Medical imaging equipment

Abstract

To provide a medical imaging apparatus which allows a subject to be easily visually recognized from the outer side in comparison to a case where there are two columns that should be configured to be thick.SOLUTION: A CT apparatus comprises: a radiation source which emits radiation; a radiation detector which detects the radiation; an annular frame to which the radiation source and the radiation detector are attached and in a cavity of which a subject is positioned; and three columns which hold the frame in a vertically ascending / descending manner.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a medical imaging apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, a medical imaging device has been proposed, such as a computed tomography (CT) device for imaging a subject in an upright position, as described in Patent Document 1. The CT device described in Patent Document 1 comprises an imaging unit and two support pillars for holding the imaging unit. The imaging unit has a circular ring shape, and the subject in an upright position is positioned in the hollow space. The two support pillars are disposed in the front-rear direction of the subject. The support pillars are extendable, which allows the height position of the imaging unit to be changed.

[0003] The imaging unit includes a radiation source that irradiates radiation, a radiation detector that detects radiation, and a frame. The radiation source and the radiation detector are attached to the frame. While rotating the frame, radiation is irradiated from the radiation source to the subject at each predetermined angle, for example, and the radiation that has passed through the subject is detected by the radiation detector, thereby obtaining multiple projection images. Then, a tomographic image is obtained by reconstructing the multiple projection images. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-077464 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The CT apparatus described in Patent Document 1 has two supports for supporting the imaging unit. For this reason, when considering the installation stability of the imaging unit, the supports must be made thick.

[0006] In a medical imaging device such as the CT device described in Patent Document 1, it is preferable that an operator such as a diagnostic radiologist can visually confirm the subject from outside the medical imaging device when positioning the subject before imaging and during imaging. However, if the configuration requires thick supports as in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to visually confirm the subject from outside the device.

[0007] One embodiment of the technique disclosed herein provides a medical imaging device in which a subject can be more easily viewed from the outside, compared to a configuration in which there are two support pillars, which requires the support pillars to be thick. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The medical imaging device disclosed herein comprises a radiation source that irradiates radiation, a radiation detector that detects radiation, a ring-shaped frame in which the radiation source and the radiation detector are mounted and in which a subject is positioned in a cavity, and three or more pillars that support the frame so that it can be raised and lowered vertically.

[0009] When the frame is viewed in plan and imagined as a polygon with three or more pillars as vertices, it is preferable that the center of the frame falls within the polygon.

[0010] Preferably, the frame has a circular shape and the support holds the frame so that it can rotate around the subject.

[0011] It is preferable that the three or more support columns are arranged at equal intervals on the same circumference.

[0012] When the support pillar is viewed from a direction in which the frame is viewed in plan, it is preferable that the support pillar has an arc shape that follows the shape of the frame.

[0013] At least one of the three or more support columns preferably has an opening for viewing the subject from outside.

[0014] It is preferable that at least one of an input device and a display is attached to at least one of the three or more columns.

[0015] It is preferable that the support column to which at least one of the input device and the display is attached has higher rigidity than the other support columns.

[0016] It is preferable that the connecting member is connected to the frame at a first connecting position and to the support column at a second connecting position, and the first connecting position is higher than the second connecting position.

[0017] Preferably, the radiation source and the radiation detector both protrude from the same side of either the top or bottom edge of the frame.

[0018] It is preferable to provide casters for transportation.

[0019] The radiation source preferably emits a cone of radiation.

[0020] The subject is preferably positioned in the cavity in one of two positions: standing and sitting. Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the technique of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a medical imaging device in which the subject is easier to view from the outside, compared to a configuration in which there are two support pillars, which necessitates making the support pillars thicker. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a CT device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the main body of the CT apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the main body of the CT apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a top view of the main body of the CT apparatus. [Diagram 5]FIG. 2 is a front view of the main body of the CT apparatus, showing a state in which a subject is positioned in a sitting position in a wheelchair. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a radiation source, a radiation detector, and radiation. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a processing unit of a CPU of the control device. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an irradiation condition table. [Figure 11] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a state in which a subject is guided into the device body when the frame is at the retracted height position and the first rotation position. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the frame is rotated to a first rotation position. [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram showing an outline of a process when an irradiation field confirmation instruction for confirming the irradiation field of radiation is input. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an overview of a process when a scout photography instruction for performing scout photography is input. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the frame is rotated to a third rotation position. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an outline of a process when a main photography instruction for carrying out a main photography is input. [Figure 17] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a state in which the frame is rotated from a fourth rotation position to a fifth rotation position. [Figure 18] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an overview of a process when a return instruction is input to return the frame to the evacuation height position and the first rotation position. [Figure 19] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing the frame returning from the fifth rotational position to the first rotational position; [Figure 20] 1 is a flowchart showing a procedure for capturing a tomographic image by a CT apparatus. [Figure 21] 1 is a flowchart showing a procedure for capturing a tomographic image by a CT apparatus. [Figure 22]1 is a flowchart showing a procedure for capturing a tomographic image by a CT apparatus. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a support pillar. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which the radiation source and the radiation detector protrude from the upper edge of the frame. [Diagram 25] 25 is a diagram showing a retracted height position and a first rotational position in the embodiment shown in FIG. 24. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a first rotational position. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of four pillars. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 shows an example of five pillars. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 shows an example of six pillars. [Diagram 30] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a lifting mechanism using a counterweight. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, a CT device 10 is a device for obtaining a tomographic image TI (see FIG. 16) of a subject S, and is composed of a device main body 11 and a control device 12. The device main body 11 is installed, for example, in an imaging room of a medical facility. The control device 12 is installed, for example, in a control room adjacent to the imaging room. The control device 12 is a desktop personal computer, a notebook personal computer, or a tablet terminal. The CT device 10 is an example of a "medical imaging device" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0024] 1 to 4, the device body 11 includes a stage 13, three support columns 14A, 14B, and 14C, and a top plate 15. The stage 13 is an octagonal flat plate. Casters 16 for transportation are attached to the four corners of the rear surface of the stage 13.

[0025] The casters 16 are provided with a rotation lock mechanism (not shown), and after the device body 11 is installed at the installation location, the rotation lock mechanism can be operated to lock the rotation of the casters 16. Alternatively, the casters 16 can be removed from the stage 13, and the casters 16 can be removed after the device body 11 is installed at the installation location. In addition, when the frame 18 etc. is viewed from above in a plan view, and a quadrangle RAC (see FIG. 1) is assumed with the four casters 16 as vertices, the center of gravity CG (see FIG. 1) of the device body 11 is contained within the quadrangle RAC. The center of gravity CG is, for example, the center of the stage 13. Therefore, the device body 11 can be transported stably. In addition, when the casters 16 are installed without being removed, the installation stability of the device body 11 is improved.

[0026] The pillars 14A to 14C have a rectangular plate-like outer shape and are erected at the four corners of the surface of the stage 13. The pillars 14A and 14C are arranged on the left and right sides of the front side of the device body 11 (left and right in front of the subject S). The pillar 14B is arranged in the center of the rear side of the device body 11 (behind the subject S). The top plate 15 is attached to the upper ends of the pillars 14A to 14C. The top plate 15 is a flat plate with an octagonal outer shape that follows the stage 13. The top plate 15 is C-shaped with a circular hole cut out in the center and a cutout in the front side of the device body 11 between the pillars 14A and 14C. In the following description, the pillars 14A to 14C will be collectively referred to as the pillar 14 unless there is a need to distinguish them.

[0027] A connecting member 17A is connected to support pillar 14A, a connecting member 17B is connected to support pillar 14B, and a connecting member 17C is connected to support pillar 14C. A frame 18 is connected to connecting members 17A to 17C. In other words, support pillars 14A to 14C and frame 18 are connected to each other via connecting members 17A to 17C. In the following description, connecting members 17A to 17C will be collectively referred to as connecting members 17 unless there is a particular need to distinguish between them.

[0028] Frame 18 has a circular ring shape. Subject S is positioned at the center C (see FIG. 4) of cavity 19 of this circular frame 18. FIGS. 1 to 4 show subject S positioned in a standing position with both hands raised above his head.

[0029] The support pillars 14 are provided with guide rails (not shown) into which the connection members 17 are fitted. The connection members 17, and therefore the frame 18, can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction along the guide rails. That is, the support pillars 14 hold the frame 18 so that it can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction. The frame 18 can also rotate around the subject S with its center C as the central axis. That is, the support pillars 14A to 14C hold the frame 18 so that it can rotate around the subject S. The height position of the frame 18 may be changed by extending and contracting the support pillars 14.

[0030] A radiation source 20 that irradiates radiation R such as X-rays and gamma rays (see FIG. 6), and a radiation detector 21 that detects radiation R are attached to the frame 18. The radiation source 20 and the radiation detector 21 are disposed at opposing positions (positions 180° apart) on the frame 18. The radiation source 20 is box-shaped, and the radiation detector 21 is pad-shaped. When the frame 18 and the like are viewed from above in a plan view, the radiation detector 21 is arc-shaped following the shape of the frame 18. The frame 18 has a width W1 around its entire periphery that is smaller than the width W2 in the height direction of the radiation source 20 and the radiation detector 21 (here, the width W2 in the height direction of the radiation detector 21 is larger than that of the radiation source 20) (see FIG. 2). Both the radiation source 20 and the radiation detector 21 protrude from the lower edge of the frame 18.

[0031] A screw shaft 22A is provided on the support 14A, a screw shaft 22B is provided on the support 14B, and a screw shaft 22C is provided on the support 14C. The screw shafts 22A to 22C have a height that reaches from the stage 13 to the top plate 15. When the screw shafts 22A to 22C rotate, the connection members 17A to 17C, and therefore the frame 18, rise and fall in the vertical direction. In the following description, the screw shafts 22A to 22C will be collectively referred to as the screw shaft 22 unless there is a particular need to distinguish between them.

[0032] The support pillar 14A has an opening 23A, the support pillar 14B has an opening 23B, and the support pillar 14C has an opening 23C. The openings 23A to 23C are formed by hollowing out most of the support pillars 14A to 14C in a rectangular shape. The subject S can be viewed from the outside of the device body 11 through the openings 23A to 23C. Due to the presence of the openings 23A to 23C, the support pillars 14A to 14C appear to have two pillars in part, but since the openings 23A to 23C are connected above and below, there is actually only one pillar. In the following description, the openings 23A to 23C will be collectively referred to as the opening 23 unless there is a particular need to distinguish between them.

[0033] A touch panel display 25 is attached to the support 14A via a movable arm 24. The touch panel display 25 is operated by an operator of the CT device 10, such as a radiological technologist. The touch panel display 25 also displays various information to the operator. The touch panel display 25 is an example of "at least one of an input device and a display" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The support 14A is also an example of "a support to which at least one of an input device and a display is attached" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0034] Attachment portion 26 (see FIG. 4) of movable arm 24 of pillar 14A is thicker than other portions, increasing its rigidity. Attachment portion 26 is provided only on pillar 14A, and not on pillars 14B and 14C. Therefore, pillar 14A has a higher rigidity than pillars 14B and 14C.

[0035] In FIG. 4 showing the frame 18 etc. in a plan view from above, when the position where the radiation source 20 is in front of the device body 11 is set as the 0° position, the support pillar 14A is disposed at a 60° position on a circle CC centered on the center C of the frame 18, the support pillar 14B is disposed at a 180° position on the circle CC, and the support pillar 14C is disposed at a 300° position on the circle CC. That is, the support pillars 14A to 14C are disposed at 120° intervals (equidistant intervals on the same circumference) on the circle CC. In addition, when a triangle TA (an equilateral triangle inscribed in the circle CC) having the support pillars 14A to 14C as vertices is assumed, the center C of the frame 18 is contained within the triangle TA. Note that angles such as "0°", "60°", etc. refer to "0°", "60°", etc. in the sense that they include errors that are generally acceptable in the technical field to which the technology of the present disclosure belongs, and that do not go against the spirit of the technology of the present disclosure, in addition to the exact "0°", "60°", etc. In addition, "equally spaced" refers to equal intervals in the sense of including, in addition to completely equal intervals, an error that is generally acceptable in the technical field to which the technology of the present disclosure belongs and that does not go against the spirit of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0036] 1 to 4 show an example in which the subject S is positioned in the cavity 19 in a standing position with both hands raised above the head, but this is not limiting. As an example, as shown in Fig. 5, the CT device 10 can also position the subject S in a sitting position in a wheelchair 30 in the cavity 19 and capture the subject S. Note that both the subject S in a standing position and the subject S in a sitting position in the wheelchair 30 are positioned so that their front faces the 0° position.

[0037] 6, the radiation source 20 incorporates a radiation tube 35 and a radiation field lamp 36. The radiation tube 35 emits radiation R. The radiation field lamp 36 emits visible light, for example, orange light, which indicates the radiation field of the radiation R.

[0038] The radiation source 20 also has an irradiation field limiter 37. The irradiation field limiter 37 is also called a collimator, and defines the irradiation field of the radiation R to the radiation detector 21. The irradiation field limiter 37 has an entrance opening into which the radiation R from the radiation tube 35 enters and an exit opening from which the radiation R exits. For example, four shielding plates are provided near the exit opening. The shielding plates are made of a material that blocks the radiation R, such as lead. The shielding plates are arranged on each side of a rectangle, in other words, arranged in a checkered pattern, and form a rectangular irradiation opening that transmits the radiation R. The irradiation field limiter 37 changes the size of the irradiation opening by changing the position of each shielding plate, thereby changing the irradiation field of the radiation R to the radiation detector 21. Due to the action of the irradiation field limiter 37, the radiation R in a quadrangular pyramid shape is irradiated from the radiation source 20. The radiation angle θ of the radiation R is, for example, 45°.

[0039] The radiation detector 21 includes, for example, a scintillator that converts radiation R into visible light, a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) substrate on which pixels that accumulate electric charges corresponding to the visible light converted from the radiation R are arranged two-dimensionally, and a signal processing circuit that outputs a voltage signal corresponding to the electric charges as a projection image. Note that the radiation detector 21 may be of a type that directly detects radiation R, instead of visible light converted from radiation R.

[0040] 7, as an example, an elevation mechanism 40 for vertically raising and lowering the connection member 17, and therefore the frame 18, is a ball screw mechanism composed of the aforementioned screw shaft 22, a nut 41 with a ball screwed onto the screw shaft 22, and an elevation motor 42 for rotating the screw shaft 22. The elevation motor 42 is attached to the rear surface of the stage 13. The height position of the frame 18 is calculated from the rotation direction and the number of rotations of the elevation motor 42.

[0041] The connecting member 17 has a first connecting portion 43 connected to the frame 18, and a second connecting portion 44 connected to the support pillar 14. The first connecting portion 43 protrudes toward the frame 18, and the second connecting portion 44 protrudes toward the support pillar 14, so that the connecting member 17 is Z-shaped overall. A bearing 45 is built into the first connecting portion 43. The bearing 45 is fitted into a guide groove 46 (see also FIG. 1, etc.) formed around the entire circumference of the frame 18. The bearing 45 rolls as the frame 18 rotates. A nut 41 is built into the second connecting portion 44.

[0042] A first connection position CP1 of the first connection part 43 with the frame 18 is higher by a height H than a second connection position CP2 of the second connection part 44 with the support column 14. Here, the point where the center of the bearing 45 contacts the guide groove 46 of the frame 18 is defined as the first connection position CP1. Also, the point where the center of the nut 41 contacts the screw shaft 22 is defined as the second connection position CP2.

[0043] As an example, as shown in FIG. 8, a rotation mechanism 50 for rotating the frame 18 around the subject S is composed of a rotating belt 51 wound around the entire circumference of the frame 18, a rotation motor 52, a potentiometer 53, and the like. The rotation motor 52 is built into the connection member 17C and is connected to a part of the rotating belt 51 drawn out from the frame 18 via a pulley 54. Driven by the rotation motor 52, the frame 18 rotates in a clockwise (right-handed) direction CW and a counterclockwise (left-handed) direction CCW. The potentiometer 53 is built into the connection member 17B and is connected to a part of the rotating belt 51 drawn out from the frame 18 via a pulley 55. The potentiometer 53 has a variable resistor whose resistance value changes depending on the rotation position of the frame 18, and outputs a voltage signal according to the rotation position of the frame 18. The rotation position of the frame 18 is determined by the voltage signal from the potentiometer 53.

[0044] As an example, as shown in FIG. 9, a computer constituting the control device 12 includes a storage 60, a memory 61, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 62, a display 63, an input device 64, and the like.

[0045] The storage 60 is a hard disk drive built into the computer constituting the control device 12 or connected via a cable or network. Alternatively, the storage 60 is a disk array in which multiple hard disk drives are connected in series. The storage 60 stores control programs such as an operating system, various application programs, and various data associated with these programs. Note that a solid state drive may be used instead of a hard disk drive.

[0046] The memory 61 is a work memory for the CPU 62 to execute processing. The CPU 62 loads a program stored in the storage 60 into the memory 61 and executes processing according to the program. In this way, the CPU 62 comprehensively controls each part of the computer. The memory 61 may be built into the CPU 62.

[0047] The display 63 displays various screens. Each screen is provided with an operation function using a GUI (Graphical User Interface). The computer constituting the control device 12 accepts input of operation instructions from an input device 64 via each screen. The input device 64 is a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a microphone for voice input, etc.

[0048] An operating program 70 is stored in the storage 60. The operating program 70 is an application program for causing a computer to function as the control device 12. In addition to the operating program 70, the storage 60 also stores an irradiation condition table 71, order-specific irradiation condition information 72, and the like.

[0049] When the operating program 70 is started, the CPU 62 of the control device 12, in cooperation with the memory 61, etc., functions as a reception unit 75, a read / write (hereinafter abbreviated as RW (Read Write)) control unit 76, a shooting control unit 77, an image processing unit 78, and a display control unit 79.

[0050] The reception unit 75 receives various operation instructions input by an operator via the touch panel display 25 of the apparatus body 11 and the input device 64. For example, the reception unit 75 receives a shooting menu 85. The reception unit 75 outputs the shooting menu 85 to the RW control unit 76.

[0051] The RW control unit 76 receives the imaging menu 85 from the reception unit 75. The RW control unit 76 reads out the irradiation conditions 86 of the radiation R corresponding to the received imaging menu 85 from the irradiation condition table 71. The RW control unit 76 writes the irradiation conditions 86 read out from the irradiation condition table 71 into the order-specific irradiation condition information 72.

[0052] The imaging control unit 77 controls the operations of the radiation source 20 (radiation tube 35, irradiation field lamp 36, and irradiation field limiter 37), the lifting mechanism 40 (lifting motor 42), the rotation mechanism 50 (rotation motor 52 and potentiometer 53), and the radiation detector 21. The imaging control unit 77 reads out the irradiation conditions 86 from the order-specific irradiation condition information 72. The imaging control unit 77 drives the irradiation field limiter 37 in accordance with the irradiation conditions 86 to adjust the irradiation field. The imaging control unit 77 also drives the radiation tube 35 in accordance with the irradiation conditions 86 to cause the radiation tube 35 to emit radiation R. The imaging control unit 77 causes the radiation detector 21 to output a projection image detected by the irradiation of radiation R from the radiation detector 21 to the image processing unit 78.

[0053] The image processing unit 78 receives the projection images from the radiation detector 21. The image processing unit 78 performs various image processing on the projection images. The image processing unit 78 also performs reconstruction processing on the multiple projection images after the image processing to generate a tomographic image TI. The image processing unit 78 outputs the projection images or the tomographic image TI after the image processing to the display control unit 79.

[0054] The display control unit 79 controls the display of various information on the touch panel display 25 and the display 63. The display control unit 79 receives the projection image or tomographic image TI from the image processing unit 78. The display control unit 79 displays the projection image or tomographic image TI on the touch panel display 25 and the display 63.

[0055] The imaging menu 85 includes, for example, an imaging order ID (Identification Data) and an imaging technique (see FIG. 10). The imaging order ID is identification information of an imaging order issued by a doctor who performs a medical examination using tomographic images. The imaging technique is composed of the posture of the subject S (standing or sitting), the imaging region such as the head, neck, spine, etc., and the attributes of the subject S such as an adult male or adult female.

[0056] The imaging order is transmitted from a radiology information system (RIS) (not shown) to the control device 12. The control device 12 displays a list of imaging orders on the display 63 under the control of a display control unit 79. The operator views the list of imaging orders and confirms the contents. Next, the control device 12 displays an imaging menu corresponding to the imaging order on the display 63 in a settable format. The operator operates the input device 64 to select and input an imaging menu corresponding to the imaging order.

[0057] As an example, as shown in Fig. 10, the irradiation condition table 71 has registered therein irradiation conditions 86 for each imaging technique. The irradiation conditions 86 include the tube voltage and tube current applied to the radiation tube 35, and the irradiation time of the radiation R. Although not shown, the irradiation conditions 86 also include the size of the irradiation field. The irradiation conditions 86 can be finely adjusted by the operator. Note that, instead of the tube current and the irradiation time, the product of the tube current and irradiation time, a so-called mAs value, may be used as the irradiation condition 86.

[0058] In the irradiation condition table 71, a scout imaging position and a fourth rotation position are also registered for each imaging technique. The scout imaging position is a set of a reference height position and second and third rotation positions of the frame 18 in the scout imaging. The reference height position indicates the height of the frame 18 when the surface of the stage 13 is set to 0 cm. The second rotation position is a position where the radiation source 20 faces the subject S directly, that is, a position of 0°. The third rotation position is a position where the radiation source 20 faces the right side of the subject S, that is, a position of 90°. Note that the 270° position where the radiation source 20 faces the left side of the subject S may be set as the third rotation position.

[0059] Here, scout radiography is a preparatory radiography performed to check the positioning of the subject S prior to the actual radiography in which a plurality of projection images are captured at predetermined angles to generate a tomographic image TI. In scout radiography, the frame 18 is set to a reference height position and a second or third rotation position, and a lower dose of radiation R than in the actual radiography is irradiated to obtain one projection image. Hereinafter, the projection image obtained by scout radiography is referred to as a scout image SI (see FIG. 14).

[0060] There are radiography procedures in which only the second rotation position is registered, and those in which both the second and third rotation positions are registered. For example, for the radiography procedure of "standing position, head, adult male", only the second rotation position is registered. On the other hand, for the radiography procedure of "sitting position, spine, adult male", both the second and third rotation positions are registered.

[0061] The fourth rotation position is the rotation start position of the frame 18 in the main imaging. For example, for the imaging technique of "standing position, head, adult male", a position of 0° is registered as the fourth rotation position. Also, for example, for the imaging technique of "sitting position, spine, adult male", a position of 90° is registered as the fourth rotation position.

[0062] Although not shown in the drawings, the irradiation conditions 86, the scout photographing position, and the fourth rotation position are registered for each photographing order ID in the order-specific irradiation condition information 72. The photographing control unit 77 reads out the irradiation conditions 86, the scout photographing position, and the fourth rotation position corresponding to the photographing order ID of the next photographing from the order-specific irradiation condition information 72, and controls the operation of each unit according to the read out irradiation conditions 86, the scout photographing position, and the fourth rotation position.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 11 as an example, when guiding the subject S into the apparatus body 11, the frame 18 is moved to a retracted height position by the lifting mechanism 40 and rotated to a first rotation position by the rotation mechanism 50 under the control of the imaging control unit 77. The retracted height position is set on the upper end side of the support 14. More specifically, the retracted height position is the highest point of the lifting range of the frame 18. In this example, the highest point of the lifting range of the frame 18 is approximately the upper end of the support 14, where the second connecting part 44 of the connecting member 17 abuts against the rear surface of the top plate 15. Incidentally, the lowest point of the lifting range of the frame 18 is approximately the lower end of the support 14, where the second connecting part 44 abuts against the surface of the stage 13. As shown in FIG. 12 as an example showing the state of FIG. 11 viewed from above, the first rotation position is a 60° position where the entire radiation source 20 overlaps with the support 14A. The operator guides the subject S into the device body 11 in this state using the space between the pillars 14A and 14C as an entrance, and positions the subject S. Note that the arrows shown in Figures 11 and 12 indicate the direction in which the subject S is guided into the device body 11.

[0064] 13 as an example, after positioning the subject S inside the apparatus body 11, the operator remains at the installation location of the apparatus body 11 and operates the touch panel display 25 to input an irradiation field confirmation instruction 90 for confirming the irradiation field of the radiation R. The reception unit 75 receives the irradiation field confirmation instruction 90 and outputs that instruction to the imaging control unit 77. The imaging control unit 77 outputs an irradiation field confirmation command 91 in accordance with the irradiation field confirmation instruction 90 to the radiation source 20, the lifting mechanism 40, and the rotation mechanism 50.

[0065] The irradiation field confirmation command 91 has a content of moving the frame 18 to the reference height position and rotating the frame 18 to the 0° position. The irradiation field confirmation command 91 also has a content of turning on the irradiation field lamp 36 at the reference height position and the 0° position. The lifting mechanism 40 drives the lifting motor 42 to rotate the screw shaft 22, thereby moving the frame 18 to the reference height position. The rotation mechanism 50 drives the rotation motor 52 to rotate the rotating belt 51, thereby rotating the frame 18 to the 0° position. The radiation source 20 drives the irradiation field limiter 37 to adjust the irradiation field according to the irradiation conditions 86, and then turns on the irradiation field lamp 36 to irradiate the irradiation field with visible light.

[0066] The operator visually checks the visible light from the irradiation field lamp 36 and judges whether the height position of the frame 18 and the positioning of the subject S are appropriate for imaging. If the operator judges that the height position of the frame 18 and the positioning of the subject S are not appropriate for imaging, the operator operates the touch panel display 25 to adjust the height position of the frame 18 or reposition the subject S. If the operator judges that the height position of the frame 18 and the positioning of the subject S are appropriate for imaging, the operator operates the touch panel display 25 to input an instruction to turn off the irradiation field lamp 36. The reception unit 75 receives the turn-off instruction and outputs that to the imaging control unit 77. The imaging control unit 77 turns off the irradiation field lamp 36 in response to the turn-off instruction.

[0067] 14 as an example, after checking the irradiation field of radiation R, the operator moves to the location of the control device 12 and operates the input device 64 to input a scout imaging instruction 95 for performing scout imaging. The reception unit 75 receives the scout imaging instruction 95 and outputs that to the imaging control unit 77. The imaging control unit 77 outputs a scout imaging command 96 corresponding to the scout imaging instruction 95 to the radiation source 20, the radiation detector 21, and the rotation mechanism 50.

[0068] The scout imaging command 96 rotates the frame 18 to the second rotation position and / or the third rotation position while keeping the height position the same as when the irradiation field of the radiation R was confirmed. The scout imaging command 96 also rotates the scout imaging at the second rotation position and / or the third rotation position. The rotation mechanism 50 rotates the frame 18 to the second rotation position and / or the third rotation position by driving the rotation motor 52 to rotate the rotation belt 51. FIG. 15 shows the state in which the frame 18 has been rotated to the 90° position, which is the third rotation position.

[0069] The radiation source 20 drives the radiation tube 35 to irradiate the subject S with radiation R for scout imaging. The radiation detector 21 detects the radiation R that has passed through the subject S to obtain a projection image. The radiation detector 21 outputs the projection image to the image processing unit 78.

[0070] The image processing unit 78 performs various image processing on the projection image from the radiation detector 21 to generate a scout image SI. The image processing unit 78 outputs the scout image SI to the display control unit 79. The display control unit 79 displays the scout image SI on the touch panel display 25 and the display 63.

[0071] The operator views the scout image SI on the display 63 and judges once again whether or not the height position of the frame 18 and the positioning of the subject S are appropriate for imaging. If the operator judges from the scout image SI that the height position of the frame 18 and the positioning of the subject S are not appropriate for imaging, the operator returns to the installation location of the device main body 11, turns on the irradiation field lamp 36 again, and adjusts the height position of the frame 18 or repositions the subject S.

[0072] 16 as an example, when it is determined from the scout image SI that the height position of the frame 18 and the positioning of the subject S are appropriate for imaging, the operator operates the input device 64 to input a main imaging instruction 100 for performing the main imaging. The reception unit 75 receives the main imaging instruction 100 and outputs the reception instruction 100 to the imaging control unit 77. The imaging control unit 77 outputs a main imaging command 101 according to the main imaging instruction 100 to the radiation source 20, the radiation detector 21, and the rotation mechanism 50.

[0073] The main photography command 101 rotates the frame 18 to the fourth rotation position while keeping the height position at the end of the scout photography, and then rotates the frame 18 in the counterclockwise direction CCW to the fifth rotation position at a first set rotation speed that is set in advance. The main photography command 101 also rotates the main photography while the frame 18 is rotating from the fourth rotation position to the fifth rotation position. The rotation mechanism 50 first rotates the frame 18 to the fourth rotation position by driving the rotation motor 52 to rotate the rotation belt 51. Then, the rotation mechanism 50 rotates the frame 18 in the counterclockwise direction CCW to the fifth rotation position at the first set rotation speed. In this example, the fifth rotation position is a position rotated 225° in the counterclockwise direction CCW from the fourth rotation position.

[0074] 17 illustrates an example in which the fourth rotation position is at 0°. In this case, the fifth rotation position is at 135°, which is rotated 225° counterclockwise CCW from the 0° position. Although not shown, when the fourth rotation position is at 90°, the fifth rotation position is at 225°, and when the fourth rotation position is at 180°, the fifth rotation position is at 315°.

[0075] The radiation source 20 drives the radiation tube 35 at each predetermined angle to irradiate the subject S with radiation R for main imaging at each predetermined angle in accordance with the irradiation conditions 86. The radiation detector 21 detects the radiation R that has passed through the subject S at each predetermined angle to obtain a plurality of projection images. The radiation detector 21 sequentially outputs the plurality of projection images to the image processing unit 78.

[0076] The image processing unit 78 performs reconstruction processing on the multiple projection images from the radiation detector 21 to generate a tomographic image TI. The image processing unit 78 outputs the tomographic image TI to the display control unit 79. The display control unit 79 displays the tomographic image TI on the touch panel display 25 and the display 63.

[0077] The operator views the tomographic image TI on the display 63 and determines whether or not it is necessary to re-capture the tomographic image TI. If it is determined that it is necessary to re-capture the tomographic image TI, the operator operates the input device 64 to re-input the main imaging instruction 100.

[0078] 18 as an example, when it is determined that re-imaging of the tomographic image TI is not necessary, the operator operates the input device 64 to input a return instruction 105 for returning the frame 18 to the retracted height position and the first rotation position. The reception unit 75 receives the return instruction 105 and outputs the same to the imaging control unit 77. The imaging control unit 77 outputs a return command 106 corresponding to the return instruction 105 to the lifting mechanism 40 and the rotation mechanism 50.

[0079] The return command 106 is to return the frame 18 to the evacuation height position, and to return the frame 18 from the fifth rotation position to the first rotation position in the clockwise direction CW at a second set rotation speed that is twice as fast as the first set rotation speed. The lifting mechanism 40 drives the lifting motor 42 to rotate the screw shaft 22, thereby returning the frame 18 to the evacuation height position. The rotation mechanism 50 drives the rotation motor 52 to rotate the rotating belt 51, thereby returning the frame 18 from the fifth rotation position to the first rotation position in the clockwise direction CW at the second set rotation speed.

[0080] 19 illustrates an example in which the fifth rotation position is a position of 135°. In this case, the rotation mechanism 50 returns the frame 18 from the fifth rotation position of 135° to the first rotation position of 60° in the clockwise direction CW at the second set rotation speed. After the frame 18 is returned to the retract height position and then to the first rotation position, the operator retracts the subject S from within the device body 11.

[0081] Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 20 to 22. When the operating program 70 is started, the CPU 62 of the control device 12 functions as a reception unit 75, a RW control unit 76, an imaging control unit 77, an image processing unit 78, and a display control unit 79, as shown in Figure 9.

[0082] 11 and 12, the frame 18 is moved to the retracted height position and rotated to the first rotation position, and then the subject S is guided into the device body 11 by the operator (step ST100). Then, the subject S is positioned by the operator (step ST110).

[0083] 13, after positioning of the subject S, an operator inputs an irradiation field confirmation instruction 90 via the touch panel display 25. The irradiation field confirmation instruction 90 is accepted by the acceptance unit 75 (YES in step ST120). As a result, an irradiation field confirmation command 91 is output from the imaging control unit 77 to the radiation source 20, etc. (step ST130).

[0084] In response to the irradiation field confirmation command 91, the lifting mechanism 40 is operated to move the frame 18 to the reference height position. Also, the rotation mechanism 50 is operated to rotate the frame 18 to the 0° position (step ST140). Furthermore, the irradiation field limiter 37 is driven to adjust the irradiation field according to the irradiation conditions 86, and then the irradiation field lamp 36 is turned on and visible light is irradiated onto the irradiation field (step ST150).

[0085] With reference to the visible light from the irradiation field lamp 36, the operator judges whether the height position of the frame 18 and the positioning of the subject S are appropriate for imaging. If the height position of the frame 18 and the positioning of the subject S are not appropriate for imaging, the operator adjusts the height position of the frame 18 or repositions the subject S. If the height position of the frame 18 and the positioning of the subject S are appropriate for imaging, the operator inputs an instruction to turn off the irradiation field lamp 36 via the touch panel display 25. The instruction to turn off the irradiation field lamp 36 is received by the reception unit 75 (YES in step ST160). Then, the imaging control unit 77 turns off the irradiation field lamp 36 (step ST170).

[0086] 14, after checking the irradiation field of radiation R, the operator inputs a scout imaging instruction 95 via the input device 64. The scout imaging instruction 95 is received by the reception unit 75 (YES in step ST180). As a result, a scout imaging command 96 is output from the imaging control unit 77 to the radiation source 20 etc. (step ST190).

[0087] 15, in response to a scout imaging command 96, the rotation mechanism 50 is operated to rotate the frame 18 to the second rotation position and / or the third rotation position (step ST200). Furthermore, the radiation tube 35 irradiates the subject S with radiation R for scout imaging, and the radiation R that has passed through the subject S is detected by the radiation detector 21 to obtain a projection image (step ST210).

[0088] The projection image obtained by radiation detector 21 is subjected to various image processing in image processing unit 78 to become a scout image SI. The scout image SI is displayed on touch panel display 25 and display 63 under the control of display control unit 79 (step ST220).

[0089] With reference to the scout image SI, the operator once again determines whether the height position of the frame 18 and the positioning of the subject S are appropriate for imaging. If the height position of the frame 18 and the positioning of the subject S are not appropriate for imaging, the operator turns on the irradiation field lamp 36 again, adjusts the height position of the frame 18, and repositions the subject S.

[0090] When the height position of the frame 18 and the positioning of the subject S are appropriate for imaging, the operator inputs an actual imaging instruction 100 via the input device 64, as shown in Fig. 16. The actual imaging instruction 100 is accepted by the acceptance unit 75 (YES in step ST230). As a result, an actual imaging command 101 is output from the imaging control unit 77 to the radiation source 20, etc. (step ST240).

[0091] 17, the rotation mechanism 50 is operated by the main radiography command 101, and the frame 18 is first rotated to the fourth rotation position (step ST250). After that, the frame 18 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction CCW at the first set rotation speed to the fifth rotation position. During this time, the radiation tube 35 irradiates the subject S with radiation R for the main radiography at predetermined angle intervals, and the radiation R that has passed through the subject S is detected by the radiation detector 21 at each time, and multiple projection images are obtained (step ST260).

[0092] A plurality of projection images obtained by the radiation detector 21 are subjected to reconstruction processing by the image processing unit 78 to become a tomographic image TI. The tomographic image TI is displayed on the touch panel display 25 and the display 63 under the control of the display control unit 79 (step ST270).

[0093] The operator determines whether or not it is necessary to re-capture the tomographic image TI. If the operator determines that it is necessary to re-capture the tomographic image TI (YES in step ST280), the operator re-inputs the actual imaging instruction 100 via the input device 64, and the process returns to step ST240.

[0094] When the operator determines that re-imaging of the tomographic image TI is not necessary (NO in step ST280), as shown in Fig. 18, the operator inputs a return instruction 105 via the input device 64. The return instruction 105 is accepted by the acceptance unit 75 (YES in step ST290). As a result, the imaging control unit 77 outputs a return command 106 to the lifting mechanism 40, etc. (step ST300).

[0095] In response to the return command 106, the lifting mechanism 40 is operated to return the frame 18 to the retract height position. Also, as shown in Fig. 19, the rotation mechanism 50 is operated to return the frame 18 from the fifth rotation position to the first rotation position in the clockwise direction CW at a second set rotation speed that is twice as fast as the first set rotation speed (step ST310). After the frame 18 is returned to the retract height position and then to the first rotation position, the subject S is retracted from within the apparatus body 11 by the operator (step ST320). This series of steps ST100 to ST320 is repeated if there is a next imaging order (YES in step ST330).

[0096] As described above, the CT device 10 includes the radiation source 20 that irradiates radiation R, the radiation detector 21 that detects radiation R, the annular frame 18 to which the radiation source 20 and the radiation detector 21 are attached, the frame 18 in which the subject S is positioned in the cavity 19, and the three columns 14A to 14C that hold the frame 18 so that it can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction. Therefore, each of the columns 14 can be made thinner than when there are two columns. Therefore, it is possible to provide a CT device 10 in which the subject S is easily visible from the outside compared to when there are two columns, which requires the columns to be thick. The operator can easily position the subject S, and can easily check the safety of the subject S during imaging. In addition, the floor area occupied by the device body 11 can be made smaller than when there are two columns.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 4, when frame 18 is viewed in plan and a triangle TA is imagined with three pillars 14A to 14C as vertices, center C of frame 18 is contained within triangle TA.

[0098] Conversely, a case where the center C of the frame 18 does not fall within the triangle TA is, for example, a so-called cantilever case, in which the pillars 14A and 14C are arranged behind the center C and no pillars are arranged in front of the center C. In such a cantilever case, the weight balance is significantly disrupted, reducing the installation stability of the frame 18. Therefore, in this embodiment, the three pillars 14A to 14C are arranged so that the center C of the frame 18 falls within the triangle TA whose vertices are the three pillars 14A to 14C. This makes it possible to prevent a reduction in the installation stability of the frame 18.

[0099] Frame 18 has an annular shape, and pillars 14A-14C support frame 18 so that it can rotate around subject S. Compared to the case where there are two pillars, by supporting rotating frame 18 with three pillars 14A-14C, it is possible to maintain the rotational stability of frame 18 while making it easier to view subject S from the outside.

[0100] In addition, in the case of the cantilever structure described above, the rotational stability of the frame 18 is also reduced. As the rotational stability of the frame 18 is reduced, the positional relationship between the radiation source 20 and the radiation detector 21 at each angle of the main imaging is also destabilized. This causes blurring of the projected images obtained at each angle, resulting in degradation of the image quality of the tomographic image TI. However, in this embodiment, as described above, the three pillars 14A to 14C are arranged so that the center C of the frame 18 is within the triangle TA with the three pillars 14A to 14C as vertices, and therefore it is possible to eliminate concerns that the rotational stability of the frame 18 will be reduced and the image quality of the tomographic image TI will be degraded.

[0101] 4, the three pillars 14A to 14C are disposed at equal intervals on the same circumference. Since the weight of the frame 18 is balanced across the three pillars 14A to 14C, the installation stability of the frame 18 can be further improved.

[0102] 1 and other drawings, the support 14 has an opening 23 for visually checking the subject S from the outside. Therefore, it is possible to provide a CT device 10 that makes it even easier to visually check the subject S from the outside.

[0103] Although an example has been given in which all three pillars 14A-14C have openings 23A-23C, this is not limiting. Of the three pillars 14A-14C, for example, only one pillar 14 arranged on the side where the control device 12 is installed may have an opening 23. Furthermore, the opening is not limited to the rectangular opening 23 extending in the longitudinal direction of the illustrated pillar 14. It may be a plurality of circular openings or a mesh-like opening.

[0104] 1 and the like, a touch panel display 25 is attached to the support 14A via a movable arm 24. This allows an operator to input various instructions such as an irradiation field confirmation instruction 90 at the location where the device body 11 is installed, and in some cases, to view scout images SI and tomographic images TI, thereby improving the usability of the CT device 10.

[0105] Note that the present invention is not limited to the touch panel display 25 which combines an input device and a display, and it is sufficient that at least one of the input device and the display is attached to the support 14. Furthermore, the number of support columns 14 to which at least one of the input device and the display is attached may be two or more.

[0106] 4, the support pillar 14A has a higher rigidity than the support pillars 14B and 14C due to the provision of the mounting portion 26 for the movable arm 24. This makes it possible to prevent the support pillar 14A from being deformed by the weight of the touch panel display 25, and to stably hold the touch panel display 25. Note that the support pillar 14A may be made of a material having a higher rigidity than the support pillars 14B and 14C.

[0107] 7, the CT device 10 includes a connection member 17 that is connected to the frame 18 at a first connection position CP1 and to the support 14 at a second connection position CP2. The first connection position CP1 is higher than the second connection position CP2. Therefore, imaging can always be performed at the first connection position CP1, which is higher than the second connection position CP2.

[0108] In addition, the position of the highest point of the lifting range of the frame 18 can be made higher than the first connection position CP1 by the height H, which is the difference between the first connection position CP1 and the second connection position CP2. As a result, the height of the support pillar 14 can be reduced. Specifically, if the position of the highest point of the lifting range of the frame 18 is 200 cm and the height H is 30 cm, the height of the support pillar 14 can be made about 170 cm. In this way, the height restrictions of the entrances and exits of the radiography rooms can be cleared, and the movement between the rooms can be performed without any problems using the casters 16. When the device body 11 is moved using the casters 16, the frame 18 is lowered from the position of the highest point of the lifting range.

[0109] 1 and other drawings, both the radiation source 20 and the radiation detector 21 protrude from the lower edge of the frame 18. For this reason, a relatively low region to be imaged, such as the lower back of the subject S in a sitting position, can be imaged without significantly lowering the frame 18.

[0110] The device body 11 is provided with casters 16 for transportation. Therefore, the device body 11 can be freely moved. The location where the device body 11 is installed is not limited to the radiography room, and it can also be brought in and installed in a hospital room, etc.

[0111] 6, the radiation source 20 irradiates pyramidal radiation R. Therefore, imaging can be completed in a shorter time than when fan-shaped radiation R is scanned in the height direction from the radiation source and detected by a radiation detector having pixels arranged in a linear manner. Note that conical radiation R may be irradiated instead of pyramidal.

[0112] 1 and 5, the subject S is positioned in the cavity 19 in either a standing or sitting position. This meets the needs of a physician who wants to observe soft tissues such as the lungs in a natural state under the influence of gravity, or a joint such as a hip joint under the influence of gravity and a load.

[0113] The CT device 10 includes a radiation source 20 that emits radiation R, a radiation detector 21 that detects radiation R, an annular frame 18 that rotates around a subject S positioned in a cavity 19, a plurality of support columns 14 that hold the frame 18 rotatably and vertically movable, an elevation mechanism 40 that elevates the frame 18, and a rotation mechanism 50 that rotates the frame 18. The radiation source 20 and the radiation detector 21 are attached to the frame 18 at positions facing each other. As shown in FIG. 2, the frame 18 has a width W1 around its entire circumference that is smaller than a width W2 in the height direction of the radiation source 20 and the radiation detector 21. As shown in FIG. 18, the imaging control unit 77 operates the elevation mechanism 40 in response to a return instruction 105 from an operator, and controls the frame 18 to move to a retract height position set at the highest point of the elevation range of the frame 18, which is the upper end side of the support columns 14. Furthermore, the imaging control unit 77 operates the rotation mechanism 50 in response to a return instruction 105 from the operator, and performs control to rotate the frame 18 to a 60° position, which is a first rotation position where the radiation source 20 overlaps with the support column 14A.

[0114] Since the frame 18 is rotated to the first rotation position where the radiation source 20 overlaps with the support pillar 14A, the radiation source 20 does not get in the way when the subject S approaches the inside of the apparatus body 11 from between the support pillars 14A and 14C, as shown in Fig. 11. This means that there is no need to raise the frame 18 to a position where the radiation source 20 is above the head of the subject S. This means that there is no need to provide a relatively large retraction space above the apparatus body 11 for retracting the frame 18 above the head of the subject S, as in the conventional technology. In other words, the apparatus body 11 can be made more compact in the height direction than before.

[0115] 14, in response to a scout photography instruction 95 from the operator, the photography control unit 77 operates the rotation mechanism 50 to control the movement of the frame 18 to a scout photography position for performing scout photography prior to the main photography. The scout photography position is at least one of the second rotation position where the radiation source 20 faces the subject S directly, and the third rotation position where the radiation source 20 faces the side surface of the subject S. This allows the scout photography to be easily performed without much manual effort on the part of the operator.

[0116] 16 and 17, the imaging control unit 77 operates the rotation mechanism 50 to rotate the frame 18 to the fourth rotation position, and then rotates the frame 18 to the fifth rotation position while causing the radiation source 20 and the radiation detector 21 to perform the main imaging. This allows the main imaging to be performed easily without much trouble to the operator.

[0117] 18 and 19, after the main photography, the photography control unit 77 operates the rotation mechanism 50 to return the frame 18 from the fifth rotation position to the first rotation position. This allows the frame 18 to be easily returned to the first rotation position without causing much trouble to the operator.

[0118] Furthermore, when returning the frame 18 from the fifth rotation position to the first rotation position, the imaging control unit 77 rotates the frame 18 in a direction from the fifth rotation position to the fourth rotation position (clockwise direction CW in this example). The direction from the fifth rotation position to the fourth rotation position is opposite to the rotation direction of the frame 18 in the actual imaging (counterclockwise direction CCW in this example). Therefore, the radiation source 20 and the radiation detector 21 follow the trajectory they took in the actual imaging without colliding with the subject S. Therefore, as long as the subject S remains still, there is no risk of the radiation source 20 and the radiation detector 21 colliding with the subject S, and the safety of the subject S can be ensured.

[0119] Furthermore, when returning the frame 18 from the fifth rotation position to the first rotation position, the shooting control unit 77 rotates the frame 18 at a second set rotation speed that is faster than the first set rotation speed from the fourth rotation position to the fifth rotation position, specifically at twice the speed. This allows the operation of returning the frame 18 from the fifth rotation position to the first rotation position to be completed in a short time, thereby reducing stress on the subject S waiting inside the device body 11.

[0120] The support pillar is not limited to the straight shape shown in the example. As an example, the support pillar 110 shown in Fig. 23 may have an arc shape that follows the shape of the frame 18 when viewed from the direction in which the frame 18 is viewed in plan. This shape can further increase the strength of the support pillar 110.

[0121] In addition, although the embodiment in which both the radiation source 20 and the radiation detector 21 protrude from the lower edge of the frame 18 has been exemplified, the present invention is not limited to this. As an example, as shown in Fig. 24, the radiation source 20 and the radiation detector 21 may both protrude from the upper edge of the frame 18. In this way, a relatively high imaging region, such as the head of the subject S in an upright position, can be imaged without significantly raising the frame 18.

[0122] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 24, the retraction height position is, for example, the position shown in FIG. 25. In FIG. 25, the retraction height position is set on the lower end side of the support 14. More specifically, the retraction height position is the lowest point of the lifting range of the frame 18. As described above, the lowest point of the lifting range of the frame 18 is approximately the lower end of the support 14, and is the position where the first connection part 43 abuts against the surface of the stage 13. In the connection member 17, the first connection part 43 is on the lower side and the second connection part 44 is on the upper side, which is the opposite to the embodiment in which the radiation source 20 and the radiation detector 21 both protrude from the lower edge of the frame 18. In this case, the subject S approaches the inside of the apparatus body 11 by straddling the frame 18. Note that the arrow shown in FIG. 25 indicates the direction in which the subject S is guided into the apparatus body 11, similar to the arrow shown in FIG. 11.

[0123] As described above, the width W1 in the height direction of the frame 18 is smaller than the width W2 in the height direction of the radiation source 20 and the radiation detector 21. Therefore, the burden on the subject S is lighter than in the conventional technology in which an imaging unit having a width on the order of the radiation source 20 and the radiation detector 21 must be placed across the subject. This makes it easier for the subject S to approach the inside of the device body 11 than in the conventional technology.

[0124] Although the 60° position where the radiation source 20 overlaps with the support pillar 14A has been exemplified as the first rotation position, the present invention is not limited to this. A 300° position where the radiation source 20 overlaps with the support pillar 14C may be the first rotation position. Alternatively, a 180° position where the radiation source 20 overlaps with the support pillar 14B may be the first rotation position, and the subject S may approach the inside of the apparatus body 11 from between the support pillars 14B and 14C.

[0125] It is not limited to the radiation source 20 to be overlapped with the support column 14 at the first rotation position. The radiation detector 21 may be overlapped with the support column 14 at the first rotation position. In addition, it is not limited to the entirety of the radiation source 20 or the radiation detector 21 to be overlapped with the support column 14, and at least one of at least a part of the radiation source 20 and at least a part of the radiation detector 21 may be overlapped with the support column 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 26, a 90° position where the right end of the radiation detector 21 overlaps with the support column 14C may be the first rotation position. Note that the arrow shown in FIG. 26 indicates the direction in which the subject S is guided into the device body 11, similar to the arrow shown in FIG. 12.

[0126] The number of pillars is not limited to three. For example, as shown in FIG. 27, four pillars 115A, 115B, 115C, and 115D may be arranged at positions of 45°, 135°, 225°, and 315°. In this case, the center C of the frame 18 is also within a quadrangle RA having the four pillars 115A to 115D as vertices. The pillar 115A is connected to the frame 18 via a connecting member 116A, and the pillar 115B is connected to the frame 18 via a connecting member 116B. The pillar 115C is connected to the frame 18 via a connecting member 116C, and the pillar 115D is connected to the frame 18 via a connecting member 116D. In this case, for example, a 45° position where the radiation source 20 overlaps with the pillar 115A is set as the first rotation position, and the subject S is made to approach the inside of the apparatus body 11 between the pillars 115A and 115D.

[0127] 28, reinforcing columns 120A and 120B may be disposed at a position 90° behind column 14A and a position 270° behind column 14C. In this case, center C of frame 18 is also contained within pentagon PA having five columns 14A to 14C, 120A, and 120B as vertices. Column 120A is connected to frame 18 via connecting member 121A, and column 120B is connected to frame 18 via connecting member 121B. In this case, for example, a 90° position where radiation source 20 overlaps column 120A, the right end of radiation detector 21 overlaps column 14C, and the center of radiation detector 21 overlaps column 120B is set as the first rotation position, and subject S approaches inside apparatus body 11 from between columns 14A and 14C.

[0128] 29, a pair of supports 125A and 125B may be arranged at 60°, a pair of supports 125C and 125D at 180°, and a pair of supports 125E and 125F at 300°. In this case, the center C of the frame 18 is also contained within a hexagon HA having six supports 125A to 125F as vertices. Supports 125A and 125B have approximately half the size of support 14A, supports 125C and 125D have approximately half the size of support 14B, and supports 125E and 125F have approximately half the size of support 14C. The pillars 125A and 125B are connected to the frame 18 via a connecting member 126A, the pillars 125C and 125D are connected to the frame 18 via a connecting member 126B, and the pillars 125E and 125F are connected to the frame 18 via a connecting member 126C. In this case, for example, a 60° position where the radiation source 20 overlaps with the pillars 125A and 125B is set as the first rotation position, and the subject S is made to approach the inside of the apparatus body 11 from between the pillars 125A and 125F. As can be seen from the examples in Figures 28 and 29, the arrangement of the pillars does not have to be at equal intervals.

[0129] The lifting mechanism for the frame 18 is not limited to the ball screw mechanism shown in the example. As an example, a lifting mechanism 130 shown in FIG. 30 may be used. In FIG. 30, the lifting mechanism 130 is composed of a counterweight 131, a wire 132, and a pulley 133. The counterweight 131 has a weight required to balance the frame 18 to which the radiation source 20 and the radiation detector 21 are attached. One end of the wire 132 is attached to the counterweight 131. The wire 132 is inserted through the top plate 15 and is looped around a pulley 133 provided on the surface of the top plate 15. The wire 132 is inserted through the top plate 15 again, and the other end of the wire 132 is attached to the frame 18. The frame 18 rises and falls in response to a manual lifting operation by an operator.

[0130] In this way, by using the lifting mechanism 130 using the counterweight 131, the operator can set the position of the frame 18 by relying on the feeling in his / her hand. Note that both the lifting mechanism 40 using the ball screw mechanism and the lifting mechanism 130 using the counterweight 131 may be mounted on the device body 11, and the lifting mechanism 40 and the lifting mechanism 130 may be configured to be switchable by a clutch or the like.

[0131] The rotation motor 52 may be a stepping motor, and the rotation position of the frame 18 may be determined by the number of pulses given to the rotation motor 52. Furthermore, the frame 18 is not limited to a circular ring, and may be a polygonal ring.

[0132] Although the CT device 10 has been exemplified as a medical imaging device, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be a simple radiography device that captures one projection image at a time by changing the angle. It may also be a radiography device that has a frame to which two sets of radiation source 20 and radiation detector 21 are attached, and irradiates radiation R from the front and side of subject S simultaneously to obtain two projection images, thereby investigating the anatomical shape of the hip joint and spine of subject S, and the connection between the spine and the lower limbs.

[0133] The hardware configuration of the computer constituting the control device 12 can be modified in various ways. For example, the control device 12 can be composed of multiple computers separated as hardware in order to improve processing capacity and reliability. For example, the functions of the reception unit 75 and the RW control unit 76 and the functions of the shooting control unit 77, the image processing unit 78, and the display control unit 79 are distributed and assigned to two computers. In this case, the control device 12 is composed of two computers.

[0134] In this way, the hardware configuration of the computer of the control device 12 can be appropriately changed according to the required performance such as processing power, safety, reliability, etc. Furthermore, not only the hardware, but also the application program such as the operating program 70 can be duplicated or stored in a distributed manner in multiple storage devices in order to ensure safety and reliability.

[0135] In the above embodiment, the following various processors can be used as the hardware structure of the processing unit that executes various processes, such as the reception unit 75, the RW control unit 76, the photography control unit 77, the image processing unit 78, and the display control unit 79. The various processors include the CPU 62, which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (operation program 70) and functions as various processing units, as well as a programmable logic device (PLD), which is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and / or a dedicated electric circuit, which is a processor having a circuit configuration designed specifically for executing specific processes, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0136] A single processing unit may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., a combination of multiple FPGAs and / or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, multiple processing units may be configured with a single processor.

[0137] As an example of configuring multiple processing units with one processor, first, there is a form in which one processor is configured with a combination of one or more CPUs and software, as typified by computers such as client and server, and this processor functions as multiple processing units. Second, there is a form in which a processor is used that realizes the functions of the entire system including multiple processing units with one IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as typified by System On Chip (SoC), etc. In this way, the various processing units are configured using one or more of the above various processors as a hardware structure.

[0138] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors can be an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0139] The technology of the present disclosure can be appropriately combined with the above-mentioned various embodiments and / or various modified examples. In addition, it is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the technology of the present disclosure extends to a storage medium that non-temporarily stores a program, in addition to a program.

[0140] The above description and illustrations are detailed descriptions of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, and are merely an example of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the above description of the configuration, function, action, and effect is an example of the configuration, function, action, and effect of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted, new elements may be added, or replaced with respect to the description and illustrations shown above, within the scope of the gist of the technology of the present disclosure. In addition, in order to avoid confusion and to facilitate understanding of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, the description and illustrations shown above omit explanations of technical common sense that do not require explanation in order to enable the implementation of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0141] In this specification, "A and / or B" is synonymous with "at least one of A and B." In other words, "A and / or B" means that it may be only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. In addition, in this specification, the same idea as "A and / or B" is also applied when three or more things are expressed by connecting them with "and / or."

[0142] All publications, patent applications, and standards mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, and standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 10 CT device 11. Device body 12 Control device 13 Stages 14, 14A~14C, 110, 115A~115D, 120A, 120B, 125A~125F Post 15 Tabletop 16 Caster 17, 17A-17C, 116A-116D, 121A, 121B, 126A-126C Connection members 18 Frames 19 Cavity 20 Radiation source 21 Radiation detector 22, 22A~22C Screw shaft 23, 23A~23C opening 24 Movable Arm 25 Touch Panel Display 26 Mounting part 30 Wheelchair 35 Radiation Tube 36 Field Lamp 37 Irradiation field limiter 40, 130 Lifting mechanism 41 Nut 42 Lifting motor 43 First connection part 44 Second connection part 45 Bearing 46 Guide groove 50 Rotation mechanism 51 Rotating Belt 52 Rotation motor 53 Potentiometer 54, 55, 133 Pulley 60 Storage 61 Memory 62 CPU 63 Display 64 Input Devices 70 Operating Program 71 Irradiation Condition Table 72 Irradiation condition information by order 75 Reception 76 Read / write control unit (RW control unit) 77 Shooting control section 78 Image Processing Section 79 Display control section 85 Shooting Menu 86 Irradiation Conditions 90 Irradiation field confirmation instruction 91 Irradiation field confirmation command 95 Scout Shooting Instructions 96 Scout Shooting Order 100 shooting instructions 101 Main shooting command 105 Return Instructions 106 Return command 131 Counterweight 132 Wire C Frame Center A circle centered on the center of the CC frame and aligned with the support CCW Counterclockwise CG Center of gravity of the device body CP1 First connection position CP2 Second connection position CW Clockwise direction HA Hexagon with pillars as vertices PA Pentagon with pillars as vertices R Radiation RA Quadrilateral with pillars as vertices RAC A quadrilateral with the caster as the vertex S Subject SI Scout Images ST100, ST110, ST120, ST130, ST140, ST150, ST160, ST170, ST180, ST190, ST200, ST210, ST220, ST230, ST240, ST250, ST260, ST270, ST280, ST290, ST300, ST310, ST320, ST330 Step TA Triangle with the support pole as the vertex TI Tomographic Image W1 Height of frame W2 Width in the height direction of the radiation source and the radiation detector θ Radiation angle

Claims

1. A radiation source that emits radiation; a radiation detector for detecting the radiation; an annular frame in which the radiation source and the radiation detector are mounted, the frame having a cavity in which a subject is positioned; Three or more columns that hold the frame so that it can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction; Equipped with At least one of the three or more supports has an opening for viewing the subject from the outside. Medical imaging equipment.

2. 2. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the frame is viewed in a plan view and a polygon having vertices at the three or more pillars is imagined, a center of the frame falls within the polygon.

3. The frame has an annular shape, 3. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support holds the frame so as to be rotatable around the subject.

4. 4. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the three or more support columns are arranged at equal intervals on the same circumference.

5. 5. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the support pillar has an arc shape that follows the shape of the frame when the support pillar is seen from a direction in which the frame is viewed from above.

6. 6. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the three or more columns is attached with at least one of an input device and a display.

7. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the support column to which at least one of the input device and the display is attached has a higher rigidity than other supports.

8. a connecting member connected to the frame at a first connecting position and connected to the support column at a second connecting position; The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first connection position is higher than the second connection position.

9. 9. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the radiation source and the radiation detector both protrude from the same side of either an upper edge or a lower edge of the frame.

10. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising casters for transportation.

11. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the radiation source emits the radiation in a cone shape.

12. The medical imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the subject is positioned in the cavity in either a standing position or a sitting position.

Images