electrical signal and integrates it over the viewing period to collect detection data having a digital value corresponding to the X-ray dose over the viewing period. The detection data is also called projection data. The DAS18 is implemented, for example, by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) equipped with circuit elements capable of generating projection data. The projection data is transmitted to the console 40 via a non-contact data transmission device or the like.

[0019] The rotating frame 13 and the fixed frame are each provided with either a non-contact or contact-type communication circuit, and these communication circuits enable communication between the unit supported by the rotating frame 13 and the fixed frame or external devices of the scanner unit 10. For example, if optical communication is used as the non-contact communication method, the detection data generated by the DAS 18 is transmitted via optical communication from a transmitter having a light-emitting diode (LED) provided on the rotating frame 13 to a receiver having a photodiode provided on the fixed frame of the scanner unit 10, and then transferred from the fixed frame to the console 40 by the transmitter. In addition to non-contact data transmission methods such as capacitive coupling and radio wave methods, contact-type data transmission methods using slip rings and electrode brushes may also be used as communication methods.

[0020] The control device 15 controls the X-ray high-voltage device 14 and DAS 18 to perform X-ray CT imaging according to the imaging control function 442 of the processing circuit 44 of the console 40. The control device 15 has a processing circuit having a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or Micro Processing Unit (MPU), etc., and a drive mechanism such as a motor and actuator. The processing circuit has a processor such as a CPU and memory such as Read Only Memory (ROM) or Random Access Memory (RAM) as hardware resources. The control device 15 performs various functions using the processor that executes the program loaded into memory. Note that the various functions are not limited to being realized by a single processing circuit. Multiple independent processors may be combined to form a processing circuit, and each processor may execute a program to realize each function. Furthermore, the control device 15 may be realized by an ASIC or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Furthermore, the control device 15 may be implemented using other complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs) or simple programmable logic devices (SPLDs).

[0021] The control device 15 has the function of controlling the operation of the scanner unit 10 and the bed 30 by receiving input signals from an input interface 43 (described later) attached to the console 40 or the scanner unit 10, or by control signals from the processing circuit 44. For example, the control device 15 receives input signals and controls the rotation of the rotating frame 13 or the tilt of the scanner unit 10. The control of tilting the scanner unit 10 is achieved by the control device 15 rotating the rotating frame 13 around an axis parallel to the X-axis direction based on tilt angle information input by an input interface attached to the scanner unit 10. The control device 15 may be provided on the scanner unit 10 or on the console 40.

[0022] The console 40 includes a memory 41, a display 42, an input interface 43, and a processing circuit 44. Data communication between the memory 41, the display 42, the input interface 43, and the processing circuit 44 is performed via a bus (BUS). Although the console 40 is described separately from the scanner unit 10, the scanner unit 10 may include the console 40, or some of the components of the console 40 may be included.

[0023] Memory 41 is a storage device such as a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid State Drive (SSD), or integrated circuit storage device that stores various types of information. Memory 41 may also be a portable storage medium other than an HDD or SSD, such as a Compact Disc (CD), Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), Blu-ray® Disc (BD), or flash memory. Memory 41 may also be a drive device that reads and writes various types of information to and from semiconductor memory elements such as flash memory or RAM. Furthermore, the storage area of ​​Memory 41 may be located within the X-ray CT apparatus 1 or in an external storage device connected via a network.

[0024] The display 42 displays various types of information. Various types of displays can be used as the display 42 as appropriate. For example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, an organic electroluminescent display (OLED), or a plasma display can be used as the display 42. The display 42 may be installed anywhere in the control room. The display 42 may also be installed in the scanner unit 10. The display 42 may be a desktop type, or it may consist of a tablet terminal or the like that can communicate wirelessly with the console 40. One or more projectors may be used as the display 42.

[0025] The input interface 43 receives various input operations from the operator, converts the received input operations into electrical signals, and outputs them to the processing circuit 44. The input interface 43 can, for example, be a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, touchpad, or touch panel display, as appropriate. In this embodiment, the input interface 43 is not limited to those equipped with physical operating components such as a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, touchpad, or touch panel display. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives electrical signals corresponding to input operations from an external input device separate from the device and outputs these electrical signals to the processing circuit 44 is also included as an example of the input interface 43. Furthermore, the input interface 43 may be provided in the scanner unit 10. Also, the input interface 43 may consist of a tablet terminal or the like that can communicate wirelessly with the console 40 main unit.

[0026] The processing circuit 44 controls the operation of the entire X-ray CT apparatus 1 in accordance with the electrical signals of input operations output from the input interface 43. The processing circuit 44 generates image data based on the electrical signals output from the X-ray detector 12. For example, the processing circuit 44 has a processor such as a CPU, MPU, or GPU and memory such as ROM or RAM as hardware resources. The processing circuit 44 executes system control functions 441, imaging control functions 442, scanner unit control functions 443, image generation functions 444, judgment functions 445, support unit control functions 446, and display control functions 447 using a processor that executes programs loaded into memory.

[0027] Furthermore, each function is not limited to being implemented by a single processing circuit. It is also acceptable to combine multiple independent processors to form a processing circuit, with each processor executing a program to realize each function.

[0028] In the system control function 441, the processing circuit 44 controls each part of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the deployed control program. In the imaging control function 442, the processing circuit 44 controls the X-ray high-voltage device 14, the control device 15, and the DAS 18 according to the imaging conditions to perform X-ray CT imaging.

[0029] In the scanner unit control function 443, the processing circuit 44 controls the movement mechanism and the tilt mechanism to move the scanner unit 10 according to the shooting mode. In this embodiment, the shooting mode is assumed to be one of the following: a shooting mode for photographing a subject P in a standing position (standing shooting mode), a shooting mode for photographing a subject P in a sitting position (sitting shooting mode), or a shooting mode for photographing a subject P in a lying position (lying shooting mode).

[0030] In the image generation function 444, the processing circuit 44 generates a CT image by performing a reconstruction process on projection data relating to the subject P. Reconstruction methods include filtered back projection and iterative reconstruction. Alternatively, a reconstruction process incorporating denoising using machine learning may be used. The processing circuit 44 converts the CT image into a cross-sectional image of an arbitrary cross-section or a rendered image of an arbitrary viewpoint direction. This conversion is performed based on input operations received from the operator via the input interface 43. For example, the processing circuit 44 generates a rendered image of an arbitrary viewpoint direction by applying 3D image processing such as volume rendering, surface volume rendering, pixel value projection, MPR (Multi-Planer Reconstruction) processing, or CPR (Curved MPR) processing to the reconstructed image data.

[0031] In the determination function 445, the processing circuit 44 determines the imaging mode of the subject. In the support unit control function 446, the processing circuit 44 controls the support unit to protrude depending on whether the shooting mode is standing shooting mode (sitting shooting mode) or supine shooting mode. In the display control function 447, the processing circuit 44 displays the generated CT image and rendered image on, for example, the display 42.

[0032] Although console 40 has been described as a single console that performs multiple functions, it is also acceptable for multiple functions to be performed by separate consoles. The processing circuit 44 is not limited to being included in console 40; it may also be included in an integrated server that performs processing on projection data acquired by multiple medical imaging diagnostic devices in a unified manner.

[0033] The X-ray CT scanner 1 can be of various types, including third-generation CT and fourth-generation CT, and any type can be applied to this embodiment. Here, the third-generation CT is a Rotate / Rotate-Type in which the X-ray tube and detector rotate together around the subject. The fourth-generation CT is a Stationary / Rotate-Type in which a large number of X-ray detection elements are fixed in a ring-shaped array, and only the X-ray tube rotates around the subject.

[0034] Although not shown in the diagram, the X-ray CT scanner 1 may also be equipped with a communication interface. The communication interface is an interface that connects the X-ray CT scanner 1 to a workstation, PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System), HIS (Hospital Information System), RIS (Radiology Information System), etc., via a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like. The communication interface sends and receives various types of information between the connected workstation, PACS, HIS, and RIS.

[0035] An example of the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 2. In this embodiment, the standing imaging mode may also be used in conjunction with the seated imaging mode. The seated imaging mode includes cases where the subject is seated in a chair and cases where the subject is seated in a wheelchair. Similar to the standing imaging mode, the opening of the scanner unit 10 faces vertically. The subject P is positioned inside the opening while seated in a wheelchair or chair, and the subject P is photographed as the scanner unit 10 moves up and down. In this embodiment, the standing imaging mode and the seated imaging mode are also referred to as the first mode, and the supine imaging mode is also referred to as the second mode.

[0036] In step SA1, the processing circuit 44 uses the determination function 445 to determine whether there has been a change in the shooting mode from the shooting mode related to the previous scan. Specifically, it determines whether there has been no change in the shooting mode from the previous scan, whether the change is from standing shooting mode to supine shooting mode, or whether the change is from supine shooting mode to standing shooting mode. If there has been no change in the shooting mode from the previous scan, the process proceeds to step SA2. If the change is from standing shooting mode to supine shooting mode, the process proceeds to step SA3. If the change is from supine shooting mode to standing shooting mode, the process proceeds to step SA6.

[0037] In step SA2, for example, the processing circuit 44 performs shooting without changing the shooting mode, using the shooting control function 442.

[0038] In step SA3, the system control function 441 controls the orientation of the scanner unit 10's opening from standing shooting mode to supine shooting mode via the processing circuit 44. That is, the stand control device 23 rotates the rotating part 22 of the stand unit 20 so that the opening of the scanner unit 10 changes from vertical to horizontal, or in other words, so that the bed 30 becomes horizontal.

[0039] In step SA4, the processing circuit 44 uses the support control function 446 to form the support in accordance with the supine imaging mode. In step SA5, the processing circuit 44 performs imaging in supine imaging mode via the imaging control function 442.

[0040] In step SA6, the system control function 441 controls the orientation of the scanner unit 10's opening from supine imaging mode to upright imaging mode via the processing circuit 44. That is, the stand control device 23 rotates the rotating part 22 of the stand unit 20 so that the opening of the scanner unit 10 changes from horizontal to vertical, or in other words, so that the bed 30 stands upright. In step SA7, the processing circuit 44 uses the support control function 446 to form the support in accordance with the standing shooting mode. In Step SA8, the processing circuit 44 performs imaging in standing position mode via the imaging control function 442.

[0041] Next, a first example of the formation of the support portion in the supine imaging mode according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a state diagram of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 in supine imaging mode. In this embodiment, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 has a stand unit 20, a rotating unit 22, and a scanner unit 10 connected to it. The rotating unit 22 is rotatably connected to the base 21 of the stand unit 20. The scanner unit 10 is rotatably connected to the rotating unit 22. The scanner unit 10 and the rotating unit 22 are connected via a tilt mechanism and a movement mechanism. The tilt mechanism is a mechanism that rotates the scanner unit 10. For example, a general rotation mechanism such as a gear or conveyor can be used. The movement mechanism is a mechanism that moves the scanner unit 10 up and down along the vertical direction. For example, a general linear motion mechanism such as a rack and pinion mechanism can be used.

[0042] In supine imaging mode, the rotating part 22 of the stand unit 20 rotates 90 degrees from the standing imaging mode, so that the opening OP of the scanner unit 10 faces horizontally. The subject P is in a supine position on the bed 30, and the subject P is photographed as the scanner unit 10 moves along the longitudinal direction of the bed while taking images.

[0043] Here, a tire 50 is positioned around the outer circumference of the scanner unit 10 in supine scanning mode as a support. The storage compartment 51 for the tire 50 may be provided on the floor side of the outer circumference of the scanner unit 10. In the first embodiment, a tire 50 is used as an example of a support, but any rotating body that can rotate while supporting the load of the scanner unit 10 as the scanner unit 10 moves, such as a roller, may be used.

[0044] In supine scanning mode, the tire 50 protrudes from the outer circumference of the scanner unit 10 and makes contact with the floor surface. When switching from standing scanning mode to supine scanning mode as shown in steps SA2 and SA3 of Figure 2, the processing circuit 44 tilts the scanner unit 10 by rotating the rotating unit 22 via the system control function 441. In parallel, the processing circuit 44 can control the tire 50 to protrude from the storage compartment of the scanner unit 10 via the support unit control function 446. The timing of the tire 50 protruding may be after the tilt of the scanner unit 10 is completed, or while the scanner unit 10 is being tilted. Alternatively, the scanner unit 10 may be tilted after the tire 50 has been protruding.

[0045] In supine scanning mode, as the scanner unit 10 moves along the extending direction of the bed 30, the tires 50 roll on the floor surface, absorbing the vertical vibration of the scanner unit 10 through the elasticity of the tires 50, thereby suppressing vibration of the scanner unit 10. Therefore, the impact on the image due to vibrations associated with the movement of the scanner unit 10 can be reduced. In the case of a rotating body made of a component other than tires 50, the configuration may include an elastic member to absorb the vertical vibration of the scanner unit 10.

[0046] Although Figure 3 shows the case where there is one tire 50, multiple tires 50 may be arranged. Furthermore, if multiple tires are arranged, they may be arranged in the circumferential direction of the scanner unit 10, or they may be arranged in the axial direction (opening direction) of the scanner unit 10.

[0047] Next, a second example of the formation of the support portion in the supine imaging mode according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 4. A groove 401 may be formed along the path the tire 50 takes as it moves across the floor, following the shape of the tire 50. The groove 401 should be formed along the path of the scanner unit 10 in supine imaging mode. If multiple tires 50 are arranged, a groove 401 should be formed along each of the multiple tires 50.

[0048] Next, a third example of the support portion in the supine imaging mode according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 shows the configuration of the scanner unit 10 as seen from the opening in supine imaging mode. For ease of explanation, the configuration of the scanner unit 10 and the support unit is shown. As a third example of the support unit, the floor surface may be curved to match the outer shape of the scanner unit 10. In Figure 5, the scanner unit 10 is viewed from the Y-axis direction. Multiple tires 50 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the scanner unit 10. The floor surface is curved to match the outer shape of the scanner unit 10, and grooves 401 are also formed along the paths of the tires 50. Note that although Figure 5 shows an example in which grooves 401 are formed, it is not necessary to form grooves 401 unless the floor surface is curved.

[0049] By curving the floor surface in this way, the height of the bed 30 located at the opening of the scanner unit 10 is lower compared to when the floor surface is flat and not curved. Therefore, there is the advantage that it becomes easier for the subject P to get onto the bed 30.

[0050] Next, a fourth example of the support portion in the supine imaging mode according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. As a fourth example of the support structure, rails 60 may be formed on the floor surface, and wheels 61 may be installed in the circumferential direction of the scanner unit 10. This reduces the impact on the image due to vibrations associated with the movement of the scanner unit 10, similar to the case where tires 50 are formed, by causing the wheels 61 to protrude from the storage unit 51. Note that in the example shown in Figure 6, the rails 60 are formed at a position higher than the floor surface.

[0051] Next, an example of the storage of the support unit in the standing imaging mode according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a state diagram of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 in the standing imaging mode. In standing imaging mode, the opening is fixed in a position facing vertically, the bed 30 stands upright, and the subject P stands inside the opening OP with their back in contact with the bed 30. Here, a footrest 31 is provided on the bottom of the bed 30 so that the subject P can stand on the footrest 31, but the subject P may stand on the floor without the footrest 31.

[0052] The scanner unit 10 is moved up and down by the movement mechanism, thereby capturing an image of the subject P. In standing imaging mode, the tires 50 are stored in the storage compartment 51 of the scanner unit 10. This prevents them from getting in the way when moving around the scanner unit 10 and does not obstruct the movement of the technician and the subject P.

[0053] According to the first embodiment described above, the support unit is housed in the scanner unit, and in supine imaging mode, the support unit protrudes from the floor side of the outer circumference of the scanner unit and is placed on the floor. As the scanner unit moves during imaging in supine imaging mode, the support unit rotates, thereby suppressing vibrations associated with the horizontal movement of the scanner unit. Therefore, the impact on the image due to vibrations associated with the movement of the scanner unit can be reduced.

[0054] (Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment, the support portion supports the stand portion, which is different from the first embodiment. A first example of the formation of the support portion for the supine imaging mode according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8.

[0055] A storage compartment 51 is formed on the floor side of the rotating part 22 of the stand 20, which has rotated according to the supine imaging mode. The processing circuit 44, using the support control function 446, causes the support column 70 to protrude as a support and make contact with the floor surface in supine imaging mode. The support column 70 can be any shape that can support the rotating part 22 of the stand 20, such as a cylinder, prism, polygonal prism, cone, or pyramid.

[0056] Furthermore, while the example in Figure 8 shows one support column 70 formed on the upper side and one on the lower side of the rotating part 22, it is also possible to have the support columns 70 on either the upper or lower side of the rotating part 22, or to provide a storage compartment for the support column at at least one arbitrary location on the rotating part 22, thereby enabling the support columns 70 to make contact with the floor surface.

[0057] Next, a first example of the formation of the support portion for the standing shooting mode according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. In standing shooting mode, the rotating part 22 of the stand part 20 is in an upright position in the vertical direction. A storage section 51 for the support column 70 is formed on the floor side of the rotating part 22 in the standing shooting mode. The processing circuit 44, via the support section control function 446, causes the support column 70 to protrude from the storage section 51 and make contact with the floor surface in standing shooting mode. This suppresses vibrations that occur when the scanner part 10 moves vertically in standing shooting mode.

[0058] In the standing position mode, to save space, it is assumed that the support column 70 for the supine position mode will be stored, but the storage section 51 for the support column 70 may be omitted, and it may be formed to protrude outwards from the rotating section 22. Similarly, in the supine position mode shown in Figure 8, to save space, it is assumed that the support column 70 for the standing position mode will be stored, but the storage section 51 for the support may be omitted, and it may be formed to protrude outwards from the rotating section 22.

[0059] According to the second embodiment described above, in both the supine and standing imaging modes, a support is formed as a pillar between the rotating part of the stand and the floor. This suppresses vibrations associated with the horizontal movement of the scanner in the supine imaging mode and vibrations associated with the vertical movement of the scanner in the standing imaging mode. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, the impact on the image due to vibrations associated with the movement of the scanner can be reduced.

[0060] (Third embodiment) In the embodiments described above, the support is shown to be stored in the scanner unit 10 or the rotating unit 22, but the support may be stored in the floor or ceiling and arranged according to the shooting mode.

[0061] An example of an X-ray CT system 2 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 10. The X-ray CT system 2 shown in Figure 10 includes an X-ray CT apparatus 1 and a storage unit 81. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 is the same as the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first or second embodiment, except that it does not include the storage unit 51.

[0062] In the example shown in Figure 10, the rotating support unit, in this case the tire row 80, is stored in a storage unit 81 below the floor surface, rather than in the scanner unit 10. In supine scanning mode, the tire row 80 protrudes from the floor surface, enabling support for the floor side of the scanner unit 10. Specifically, in supine scanning mode, a conveyor-like tire row 80 is formed along the direction of movement of the scanner unit 10, and in states other than supine scanning mode, it is stored in the storage unit 81 below the floor surface and does not protrude above the floor surface. The support control function 446 causes the processing circuit 44 to extend the tire row 80 vertically upward from the storage section 81 below the floor surface and bring it into contact with the scanner unit 10 when switching from the standing shooting mode to the supine shooting mode. The tire row 80 supports the scanner unit 10 when it moves in the supine shooting mode, reducing vibrations during the movement of the scanner unit 10.

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the support portion that supports the rotating portion 22 of the stand portion 20 may be stored in the storage portion 81 below the floor. This allows the rotating portion 22 of the stand portion 20 to be supported in both standing and supine imaging modes.

[0064] Next, another example of the X-ray CT system 2 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12.

[0065] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the state when the X-ray CT system 2 is in supine position imaging mode. Instead of the support protruding from the floor, the scanner unit 10 is supported by a support 55 suspended from the ceiling. As shown in Figure 11, the support 55 is formed by a suspension method such as the Alweg type or Safege type, which suspends the support 55 from a rail R formed on the ceiling using running wheels and guide wheels. The rail R extends along the direction of movement of the scanner unit 10 in supine imaging mode. In supine imaging mode, the scanner unit and the support 55 are connected and support the movement of the scanner unit 10.

[0066] In the example in Figure 11, the support portion 55 is connected to the scanner unit 10 at a position on the side of the scanner unit 10 facing the stand portion 20. However, it is not limited to this position; any position that supports the scanner unit 10 along the direction of movement in the supine scanning mode without hindering the movement of the scanner unit 10 is acceptable, such as the ceiling side of the side of the scanner unit 10. Also, although the example in Figure 11 shows a single support portion 55, it is not limited to this; multiple support portions may be formed and connected to the scanner unit 10.

[0067] Figure 12 is a diagram showing the state when the X-ray CT system 2 is in standing position scanning mode. Similar to the case in Figure 11, the support portion 55 is formed by being suspended from a rail R formed on the ceiling. In the standing shooting mode, the scanner unit 10 moves up and down in the vertical direction, so the support portion 55 should be formed to expand and contract in accordance with the vertical movement of the scanner unit 10.

[0068] Furthermore, if the support portion 55 is connected at the connection position shown in Figures 11 and 12, the support portion 55 is formed to be rotatable at that connection position, allowing it to be used interchangeably in both standing and supine imaging modes while remaining connected.

[0069] Furthermore, if there are multiple support units 55, or if multiple support units 55 are used separately for the retractable standing imaging mode and the fixed-length supine imaging mode, the technician may, for example, select a support unit 55 from the ceiling and connect the scanner unit 10 to the support unit 55, depending on the imaging mode. In this case, a structure that can be stored and held on the ceiling surface may be provided, and if the support units 55 are not used, they may be stored and held on the ceiling surface.

[0070] According to the third embodiment described above, a storage section is formed to house the support section below the floor or above the ceiling, and the support section is made to protrude from the storage section according to the shooting mode and connected to at least one of the scanner section and the rotating section. This makes it possible to reduce the impact on the image due to vibrations associated with the movement of the scanner section, similar to the first or second embodiment.

[0071] In the above-described embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus in which the scanner unit 10 and the patient table 30 are integrated was explained. However, the configuration of the support unit according to this embodiment can also be similarly applied to an X-ray CT apparatus in which the scanner unit 10 and the patient table 30 are separate and which is capable of imaging in both standing and supine positions.

[0072] In the above description, the term "processor" refers to circuits such as CPUs, GPUs, or Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (e.g., Simple Programmable Logic Devices (SPLDs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)). The processor implements its functions by reading and executing programs stored in memory circuits. Alternatively, instead of storing programs in memory circuits, the processor may be configured to directly incorporate programs into its circuits. In this case, the processor implements its functions by reading and executing programs incorporated into the circuits. Furthermore, instead of executing a program, the processor may implement functions corresponding to the program through a combination of logic circuits. In this embodiment, each processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit; multiple independent circuits may be combined to form a single processor and implement its functions. Moreover, multiple components may be integrated into a single processor to implement its functions.

[0073] 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]

[0074] 1 X-ray CT device 10 Scanner section 11 X-ray tube 12 X-ray detectors 13 rotation frames 14 X-ray high-voltage equipment 15 Control device 16 Wedge 17 Collimator 18. Data Acquisition System (DAS) 20 Stand Section 21 Base 22 Rotating part 23 Stand control device 30 berths 31 Step stool 40 Console 41 memory 42 displays 43 Input Interfaces 44 Processing Circuits 50 tires 51,81 Storage Unit 55 Support part 60, R rail 61 wheels 70 pillars 80 tire rows 401 Groove 441 System control function 442 Shooting control function 443 Scanner Unit Control Function 444 Image generation function 445 Judgment function 446 Support Unit Control Function 447 Display control function OP opening

Claims

1. A scanner unit with an imaging system, A stand supporting the scanner unit, comprising: a rotating part connected to the scanner unit that rotates when switching between a first mode for photographing a subject in an upright or seated position and a second mode for photographing a subject in a supine position; and a moving mechanism connected to the rotating part and the scanner unit that moves the scanner unit in the longitudinal direction of the stand, In the first mode, it is stored in the storage section, and in the second mode, it is a support section that supports at least one of the rotating section and the scanner section, An X-ray CT scanner equipped with [a specific feature].

2. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support portion is housed in the storage portion provided on the outer periphery of the scanner portion and protrudes from the storage portion so as to contact the floor surface when imaging is performed in the second mode.

3. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the support portion is one or more rotating bodies that rotate in conjunction with the movement of the scanner portion when imaging is performed in the second mode.

4. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the rotating body rotates while in contact with a groove formed in the floor surface.

5. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support portion is stored in a storage portion provided on the outer periphery of the scanner portion when imaging is performed in the first mode.

6. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support portion is stored in a storage portion provided in the rotating portion and protrudes so as to contact the floor surface depending on the first mode or the second mode.

7. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support portion is connected to the scanner portion by a suspension method from the ceiling and extends and retracts in accordance with the vertical movement of the scanner portion in the first mode.

8. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support unit is connected to the scanner unit by a suspension method from a rail installed on the ceiling, and moves along the rail in accordance with the movement of the scanner unit in the second mode.

9. A scanner unit with an imaging system, A stand supporting the scanner unit, comprising: a rotating part connected to the scanner unit that rotates when switching between a first mode for photographing a subject in an upright or seated position and a second mode for photographing a subject in a supine position; and a moving mechanism connected to the rotating part and the scanner unit that moves the scanner unit in the longitudinal direction of the stand, An X-ray CT apparatus including a support portion which is stored in the first mode and supports at least one of the rotating portion and the scanner portion in the second mode, and Storage section for storing the support section in the floor surface, An X-ray CT system equipped with the following features.

10. The X-ray CT system according to claim 9, wherein the support portion is an arrangement of a plurality of rotating bodies along the direction of movement of the scanner portion in the second mode, and protrudes from the storage portion to contact the scanner portion when imaging is performed in the second mode.

11. The X-ray CT system according to claim 9, wherein the support portion protrudes from the storage portion so as to contact the rotating portion, depending on the first mode or the second mode.

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