CT imaging device

Abstract

The present invention relates particularly to the structure of a dental and medical cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging device. The basic configuration of the device comprises a substantially vertically extending frame portion (11) that supports the X-ray imaging means (14, 15) of the device through a horizontally extending support portion (12). The device comprises a patient support structure (18) that extends substantially parallel to the substantially vertically extending frame portion (11) and has essentially the same length.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a computed tomography imaging device. In particular, the features of the device according to the present invention are applicable to uses related to dental and medical cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging devices. Background Technology

[0002] Computed tomography (CT) is a type of X-ray imaging in which a volume to be imaged is irradiated from different directions and a desired two-dimensional or three-dimensional image can be reconstructed from the image information obtained accordingly.

[0003] Traditional CT devices are large and massive, and are typically mounted on the floor. The patient is positioned for imaging within the device's examination opening, typically on an examination platform that extends horizontally and moves laterally.

[0004] For example, since the development of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology, which uses slower rotational speeds of the imaging means, devices with a weight less than that of more traditional CT devices have been developed. Among CBCT devices, there are some that are configured to be movable, for example, without being floor-mounted. Additionally, a configuration has been designed that includes a vertical extension frame and a horizontal extension support for the imaging means. Such supports may include, for example, a ring-shaped gantry or a so-called C-arm, and such devices may be designed, for example, with consideration for the need for skull imaging. It is known that the rotation of the imaging means is arranged to occur around a (virtual) vertical axis of rotation, and in such circumstances, a support specifically designed to help the patient keep their head stationary while standing during exposure has been developed. Prior art literature

[65535] International Patent Application Publication No. WO 99 / 17659 means of solving the problem

[0005] The object of the present invention and its preferred embodiments is a CT device, in particular a CBCT device that can be applied for various purposes and enables imaging of various parts of anatomical structures. The characteristic features of the present invention are defined in claim 1.

[0006] Now, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0007] FIG. 1 is a general schematic side view illustrating a specific component of one embodiment of the device according to the present invention as an example. FIGS. 2A and FIGS. 2B illustrate structural details applicable to use in relation to the vertically extended frame of the device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3a illustrates some details of a patient support component applicable to use in a device as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3b illustrates an example of a cross-section of a patient support component applicable to use in a device as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a general schematic side view illustrating specific components of another embodiment of the device according to the present invention as examples. FIG. 5 is a general schematic side view of the device of FIG. 4 illustrating a specific component of the component driven in an inclined position. FIG. 6 is a general schematic side view illustrating specific components of another embodiment of the device according to the present invention as examples. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a component that can be configured to be controlled by a control system of a device according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates, by way of example, a general schematic side view of a specific component of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention. The dental or medical CT imaging apparatus of FIG. 1 includes a substantially vertically extending frame portion (11) having an upper portion and a lower portion. From this substantially vertically extending frame portion (11), a support component (12), which supports an X-ray source (14) and an image detector (15) but is not itself illustrated in FIG. 1, extends essentially horizontally. The X-ray source (14) and the image detector (15), which together form the X-ray imaging means (14, 15), may be mounted on the support component (12) essentially facing each other, but in the embodiment, their relative positions may also be arranged to be adjustable.

[0009] FIG. 1 further illustrates a patient support member (18) that is mechanically connected to a frame portion (11) that extends substantially vertically and extends substantially parallel to the frame portion (11) that extends substantially vertically. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the patient support member (18) essentially has the same length as the frame portion (11) that extends substantially vertically.

[0010] According to one embodiment, for example, the length of the frame portion (11) that extends substantially vertically is approximately 240 cm.

[0011] According to one embodiment, for example, the length of the frame portion (11) that extends substantially vertically is between 220 cm and 260 cm.

[0012] According to one embodiment, for example, the length of the patient support (18) is 80-90% of the length of the frame portion (11) that extends substantially vertically.

[0013] According to one embodiment, for example, the patient support (18) has a longer dimension in the first direction and a shorter dimension in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0014] According to one embodiment, for example, the patient support (18) is radiopaque with respect to at least its main part in at least a first direction.

[0015] According to one embodiment, for example, the radiopaque portion of the patient support (18) essentially has the same length as the frame portion (11) that extends substantially vertically.

[0016] According to one embodiment, for example, the patient support (18) includes a non-radiation-transmissible section at at least one end of the end in the first direction.

[0017] In one embodiment, for example, the length of the radiopaque portion of the patient support (18) in the first direction is 80-90% of the length of the frame portion (11) that extends substantially vertically.

[0018] According to one embodiment, for example, the supporting component (12) supporting the X-ray imaging means (14, 15) is a circular gantry having a central axis (13). The gantry may partially surround or completely accommodate the X-ray imaging means (14, 15).

[0019] For example, according to one embodiment not directly illustrated in FIG. 1, the device includes a driving mechanism (16) arranged to drive X-ray imaging means (14, 15) around a rotation axis. The rotation axis may coincide with the central axis (13) of a gantry-type support component (12) and may be a physical axis or a virtual rotation axis, as in the case of FIG. 1.

[0020] According to one embodiment, for example, the central axis (13) of the gantry coincides with the center of rotation / axis of rotation of the X-ray imaging means when the X-ray imaging means (14, 15) is driven along a curved path.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the rotation axis is a momentary (virtual) rotation axis, and the position of the momentary rotation axis relative to the center axis (13) can be arranged to change.

[0022] According to one embodiment, at least one of the components of the X-ray source (14) and the image detector (15) is arranged to be movable laterally from a position exactly opposite to the other component.

[0023] According to one embodiment, a structure (12) supporting an X-ray imaging means (14, 15) comprises a gantry having a central axis, and the structure of the device allows for at least one of: moving the X-ray source (14) laterally between a position where the central ray generated by the X-ray source coincides with the central axis of the gantry and a position where the central ray generated by the X-ray source does not coincide with the central axis of the gantry; and moving the image detector (15) laterally between a position where a vector perpendicular to the detector surface at the center of the image detector (15) coincides with the central axis of the gantry and a position where a vector perpendicular to the detector surface at the center of the image detector (15) does not coincide with the central axis of the gantry. Lateral movement of the X-ray imaging means (14, 15) may include moving the X-ray imaging means (14, 15) to a position facing each other in a state where the center line generated by the X-ray source (14) does not coincide with the center axis of the gantry and the vector perpendicular to the surface of the detector at the center of the image detector (15) does not coincide with the center axis of the gantry.

[0024] According to another embodiment, another driving mechanism (17) is arranged in the device to enable moving the support component (12) back and forth in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the substantially vertically extending frame portion (11) extends. According to one embodiment, such a driving mechanism (17) may be arranged to move the support component (12) along or parallel to the substantially vertically extending frame portion (11).

[0025] In the example according to FIG. 2a, the driving mechanism (17) of the aforementioned support component (12) includes a gearing (111) arranged to rotate a motor (110) and a pulley (112). In the component shown as an embodiment of FIG. 2a, the motor (110) and the pulley (112) are located near the lower end of a substantially vertically extending frame portion (11), and another pulley (112') is located near the upper end of a substantially vertically extending frame portion (11), and a corresponding functional component, such as a belt (113) or a chain, is located around the pulleys (112, 112'). Accordingly, such a mechanism is functionally connected to a support member (12) to drive the support member (12) along a substantially vertically extending frame portion (11), as illustrated as an example in FIG. 2b, where a groove (114) is arranged in the substantially vertically extending frame portion (11) and a protrusion (121) fitted to slide along the groove (114) is arranged in the support member (12). In one embodiment, to minimize friction, a roller-type linear guide is used, in which case the motion is rolling rather than sliding.

[0026] According to one embodiment not illustrated in any drawing, for example, a driving mechanism for driving a support component (12) includes a motor arranged relative to the support component (12) itself.

[0027] Regardless of the specific details of the components of the driving mechanism (17) for driving the supporting component (12), in one preferred embodiment, the components of the device allow the supporting component (12) to be driven over essentially the entire length between the upper and lower portions of the frame portion (11) that extends substantially vertically.

[0028] According to another embodiment and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the device includes a connecting component (19, 20) that connects to a frame portion (11) that substantially extends the patient support portion (18) vertically.

[0029] According to another embodiment, which is illustrated in FIG. 3a, the device includes a connecting component (19, 20) that is mechanically connected to a frame portion (11) that substantially extends the patient support portion (18) vertically.

[0030] The connecting components (19, 20) may include a patient support adjustment mechanism (19', 20') configured to enable the patient support (18) to be displaced closer to and further away from the frame portion (11) that substantially extends vertically.

[0031] According to another embodiment, the driving mechanism (19", 20") is functionally connected to and arranged with the patient support adjustment mechanism (19', 20').

[0032] According to another embodiment, the patient support adjustment mechanism (19', 20') may include a first adjustment mechanism (19') arranged together with its driving mechanism (19") contained within the driving mechanism (19", 20") at the upper end of the substantially vertically extending frame portion (11), and a second adjustment mechanism (20') arranged together with its driving mechanism (20") contained within the driving mechanism (19", 20") at the lower end of the substantially vertically extending frame portion (11).

[0033] According to one embodiment, for example, the patient support adjustment mechanism (19', 20') is functionally connected to the control system of the device and the control system is configured to control the driving mechanism (19", 20") of the adjustment mechanism (19', 20').

[0034] According to one embodiment, for example, a control system controls a connecting component (19, 20) comprising a first adjusting component (19') having a driving component (19") substantially arranged at the upper end of a substantially vertically extending frame portion (11) and a second adjusting component (20') having a driving component (20") substantially arranged at the lower end of a substantially vertically extending frame portion (11), so as to maintain the same distance between the substantially vertically extending frame portion (11) and the patient support portion (18) at the upper and lower ends of the substantially vertically extending frame portion (11) when adjusting the distance between the substantially vertically extending frame portion (11) and the patient support portion (18).

[0035] According to another embodiment, the distance between the end of the frame portion (11) that extends substantially vertically and the patient support portion (18) can be adjusted to be different. According to one embodiment, the first and second adjustment mechanisms (19', 20') are arranged to be controlled independently.

[0036] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3b, considering the aforementioned first direction of the patient support component (18), the cross-section of the main part of the patient support component is curved to better support the patient on the concave surface of the patient support component (18).

[0037] According to one other embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3b, at the edge (181) of the cross section of the patient support component (18), the shape of the cross section is converted to be curved in the opposite direction.

[0038] According to one other embodiment and as additionally illustrated in FIG. 3b, a retaining structure (182) is arranged near the edge (181) of the aforementioned cross section of the patient support component (18) and on a side facing the concave surface of the main part. The retaining structure (182) may be, for example, an elongated handle or attachment structure for receiving a strap designed to extend over or on the concave side of the patient support component (18), and may be used to provide additional support to the patient and thereby help to maintain a stationary state during imaging exposure.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the device further comprises, in addition to the portion that may be referred to as the first substantially vertically extending frame portion (11) described above, a second substantially vertically extending frame portion (21) that has essentially the same length as the first substantially vertically extending frame portion (11) and is mechanically connected to the first substantially vertically extending frame portion (11). FIG. 4 illustrates an example of such a component in a general schematic side view.

[0040] According to one embodiment and with reference to FIG. 4, an articulated connecting member (22) for mechanically connecting the first and second substantially vertically extending frame members (11, 21) is arranged near the upper portion of the first substantially vertically extending frame member (11, 12), thereby allowing the tilting of the first substantially vertically extending frame member (11) around at least one horizontal tilt axis for the second substantially vertically extending frame member (21).

[0041] According to another embodiment, a mounting structure (23), not directly illustrated in FIG. 4, is arranged on the side of the second substantially vertically extending frame portion (21) in relation to an articulated connection component (22). The mounting structure (23) may be arranged to be movable along or alongside the second substantially vertically extending frame portion (21).

[0042] According to another embodiment, for example, a locking mechanism (24) configured to enable connection and disconnection of the first and second substantially vertically extending frame parts (11, 21) is arranged near the lower end of the second substantially vertically extending frame part (21).

[0043] When the second substantially vertically extending frame part (21) is stably mounted and the locking mechanism (24) does not connect the first and second substantially vertically extending frame parts (11, 21), the lower end of the first substantially vertically extending frame part (11) moves freely horizontally, while the articulated connecting part (22) between the frame parts (11, 21) allows rotation of the first substantially vertically extending frame part (11) around a horizontal inclined axis near the upper end of the first substantially vertically extending frame part (11), and the movably arranged mounting structure (23) allows lowering and raising of the upper end of the first substantially vertically extending frame part (11).

[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates an apparatus according to FIG. 4 on a stage in which the upper portion of the first substantially vertically extending frame portion (11) is moved downward and the lower portion of the first substantially vertically extending frame portion (11) is moved horizontally on a surface. The apparatus may be configured to allow the upper portion of the first substantially vertically extending frame portion (11) to descend completely to the vicinity of the lower portion of the second substantially vertically extending frame portion (21).

[0045] According to another embodiment not directly illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the driving mechanism (27) is arranged to be functionally connected to the second substantially vertically extending frame portion (21) to drive the mounting structure (23) along or alongside the second substantially vertically extending frame portion (21). When mechanically connected to the first substantially vertically extending frame portion (11) near its upper end, the driving mechanism (27) can move the upper end of the first substantially vertically extending frame portion (11).

[0046] The driving mechanism (27) driving the mounting structure (23) may be a component similar to the driving mechanism (17) driving the supporting component (12) of the imaging means (14, 15).

[0047] According to one embodiment, the driving mechanism (27) driving the mounting structure (23) includes a chain drive unit.

[0048] According to another embodiment, the locking mechanism (24) includes a displacement mechanism (25), which is not directly illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, for moving the lower end of the first substantially vertically extending frame part (11) to a distance separated from the second substantially vertically extending frame part (21) when the locking mechanism (24) disconnects the first and second substantially vertically extending frame parts (11, 21).

[0049] According to one embodiment not detailed in the drawing, for example, the locking mechanism (24) includes a first substantially vertically extending frame portion (11) and a motor-driven array having a matching component on the side of the motor-driven structure.

[0050] The locking mechanism (24) may further include a guide component configured to guide the lower part of the first substantially vertically extending frame portion (11) in a straight line on the locking mechanism (24) when the lower part of the first substantially vertically extending frame portion (11) moves toward the locking mechanism (24).

[0051] According to another embodiment, and as illustrated as an example in FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5, the first substantially vertically extending frame portion (11) includes at least one wheel or roller (26) near its lower end.

[0052] According to another embodiment, instead of a wheel or roller, a structure designed to slide on a surface may be arranged at the bottom of the first substantially vertically extending frame part (11).

[0053] For example, according to one embodiment and as illustrated in FIG. 6, the support component (12) for the imaging means (15, 16) in the form of a gantry basically does not completely surround the imaging means (14, 15), but functions primarily as a support structure for holding the imaging means (14, 15) and as a structure arranged in the gantry to drive the imaging means (14, 15) around an axis, or functions only as such a structure. This kind of solution makes it possible to realize a gantry that is less heavy and provides better access to the volume between the imaging means (14, 15), physically and considering the area where a clear line of sight can be secured in that volume.

[0054] FIG. 7 illustrates, in a block diagram, an example of a component of a control system applicable to use in a device according to the present disclosure. In various embodiments, not all of these features are necessarily present in the control system of the device. The control system according to FIG. 7 is configured, first, to enable the operation of an X-ray source and an image detector. The component controlling the operation of the X-ray source and the image detector may include a component physically arranged in the X-ray source and the image detector and / or elsewhere within the device. The control system of FIG. 7 further controls various driving means of the device, such as an imaging means supported by a support component, the support component itself, and a means for moving a control mechanism of the patient support component. In the case of an embodiment comprising both the first and second substantially vertically extending frame portions, the control system may also control the driving of the mounting structure, for example, as described above. Additionally, in the case of a device comprising a motor-driven locking mechanism for connecting and disconnecting the first and second substantially vertically extending frame portions, the control system may also control the driving means of the locking mechanism. Overall, the control system can be arranged to control all of the aforementioned operations or any part thereof.

Claims

Claim 1 A dental or medical CT imaging device comprising: - a first vertically extending frame portion (11) including an upper portion and a lower portion; - a support component (12) essentially extending horizontally from the first vertically extending frame portion (11); - an X-ray source (14) and an image detector (15) mounted on the support component (12) to together form X-ray imaging means (14, 15); - a first driving mechanism (16) arranged to move the imaging means (14, 15) around an axis (13); - a second driving mechanism (17) arranged to move the support component (12) in a direction parallel to the first direction in which the vertically extending frame portion (11) extends; - a patient support portion (18); A device comprising a control system, wherein the patient support member (18) is mechanically connected to a first vertically extending frame portion (11) and has a structure that extends parallel to the first vertically extending frame portion (11), and is essentially the same length as the first vertically extending frame portion (11). Claim 2 A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the length of the first vertically extending frame portion (11) is between 220 cm and 260 cm, or the length of the vertically extending frame portion (11) is 240 cm. Claim 3 A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the length of the patient support portion (18) is 80-90% of the length of the first vertically extending frame portion (11). Claim 4 A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the patient support member (18) has a longer dimension in the first direction and a shorter dimension in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction. Claim 5 A device according to claim 4, characterized in that the patient support portion (18) is radiotransmissible in at least the first direction with respect to at least its main portion. Claim 6 A device according to claim 5, characterized in that the radiation-transmissive portion of the patient support portion (18) is essentially the same length as the length of the first vertically extending frame portion (11). Claim 7 The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device comprises a first connecting component (19, 20) that mechanically connects the patient support member (18) to a first vertically extending frame portion (11), and the first connecting component (19, 20) comprises a patient support member adjustment mechanism (19', 20') configured to enable the patient support member (18) to be displaced closer to and further away from the first vertically extending frame portion (11). Claim 8 The device according to claim 7, wherein the device comprises a third driving mechanism (19", 20") arranged in a functional connection with the patient support adjustment mechanism (19', 20'), wherein the patient support adjustment mechanism (19', 20') comprises a first adjustment mechanism (19') arranged together with its driving mechanism (19") included within the third driving mechanism (19", 20") at the upper end of the first vertically extending frame portion (11), and a second adjustment mechanism (20') arranged together with its driving mechanism (20") included within the third driving mechanism (19", 20") at the lower end of the first vertically extending frame portion (11), and wherein the control system is configured to control the third driving mechanism (19", 20") arranged in a functional connection with the patient support adjustment mechanism (19', 20'). Claim 9 In claim 8, the control system controls a first connecting component (19, 20) comprising a first adjusting component (19') having a driving component (19") arranged at the upper end of a first vertically extending frame portion (11) and a second adjusting component (20') having a driving component (20") arranged at the lower end of a first vertically extending frame portion (11), so as to maintain the same distance between the first vertically extending frame portion (11) and the patient support portion (18) at the upper and lower ends of the first vertically extending frame portion (11) when adjusting the distance between the first vertically extending frame portion (11) and the patient support portion (18). Claim 10 A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second driving mechanism (17) is arranged to move the support component (12) along or alongside the first vertically extending frame portion (11). Claim 11 The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device comprises a second vertically extending frame portion (21) mechanically connected to a first vertically extending frame portion (11), wherein the second vertically extending frame portion (21) essentially has the same length as the first vertically extending frame portion (11), and an articulated connecting component (22) is arranged near the upper portion of the first vertically extending frame portion (11, 12) to mechanically connect the first and second vertically extending frame portions (11, 21) and allow the formation of an inclination of the first vertically extending frame portion (11) centered on a horizontal inclination axis for the second vertically extending frame portion (21). Claim 12 A device according to claim 11, characterized in that, in relation to the articulated connecting member (22), a mounting structure (23) is arranged on the side of a second vertically extending frame part (21), and the mounting structure (23) is arranged to be movable along or parallel to the second vertically extending frame part (21). Claim 13 A device according to claim 12, characterized in that a fourth driving mechanism (27) is arranged to be functionally connected to the second vertically extending frame part (21) in order to drive the mounting structure (23) along or alongside the second vertically extending frame part (21). Claim 14 A device according to claim 11, characterized in that a locking mechanism (24) configured to enable connection and disconnection of the first and second vertically extending frame parts (11, 21) is arranged near the lower end of the second vertically extending frame part (21). Claim 15 In claim 14, the locking mechanism (24) is characterized by including a displacement mechanism (25) configured to push the lower end of the first vertically extending frame part (11) to a distance spaced apart from the second vertically extending frame part (21) when the locking mechanism disconnects the first and second vertically extending frame parts (11, 21). Claim 16 In claim 5, the device is characterized in that the patient support member (18) includes a non-radiation-transmissible section at at least one end of the end in the first direction. Claim 17 delete Claim 18 delete Claim 19 delete Claim 20 delete Claim 21 delete Claim 22 delete

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