JP6870994B2 - X-ray computed tomography equipment - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an X-ray computed tomography apparatus.

When performing X-ray CT imaging (hereinafter referred to as CT scan) during work such as puncture and infusion in an X-ray computed tomography (CT) device, work such as puncture or infusion is performed. The operator visually confirms the subject to be CT-scanned or the vicinity of the subject. At this time, the body of the subject becomes a wall, and it is difficult to grasp the state of the opposite side of the subject as seen by the operator. In particular, in a standing CT device that enables image diagnosis in a standing or sitting state by photographing a subject and a state in which the joints and organs are subjected to their own weight and gravity, the body of the subject and the gantry of the standing CT device are used. It becomes a wall, and it is difficult to grasp the state of the opposite side of the subject as seen by the operator.

Therefore, it is conceivable to install an optical camera in the examination room for optically photographing the subject or the state around the subject. By installing the optical camera, it is possible to easily monitor the subject or the state around the subject. However, it is necessary to provide a dedicated transmission path for transmitting the image taken by the optical camera to the console of the X-ray CT apparatus.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-089674

An object of the present embodiment is to provide an X-ray computed tomography apparatus capable of reducing the burden of monitoring the subject or the vicinity of the subject by an operator and the increase in the scale of the apparatus.

According to the embodiment, the X-ray computer tomography apparatus includes an X-ray source that generates X-rays, an X-ray detector that detects X-rays exposed to the subject from the X-ray source, and the subject. An optical imaging unit that optically photographs the image, a rotating unit that holds the X-ray source, the X-ray detector, and the optical imaging unit, a fixed portion that rotatably supports the rotating portion, and the X-ray. A transmission unit that transmits detection data related to X-rays detected by the detector and optical image data related to an optical image captured by the optical photographing unit from the rotating unit to the fixed unit, and the detection data and the optical image. It includes a transmission control unit that controls the allocation of the transmission capacity of the optical image data to a predetermined transmission capacity per unit time of the transmission unit according to the data collection status.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an X-ray CT apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a frame of the X-ray CT apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the allocation of raw data and the allocation of optical image data in a predetermined transmission capacity per unit time of the transmission circuit in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 shows the allocation of raw data and the allocation of optical image data in a predetermined transmission capacity per unit time when the total transmission capacity of the raw data and the optical image data in the application example exceeds the predetermined transmission capacity. It is a figure. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an X-ray CT apparatus according to the first modification. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a stand for standing CT included in the standing CT device according to the second modification. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a standing CT device according to the second modification.

Hereinafter, the X-ray CT apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an apparatus for performing a CT scan on a subject in a lying position. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes a gantry 2, a CT console 3, and a CT sleeper 4. The gantry 2 includes a high voltage generator 21, an X-ray source 22, an X-ray detector 23, a data acquisition circuit (DAS) 24, an optical camera 25, a non-contact data transmission circuit 26, and the like. It has a gantry control circuit 27 and an operation panel 30.

The gantry 2 is a device that executes a CT scan on the subject S in the lying position, which is placed on the CT bed 4. In this embodiment, the gantry 2 has a rotating frame 28. The rotating frame 28 holds the X-ray source 22 and the X-ray detector 23 with an opening forming a photographing region. The rotating frame 28 is equipped with a high voltage generator 21, an X-ray source 22, an X-ray detector 23, a DAS 24, an optical camera 25, and a part of a non-contact data transmission circuit 26. The rotating frame 28 receives power from the rotation driving device 29 and rotates around the central axis of the opening at a constant angular velocity. A top plate 41 on which the subject S can be placed is inserted into the opening of the rotating frame 28. Further, the gantry 2 has a main frame (fixed frame) that rotatably supports the rotary frame 28 with the central axis of the opening of the rotary frame 28 as the rotary axis, and a rotary drive device (for example, an electric motor) that rotationally drives the rotary frame 28. ) 29 etc.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the gantry 2 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the gantry 2 has a cover for covering the rotating frame 28, the fixed frame, and the like. The cover includes a Mylar plate 100 provided along the inner circumference forming the opening. The mylar plate 100 is provided with a transparent portion 101 at a position corresponding to the shooting field of view of the optical camera 25. As a result, the shooting field of view of the optical camera 25 can be secured. In the present embodiment, the transparent portion 101 is provided at a position corresponding to the shooting field of view of the optical camera 25, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the mylar plate 100 may be made transparent.

The rotation drive device 29 generates power for rotating the rotation frame 28 according to the control from the gantry control circuit 27. The rotation drive device 29 generates power by driving at a rotation speed corresponding to the duty ratio and the like of the drive signal from the gantry control circuit 27. The rotation drive device 29 is realized by, for example, a motor such as a direct drive motor or a servo motor. The rotation drive device 29 is housed in the main frame, for example.

Here, the gantry 2 supplies electric power to the rotating frame 28, the high voltage generator 21, and the high voltage generator 21 in which the X-ray source 22, the X-ray detector 23, the DAS 24, and the optical camera 25 are installed. It may accommodate not only a power supply device (for example, a commercial power supply), but also various other devices necessary for CT scanning. For example, the rotating frame 28 may be equipped with a cooling device for cooling the X-ray source 22. Further, a fan for air conditioning may be attached to the gantry 2.

The high voltage generator 21 is a tube that applies power to the X-ray source 22 from the power supplied from the power supply device of the gantry 2 via the slip ring according to the control by the CT console 3 via the gantry control circuit 27. A voltage and a tube current (filament current) supplied to the X-ray source 22 are generated. Specifically, the high voltage generator 21 includes a converter, an inverter, and a step-up rectifier circuit including a capacitor and a rectifier circuit. First, the high voltage generator 21 converts the AC voltage supplied from the power supply device of the gantry 2 into a DC voltage by a converter. Next, the high voltage generator 21 converts the DC voltage converted by the converter into a high frequency AC voltage by the inverter. Further, the high voltage generator 21 boosts and rectifies the high frequency AC voltage converted by the inverter by the step-up rectifying circuit to generate a high frequency DC voltage. The high voltage generator 21 applies the high frequency DC voltage to the X-ray source 22.

The X-ray source 22 receives the application of the tube voltage and the supply of the tube current from the high voltage generator 21 and generates X-rays to irradiate the subject S placed on the top plate 41 from the focal point of the X-rays. For example, an X-ray tube is used as the X-ray source 22. Specifically, an anode and a cathode are housed inside the X-ray tube, and the inside of the X-ray tube is kept in a vacuum. A target material is provided on the anode side. As the target material, for example, tungsten or molybten is used. Further, a filament is provided on the cathode side. For the filament, for example, tungsten is used. First, when a tube voltage is applied from the high voltage generator 21, thermoelectrons are emitted from the filament at the cathode. The emitted thermions then collide with the target material. As a result, the X-ray tube generates X-rays.

The X-ray detector 23 is attached to the rotating frame 28 at a position and an angle facing the X-ray source 22 across the rotating shaft. The X-ray detector 23 detects X-rays generated from the X-ray source 22 and transmitted through the subject S. The X-ray detector 23 is equipped with a plurality of X-ray detection elements (not shown) arranged on a two-dimensional curved surface. Each X-ray detection element detects X-rays from the X-ray source 22 and converts them into an electric signal having a peak value corresponding to the intensity of the detected X-rays. Each X-ray detector has, for example, a scintillator and a photoelectric converter. The scintillator receives X-rays and emits fluorescence. The photoelectric converter converts the generated fluorescence into charge pulses. The charge pulse has a peak value according to the intensity of X-rays. Specifically, as the photoelectric converter, a device such as a photomultiplier tube or a photodiode that converts a photon into an electric signal is used. The X-ray detector 23 according to the present embodiment is not limited to an indirect detection type detector that temporarily converts X-rays into fluorescence and then converts them into an electric signal, and directly converts X-rays into an electric signal. It may be a direct detection type detector (semiconductor detector).

The DAS24 collects digital data indicating the intensity of X-rays attenuated by the subject S for each view. The DAS24 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor integrated circuit in which an integrator, an amplifier, and an A / D converter provided for each of a plurality of X-ray detection elements are mounted in parallel. The DAS 24 is connected to the X-ray detector 23 in the gantry 2. The integrator integrates the electrical signal from the X-ray detector over a predetermined view period to generate an integrator signal. The amplifier amplifies the integrator signal output from the integrator. The A / D converter A / D-converts the amplified integrated signal to generate digital data having a data value corresponding to the peak value of the integrated signal. The converted digital data is called raw data. Raw data is a set of digital values of X-ray intensity identified by the channel number, column number, and view number indicating the collected view of the source X-ray detector. The DAS 24, for example, transmits raw data to the non-contact data transmission circuit 26.

The optical camera 25 optically photographs the subject S placed on the top plate 41 or the state around the subject S under the control of the gantry control circuit 27. The optical camera 25 outputs, for example, an image (hereinafter, referred to as an optical image) targeting the photographed subject S or the vicinity of the subject S to the non-contact data transmission circuit 26. The optical camera 25 is connected to, for example, the non-contact data transmission circuit 26 by a cable. The optical image may be a still image or a moving image. The optical camera 25 is installed near the X-ray source 22 of the rotating frame 28. By installing it in the vicinity of the X-ray source 22, the optical camera 25 can take a picture of the subject S in a direction substantially coincide with the X-ray irradiation direction. Further, by photographing the subject S in a direction substantially coincide with the X-ray irradiation direction, it becomes possible to associate the raw data collected by the DAS 24 with the optical image captured by the optical camera 25 for each view. Further, since the optical camera 25 is installed on the rotating frame 28 together with the X-ray source 22 and the X-ray detector 23, a smaller one is adopted as compared with the one installed separately from the gantry 2. This makes it possible to reduce the increase in the scale of the device.

In the present embodiment, the optical camera 25 is installed in the vicinity of the X-ray source 22, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. The optical camera 25 in this embodiment may be installed at an arbitrary position on the rotating frame 28. For example, the optical camera 25 may be installed at a viewing angle such as 90 ° or 270 °. Thereby, the state of the subject S placed on the CT bed 4 in the opening can be monitored. Further, when monitoring the state of the entire subject S or the state around the subject S, the optical camera 25 may be installed at a position where the subject S can be overlooked. Further, although one optical camera 25 is installed in the rotating frame 28, the present embodiment is not limited to this. In this embodiment, for example, a plurality of optical cameras 25 may be installed as required.

The non-contact data transmission circuit 26 is realized by a transmission device using a magnetic transmission / reception method, a wireless transmission / reception method, or an optical transmission / reception means. The non-contact data transmission circuit 26 transmits the raw data collected by the DAS 24 and the optical image data related to the optical image taken by the optical camera 25 to the CT console 3. That is, the non-contact data transmission circuit 26 in the present embodiment transmits the raw data and the optical image data to the CT console 3 using the same transmission path. The non-contact data transmission circuit 26 includes, for example, a first memory 261 and a second memory 262, a transmission circuit 263, a reception circuit 264, a transfer circuit 265, and a transmission control circuit 266. The first memory 261 and the second memory 262 and the transmission circuit 263 are provided in the rotating frame 28. The receiving circuit 264, the transfer circuit 265, and the transmission control circuit 266 are provided on the mainframe.

The first memory 261 stores the raw data output from the DAS 24. The second memory 262 stores the optical image data output from the optical camera 25.

The transmission circuit 263 transmits the raw data stored in the first memory 261 to the reception circuit 264 and the optical image data stored in the second memory 262 to the reception circuit 264 according to the control by the transmission control circuit 266. The transmission circuit 263 transmits raw data and optical image data to the reception circuit 264 by, for example, a magnetic transmission / reception method, a wireless transmission / reception method, an optical transmission / reception method, or the like. The receiving circuit 264 receives the raw data transmitted from the transmitting circuit 263 and the optical image. The receiving circuit 264 outputs the received raw data and the optical image data to the transfer circuit 265.

The transfer circuit 265 transmits the raw data output from the reception circuit 264 and the optical image data to the CT console 3. The transfer circuit 265 in this embodiment is connected by wire to, for example, the communication interface (IF) circuit 33 of the CT console 3. The transfer circuit 265 transfers the raw data and the optical image data to the communication IF circuit 33 of the CT console 3. The transfer circuit 265 may transfer the raw data and the optical image data to the communication IF circuit 33 of the CT console 3 by a magnetic transmission / reception method, a wireless transmission / reception method, an optical transmission / reception method, or the like.

The transmission control circuit 266 controls the transmission of the raw data and the optical image data to the reception circuit 264 by the transmission circuit 263 according to the control by the gantry control circuit 27. The transmission control circuit 266 is realized by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) and a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory of the transmission control circuit 266 stores the setting program. The processor of the transmission control circuit 266 reads out the setting program stored in the memory. The processor of the transmission control circuit 266 realizes the setting function 267 by executing the read setting program. With the realization of the setting function 267, the transmission control circuit 266 allocates the transmission capacity of the raw data to the predetermined transmission capacity of the transmission circuit 263 per unit time according to the collection status of the raw data and the optical image data. Controls the allocation of transmission capacity for optical image data.

The gantry control circuit 27 includes a processor such as a CPU and an MPU and a memory such as a ROM and a RAM as hardware resources. The processor of the gantry control circuit 27 comprehensively controls the operation of each configuration provided in the gantry 2 according to the control signal output from the CT console 3.

The operation panel 30 is realized by a switch button, a touch pad for performing an input operation by touching an operation surface, a touch panel display in which a display screen and a touch pad are integrated, and the like. The operation panel 30 converts an input operation received from an operator (including an operator who performs operations such as puncture and infusion in the present embodiment) into an electric signal and outputs the input operation to the gantry control circuit 27.

The CT console 3 is a computer or workstation for controlling a pedestal 2 for executing a CT scan and a bed for CT 4 on which a subject S to be a CT scan is placed. The CT console 3 according to the present embodiment includes, for example, an image reconstruction circuit 31, an input interface (IF) circuit 32, a communication IF circuit 33, a display circuit 34, a storage circuit 35, and a console control circuit 36. Have.

The image reconstruction circuit 31 is realized by a predetermined processor such as a CPU and a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit) and a predetermined memory such as a ROM and a RAM. The memory of the image reconstruction circuit 31 stores the preprocessing program. The processor of the image reconstruction circuit 31 realizes the preprocessing function 311 by executing the preprocessing program. With the realization of the preprocessing function 311 the image reconstruction circuit 31 preprocesses the raw data output from the non-contact data transmission circuit 26. Preprocessing includes, for example, logarithmic conversion processing for raw data, sensitivity non-uniformity correction processing between channels, X-ray strong absorber, processing for correcting extreme signal strength reduction or signal omission mainly due to metal parts, and the like. included.

Further, the memory of the image reconstruction circuit 31 stores the reconstruction program. The processor of the image reconstruction circuit 31 realizes the reconstruction function 312 by executing the reconstruction program. With the realization of the reconstruction function 312, the image reconstruction circuit 31 reconstructs the CT image based on the set of raw data. The image reconstruction circuit 31 transmits the reconstructed CT image to the storage circuit 35.

The input IF circuit 32 is an input device such as a trackball, a scroll wheel, a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch pad that performs input operations by touching an operation surface, and a touch panel display in which a display screen and a touch pad are integrated. Realized by. The input IF circuit 32 converts, for example, an input operation received from the operator into an electric signal and outputs the input operation to the console control circuit 36. In the present embodiment, the input IF circuit 32 is not limited to those including physical operation parts such as a trackball, a scroll wheel, a switch button, a mouse, and a keyboard. For example, an electric signal processing circuit that receives an electric signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs this electric signal to the console control circuit 36 is also an example of the input IF circuit 32. included.

The communication IF circuit 33 is a circuit for communicating with an external device by wire or wirelessly. The external device is, for example, a server included in a system such as a radiological information management system (RIS), a hospital information system (HIS), and a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System), or other work. Stations, etc. In the present embodiment, the communication IF circuit 33 is wiredly connected to the transfer circuit 265 of the gantry 2.

The display circuit 34 displays various data, the medical image, and the like under the control of the console control circuit 36. In the present embodiment, the display circuit 34 displays, for example, an optical image taken by the optical camera 25 and output via the non-contact data transmission circuit 26. As a result, the positional relationship between the subject S and the gantry 2 can be grasped, and the subject S can be manually or automatically positioned from the CT console 3. Further, since it is possible to monitor the subject S or the state around the subject S while in the operation room, it becomes easy to set the start timing of the CT scan. The display circuit 34 includes a display interface circuit and a display device. The display interface circuit converts the data representing the display target into a video signal. The display signal is supplied to the display device. The display device displays a video signal representing the display target. Display devices include, for example, CRT displays (Cathode Ray Tube Display), liquid crystal displays (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display), organic EL displays (OELD: Organic Electro Luminescence Display), plasma displays, and others known in the art. Any display is available as appropriate.

The storage circuit 35 is an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like that can store a relatively large amount of data. For example, the storage circuit 35 stores an optical image taken by the optical camera 25 of the gantry 2 and transmitted via the communication IF circuit 33. In addition to the magnetic disk such as an HDD, the storage circuit 35 may use a magneto-optical disk and an optical disk such as a CD (Compact Disc) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). Further, the storage area of the storage circuit 35 may be in the X-ray CT device 1 or in an external storage device connected by a network.

The console control circuit 36 is realized by a predetermined processor such as a CPU and an MPU and a predetermined memory such as a ROM and a RAM as hardware resources. The processor of the console control circuit 36 comprehensively controls the operation and processing of each configuration in the CT console 3 by the control program stored in the memory. Specifically, the console control circuit 36 controls the power supply to the high voltage generator 21 via the slip ring so that shooting is performed according to a predetermined scan sequence. Further, the console control circuit 36 rotates the rotation frame 28 by controlling the rotation drive device 29 via the gantry control circuit 27. The console control circuit 36 moves the top plate 41 by controlling the sleeper drive device 42. By moving the top plate 41, the subject S placed on the top plate 41 is moved along the rotation axis.

The CT sleeper 4 has a top plate 41 on which the subject S is placed and a sleeper drive device 42. The top plate 41 is movably supported by the CT bed 4 along the central axis of the rotating frame 28. Here, the top plate 41 is positioned so that the body axis of the subject S placed on the top plate 41 coincides with the central axis of the rotating frame 28.

The sleeper drive device 42 moves the top plate 41 according to the control by the CT console 3 via the gantry control circuit 27 or the control by the gantry control circuit 27. For example, the sleeper drive device 42 moves the top plate 41 in the direction orthogonal to the subject S so that the body axis of the subject S placed on the top plate 41 coincides with the central axis of the opening of the rotating frame 28. To do. Further, the sleeper drive device 42 moves the top plate 41 along the body axis direction of the subject S in response to the CT scan performed by using the gantry 2.

Here, the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

(Example 1)
In the first embodiment, the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 relating to the transmission of the raw data and the optical image data from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264 according to the collection status of the raw data and the optical image data will be described. As a specific example, a case where only the optical image data is transmitted, a case where only the raw data is transmitted, and a case where the raw data and the optical image data are transmitted at the same time will be described in detail.

(Example 1-1)
In Example 1-1, a case where the subject S or the vicinity of the subject S is optically photographed from an arbitrary view angle specified by an operator who performs a work such as puncture or infusion before performing a CT scan will be described. That is, in Example 1-1, the case where only the optical image data is transmitted from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264 will be described.

First, the gantry control circuit 27 controls the rotation drive device 29 so as to rotate the rotation frame 28 in accordance with the rotation instruction of the rotation frame 28 from the operator via the input IF circuit 32 or the operation panel 30. Next, according to an imaging instruction from the operator via the input IF circuit 32 or the operation panel 30, the gantry control circuit 27 controls the optical camera 25 and optically photographs the subject S or the vicinity of the subject S. ..

Here, the operation of the transmission control circuit 266 in the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the transmission control circuit 266 when the raw data and the optical image data are transmitted from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264.

In step S1, the transmission control circuit 266 acquires the scan conditions of the CT scan executed by the gantry 2 and the imaging conditions of the optical imaging executed by the optical camera 25. The scan conditions in this embodiment include inspection site, inspection purpose, imaging range, scanning method (helical scan, non-helical scan, etc.), tube current, tube voltage, number of views, view rate, sampling period, reconstruction conditions, window level. (WL: Window Level), window width (WW: Window Width), and the like. The shooting conditions for optical shooting are image resolution, shooting range, shooting view interval, and the like.

In the first embodiment, since only the optical image is collected, the transmission control circuit 266 acquires the shooting conditions for the optical shooting executed by the optical camera 25. Specifically, the transmission control circuit 266 acquires an arbitrary view angle for capturing the optical image as a imaging condition for optical imaging. The view angle corresponds to the opposite side of the subject S as seen by the operator.

In step S2, the transmission control circuit 266, as the setting function 267, determines the transmission capacity of the raw data in the predetermined transmission capacity of the transmission circuit 263 per unit time according to the collection status of the raw data and the optical image data. Set the allocation and the allocation of the transmission capacity of optical image data. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the allocation of raw data and the allocation of optical image data in the predetermined transmission capacity. FIG. 4 shows, for example, the allocation of the predetermined transmission capacity when data is transmitted for each view. Raw data has a data capacity collected in one view. The optical image data has a data capacity of one frame corresponding to one view. As shown in FIG. 4A, the transmission control circuit 266 allocates a predetermined transmission capacity per view of the transmission circuit 263 as the transmission capacity of the optical image data. Further, the transmission control circuit 266 allocates dummy data (meaningless data) to the remaining transmission capacity according to the transmission capacity of the allocated optical image data. Dummy data may not be allocated to the remaining transmission capacity, and the data may simply be absent.

Here, the transmission capacity of the optical image data can be set before the execution of the optical photographing based on the above-mentioned photographing conditions. For example, the transmission control circuit 266 calculates the total amount of optical image data per view acquired by the optical imaging based on the acquired imaging conditions. The total amount of optical image data per view can be calculated from the image resolution, shooting range, shooting view interval, and the like. The transmission control circuit 266 sets the allocation of the optical image data transmission capacity to the predetermined transmission capacity based on the calculated total amount of optical image data.

In step S3, the gantry control circuit 27 starts CT scanning based on the acquired scanning conditions and optical imaging based on the acquired imaging conditions. In the first embodiment, in order to collect only the optical image, the gantry control circuit 27 starts the optical imaging based on the acquired imaging conditions. After starting the optical photographing, the optical camera 25 outputs the captured optical image to the second memory 262 via the cable. The second memory stores optical image data related to the optical image output from the optical camera 25. The transmission control circuit 266 controls the transmission circuit 263 to read the optical image data from the second memory 262 and transmit the optical image data based on the set allocation of the transmission capacity of the optical image data.

As a result, the transmission circuit 263 can read the optical image data from the second memory 262 and transmit it to the reception circuit 264.

(Example 1-2)
In Example 1-2, a case where a CT scan is simply performed on the subject S will be described. That is, in Example 1-2, the case where only the raw data is transmitted from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264 will be described.

First, the console control circuit 36 instructs the gantry control circuit 27 to start the CT scan in accordance with the CT scan execution instruction from the operator via the input IF circuit 32 or the operation panel 30. The gantry control circuit 27 receives an instruction from the console control circuit 36 and starts a CT scan.

Here, the operation of the transmission control circuit 266 in the first and second embodiments will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In step S1, the transmission control circuit 266 acquires the scan conditions of the CT scan executed by the gantry 2.

In step S2, the transmission control circuit 266, as the setting function 267, determines the transmission capacity of the raw data in the predetermined transmission capacity of the transmission circuit 263 per unit time according to the collection status of the raw data and the optical image data. Set the allocation and the allocation of the transmission capacity of optical image data. As shown in FIG. 4B, the transmission control circuit 266 allocates a predetermined transmission capacity per view as the transmission capacity of raw data. Further, the transmission control circuit 266 allocates dummy data to the remaining transmission capacity according to the transmission capacity of the allocated raw data.

Here, the transmission capacity of the raw data can be set before executing the CT scan based on the above scan conditions. For example, the transmission control circuit 266 calculates the total amount of raw data per view acquired by the CT scan based on the acquired scan conditions. The total amount of raw data per view can be calculated from the shooting range, scanning method, sampling period, number of views, number of channels of the X-ray detector 23, number of detector rows, and the like. The transmission control circuit 266 sets the allocation of the raw data transmission capacity to the predetermined transmission capacity based on the calculated total amount of raw data data.

In step S3, the gantry control circuit 27 starts a CT scan based on the acquired scan conditions. After starting the CT scan, the DAS 24 outputs the collected raw data to the first memory 261. The first memory stores the raw data output from the DAS24. The transmission control circuit 266 controls the transmission circuit 263 to read and transmit the raw data from the first memory 261 based on the set allocation of the transmission capacity of the raw data.

As a result, the transmission circuit 263 can read the raw data stored in the first memory 261 and transmit it to the reception circuit 264.

(Example 1-3)
In Examples 1-3, a case where a CT scan is performed while optically photographing the subject S or the vicinity of the subject S will be described. That is, in Example 1-3, the case where the raw data and the optical image data are simultaneously transmitted from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264 will be described.

First, as in Example 1-1, the gantry control circuit 27 controls the optical camera 25 according to the imaging instruction from the operator via the input IF circuit 32 or the operation panel 30, and the subject S or the subject Optically photograph the area around S. Further, similarly to the first and second embodiments, the gantry control circuit 27 receives an instruction from the console control circuit 36 and starts a CT scan.

Here, the operation of the transmission control circuit 266 in the first to third embodiments will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In step S1, the transmission control circuit 266 acquires the scan conditions of the CT scan executed by the gantry 2 and the imaging conditions of the optical imaging executed by the optical camera 25 before the start of the CT scan and the optical imaging.

In step S2, the transmission control circuit 266, as the setting function 267, determines the transmission capacity of the raw data in the predetermined transmission capacity of the transmission circuit 263 per unit time according to the collection status of the raw data and the optical image. Set the allocation and the allocation of the transmission capacity of the optical image data. In the first to third embodiments, the transmission control circuit 266 preferentially allocates the predetermined transmission capacity as the transmission capacity of the raw data, and allocates the remaining transmission capacity as the transmission capacity of the optical image data. For example, the transmission control circuit 266 occupies the predetermined transmission capacity so that an optical image obtained by photographing the subject S or the periphery of the subject S can be transmitted from the specified view angle at the transmission timing of the specified view angle. Set the allocation of the transmission capacity of the raw data and the allocation of the transmission capacity of the optical image data.

In step S3, the gantry control circuit 27 starts CT scanning based on the acquired scanning conditions and optical imaging based on the acquired imaging conditions. The transmission control circuit 266 controls the transmission circuit 263 to read and transmit the raw data from the first memory 261 based on the set allocation of the transmission capacity of the raw data. The transmission control circuit 266 controls the transmission circuit 263 to read and transmit the optical image from the second memory 262 based on the set transmission capacity allocation of the optical image data.

As a result, the transmission circuit 263 can read the raw data stored in the first memory 261 and transmit it to the reception circuit 264. Further, the transmission circuit 263 can read the optical image data from the second memory 262 and transmit the optical image data to the reception circuit 264.

According to the first embodiment, when the X-ray CT apparatus 1 transmits only the optical image data from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 transmits the optical image data stored in the second memory 262 with a predetermined transmission capacity. Allocate as capacity. When only the raw data is transmitted from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 allocates a predetermined transmission capacity as the transmission capacity of the raw data stored in the first memory 261. When the X-ray CT apparatus 1 simultaneously transmits raw data and an optical image from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 preferentially allocates a predetermined transmission capacity as the transmission capacity of the raw data, and allocates the remaining transmission capacity to the optical image. Allocate as data transmission capacity.

That is, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 transfers the transmission capacity of the raw data from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264 and the optical image data transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264 according to the collection status of the raw data and the optical image. The transmission capacity of is variable. Further, the view angle to be photographed by the optical camera 25 is manually set by the input instruction from the operator via the input IF circuit 32 or the operation panel 30 before the start of the CT scan. The transmission control circuit 266 captures an optical image for each rotation at a set viewing angle. Thereby, the state of an arbitrary view angle of the subject S designated by the operator can be constantly monitored.

Here, in the first embodiment, the unit time is set to one view, but the first embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the unit time may be used as a plurality of views, and the raw data and the optical image data collected in the plurality of views may be transmitted from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264. Further, in Example 1, the subject S or the periphery of the subject S is optically photographed from an arbitrary view angle specified by the operator, but the example 1 is not limited to this. For example, a wide range may be photographed by designating a plurality of view angles, or an all-around image may be performed to photograph the entire periphery of the subject S. Further, in the first embodiment, the raw data and the optical image data collected in one view are transmitted from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264 at one transmission timing, but the first embodiment is not limited to this. For example, at one transmission timing, the raw data and the optical image data collected in the plurality of views may be transmitted from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264 a plurality of times.

Since the optical image data is transmitted within the limited transmission capacity, the transmission capacity of the optical image data may be reduced, for example, by lowering the image resolution. Further, the transmission capacity of the optical image data may be reduced by lowering the frame rate of the optical camera 25.

(Application example of Example 1-3)
In the first embodiment, when the raw data and the optical image data are simultaneously transmitted from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264, the transmission control circuit 266 preferentially uses the predetermined transmission capacity as the transmission capacity of the raw data. Allocate and allocate the remaining transmission capacity as the transmission capacity of optical image data. FIG. 5 shows the allocation of raw data and the allocation of optical image data in a predetermined transmission capacity per unit time when the total transmission capacity of the raw data and the optical image data in the application example exceeds the predetermined transmission capacity. It is a figure.

For example, the total transmission capacity of the raw data and the optical image data may exceed a predetermined transmission capacity due to changes in scanning conditions, shooting conditions, and the like. In the application example of Example 1-3, the operation of the transmission control circuit 266 when the total transmission capacity of the raw data and the optical image data exceeds a predetermined transmission capacity will be described. As a specific example, due to the change in shooting conditions, the transmission capacity of the optical image data shown in FIG. 5A becomes larger than the transmission capacity of the optical image data shown in Examples 1-3, and the total transmission capacity is the predetermined transmission capacity. The case where exceeds is described. In addition, about description which overlaps with Example 1-3, detailed description will be omitted and will be described as appropriate as necessary. Further, FIG. 5 shows the allocation of the predetermined transmission capacity when data is transmitted for each view, as in FIG. 4. Further, FIGS. 5 (b) to 5 (d) show the transmission timing of data for each view arranged in chronological order. That is, after the data of FIG. 5 (b) is transmitted, the data of FIG. 5 (c) is transmitted. Further, after the data of FIG. 5 (c) is transmitted, the data of FIG. 5 (d) is transmitted.

In step S2, the transmission control circuit 266 preferentially allocates the predetermined transmission capacity as the transmission capacity of the raw data and allocates the remaining transmission capacity as the transmission capacity of the optical image data, similarly to the first to third embodiments. Here, as shown in FIG. 5A, the optical image data of the A category that fits in the predetermined transmission capacity can be transmitted from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264. On the other hand, the optical image data of the B category exceeding the predetermined transmission capacity cannot be transmitted from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264 at the same transmission timing as the optical image data of the A category.

The transmission control circuit 266 controls the transmission circuit 263 so as to divide the optical image data and transmit the optical image data over a plurality of transmission timings. For example, the optical image data is divided into A division and B division and transmitted over a plurality of transmission timings. For example, the transmission control circuit 266 transmits the optical image data of the A category at the transmission timing shown in FIG. 5 (b), and transmits the optical image data of the B category at the transmission timing shown in FIG. 5 (c). Controls 263. Further, the transmission control circuit 266 allocates dummy data to the remaining transmission capacity according to the transmission capacity of the allocated optical image data of the B category at the transmission timing shown in FIG. 5 (c).

According to the application example of the first to third embodiment, the transmission control circuit 266 controls the transmission circuit 263 so as to divide the optical image data and transmit the optical image data at a plurality of transmission timings. As a result, the optical image data can be transmitted from the transmission circuit 263 to the reception circuit 264 even when the total transmission capacity of the raw data and the optical image data exceeds a predetermined transmission capacity.

In the above application example, the optical image data is divided into the data that fits in the predetermined transmission capacity and the data that exceeds the predetermined transmission capacity, but the application example is not limited to this. For example, the optical image data may be divided into arbitrary divisions such as dividing the optical image data in half.

(Modification example 1)
In the above embodiment, the transmission of the raw data and the optical image data from the transmission circuit 263 of the non-contact data transmission circuit 26 to the reception circuit 264 has been described, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to a modification 1. As shown in FIG. 6, this embodiment can also be applied to the transfer of raw data and optical image data from the gantry 2 to the CT console 3. The description overlapping with FIG. 1 will be omitted in detail and will be described as appropriate as necessary.

The non-contact data transmission circuit 26 shown in FIG. 6 is realized by a transmission device using a magnetic transmission / reception method, a wireless transmission / reception method, or an optical transmission / reception means. The non-contact data transmission circuit 26 transmits the raw data collected by the DAS 24 and the optical image data captured by the optical camera 25 to the CT console 3. That is, the non-contact data transmission circuit 26 in the present embodiment transmits the raw data and the optical image data to the CT console 3 using the same transmission path. The non-contact data transmission circuit 26 includes, for example, a transmission circuit 263, a reception circuit 264, a transfer circuit 265, a first memory 268, a second memory 269, and a transfer control circuit 270.

The transfer control circuit 270 controls the transfer of the raw data and the optical image data to the CT console 3 by the transfer circuit 265 according to the control by the gantry control circuit 27. The transfer control circuit 270 is realized by a processor such as a CPU and an MPU and a memory such as a ROM and a RAM. The memory of the transfer control circuit 270 stores the setting program. The processor of the transfer control circuit 270 reads out the setting program stored in the memory. The processor of the transfer control circuit 270 realizes the setting function 271 by executing the read setting program. With the realization of the setting function 271, the transfer control circuit 270 controls the allocation of the transfer capacity of the raw data and the allocation of the transfer capacity of the optical image data in the predetermined transfer capacity per unit time of the transfer circuit 265.

Specifically, the transfer control circuit 270 controls the transfer circuit 265 to read and transfer the raw data from the first memory 268 based on the set transfer capacity allocation of the raw data. The transfer control circuit 270 controls the transfer circuit 265 to read and transfer the optical image data from the second memory 269 based on the set transfer capacity allocation of the optical image data.

As a result, the transfer circuit 265 transfers the raw data and the optical image to the CT console 3 based on the set allocation.

According to the first modification, the transfer control circuit 270 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 controls the transfer of the raw data and the optical image data to the CT console 3 by the transfer circuit 265 according to the control by the gantry control circuit 27. As a result, the transfer circuit 265 can transfer the raw data and the optical image data from the gantry 2 to the CT console 3.

(Modification 2)
In the above embodiment, the raw data and the optical image from the transmission circuit 263 of the non-contact data transmission circuit 26 to the reception circuit 264 in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 for executing the CT scan on the subject S in the lying position. Although transmission with data has been described, the present embodiment is not limited to this. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a standing CT pedestal 6 included in the standing CT device 5 according to the modified example 2. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a standing CT device 5 according to the second modification. For example, the present embodiment can be applied to a standing CT device 5 including a standing CT stand 6 for performing a CT scan on a subject S in a standing or sitting state. The description overlapping with FIG. 1 will be omitted in detail and will be described as appropriate as necessary.

The standing CT pedestal 6 shown in FIG. 8 includes a support column 61 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. The support column 61 is a base that supports the gantry 2 away from the floor surface. The support column 61 has a columnar shape such as a columnar shape or a prismatic shape. The strut 61 is formed of any substance such as plastic or metal. The support column 61 is attached to the side surface of the gantry 2, for example. In order to perform a CT scan on the subject S in the standing state, the support column 61 movably supports the gantry 2 in the vertical direction while the central axis of the opening is maintained in the direction perpendicular to the floor surface.

The support column 61 houses a drive device (hereinafter, referred to as a support device) 62 for moving the gantry 2 in the vertical direction with respect to the vertical direction. The strut drive device 62 generates power for moving the gantry 2 in the vertical direction according to the control from the gantry control circuit 27. Specifically, the support column drive device 62 generates power by driving at a rotation speed corresponding to the duty ratio of the drive signal from the gantry control circuit 27 and the like. The support column 61 receives power from the support column drive device 62 and moves the gantry 2 with respect to the support column 61 in the vertical direction. The strut drive device 62 is realized by, for example, a motor such as a direct drive motor or a servo motor.

The support column 61 is configured to rotatably support the gantry 2 around the horizontal axis (also referred to as a rotation axis; hereinafter referred to as a tilt axis) of the gantry 2, for example. In this case, the support column 61 and the gantry 2 are connected to each other via a rotation shaft or the like so that the gantry 2 can rotate around the tilt axis.

A drive device for tilting the tilt axis of the gantry 2 (hereinafter, referred to as a tilt drive device 63) is housed in the support column 61. The tilt drive device 63 generates power for rotating the gantry 2 with respect to the tilt axis according to the control from the gantry control circuit 27. Specifically, the tilt drive device 63 generates power by driving at a rotation speed corresponding to the duty ratio of the drive signal from the gantry control circuit 27 and the like. The support column 61 receives power from the tilt drive device 63 to tilt the gantry 2 with respect to the tilt axis. The tilt drive device 63 is realized by, for example, a motor such as a direct drive motor or a servo motor.

In the conventional standing CT device, it is difficult to confirm the interference between the subject S and the gantry 2 due to its structure. On the other hand, since the standing CT device 5 according to the modified example 2 can monitor the state of the subject S in the gantry 2 by the optical camera 25, it is easy to confirm the interference state between the subject S and the gantry 2. Can be done.

(Modification example 3)
In the above embodiment, for example, the view angle taken by the optical camera 25 is manually set by an input instruction from the operator. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. The optical camera 25 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment may take a picture of the subject S every time it reaches a predetermined view angle according to the scan mode.

(Modification example 4)
In the above embodiment, for example, the view angle taken by the optical camera 25 is manually set by an input instruction from the operator. Further, the view angle for shooting with the optical camera 25 is set according to the scan mode. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the setting of the view angle when the puncture image is taken may be estimated from the operator information in addition to the above manual setting. Specifically, it may be estimated from the puncture angle information in which the operator information and the inspection purpose are linked.

(Summary)
As described above, the X-ray CT apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, an optical camera, a rotating frame, a fixed frame, a transmission circuit, and a transmission control circuit. .. The transmission circuit receives the detection data (raw data) related to the X-rays detected by the X-ray detector and the optical image taken by the optical camera from the transmission circuit installed in the rotating frame to the reception circuit installed in the fixed frame. Send to the circuit. The transmission control circuit controls the allocation of the transmission capacity of the optical image data to the predetermined transmission capacity of the transmission circuit per unit time according to the collection status of the detection data and the optical image.

With the above configuration, the X-ray CT apparatus according to the present embodiment can easily monitor the subject or the state around the subject regardless of the position of the operator by installing an optical camera. Further, it is not necessary to install a dedicated transmission path for transmitting the image taken by the optical camera to the console of the X-ray CT apparatus.

Thus, the X-ray CT apparatus according to the present embodiment can reduce the burden of monitoring the subject or the vicinity of the subject by the operator and the increase in the scale of the apparatus.

The transfer circuit 265 and the transfer control circuit 270 described in the first modification may be mounted on the X-ray CT device 1 shown in FIG. 1 and the standing CT device 5 shown in FIG. 7.

The X-ray CT apparatus in the above embodiment is a so-called third generation. That is, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is a rotation / rotation type (Rotate / Rotate-Type) in which the X-ray source and the X-ray detector are integrally transmitted around the rotation axis. However, the X-ray CT apparatus according to the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the X-ray CT apparatus may be a fixed / rotary type (Stationary / Rotate-Type) in which a large number of light receiving bands arranged in a ring shape are fixed and only the X-ray source rotates around a rotation axis. Further, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 may be a fifth generation in which a large number of light receiving bands arranged in a ring shape are fixed, an anode is arranged in a ring shape, and an electron beam is irradiated to the anode by electromagnetic deflection.

Further, the term "predetermined processor" used in the above description is, for example, a dedicated or general-purpose processor, circuit (circuitry), processing circuit (circuitry), operation circuit (circuitry), arithmetic circuit (circuitry), or specific. Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Programmable Logic Devices (for example, Simple Programmable Logic Devices (SPLDs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and Field Programmable Gate Arrays for Applications. (FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array) and the like. Further, each component (each processing circuit) of the present embodiment is not limited to a single processor, and may be realized by a plurality of processors. , A plurality of components (a plurality of processing circuits) may be realized by a single processor.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

1 ... X-ray CT device, 2 ... stand, 3 ... CT console, 4 ... CT sleeper, 5 ... standing CT device, 6 ... standing CT stand, 21 ... high voltage generator, 22 ... X-ray source, 23 ... X-ray detector, 24 ... Data acquisition circuit (DAS), 25 ... Optical camera, 26 ... Non-contact data transmission circuit, 27 ... Mount control circuit, 28 ... Rotation frame, 29 ... Rotation drive device, 29 ... Rotation drive Device, 30 ... Operation panel, 31 ... Image reconstruction circuit, 32 ... Input interface (IF) circuit, 33 ... Communication interface (IF) circuit, 34 ... Display circuit, 35 ... Storage circuit, 36 ... Console control circuit, 41 ... Top plate, 42 ... sleeper drive device, 61 ... strut, 62 ... strut drive device, 63 ... tilt drive device, 100 ... myra plate, 101 ... transparent part, 261 ... first memory, 262 ... second memory, 263 ... transmission Circuit, 264 ... Receive circuit, 265 ... Transfer circuit, 266 ... Transmission control circuit, 267 ... Setting function, 268 ... 1st memory, 269 ... Second memory, 270 ... Transfer control circuit, 271 ... Setting function, 311 ... Preprocessing Function, 312 ... Reconstruction function.

Claims (9)

An X-ray source that generates X-rays and
An X-ray detector that detects X-rays exposed to a subject from the X-ray source, and
An optical imaging unit that optically photographs the subject, and
A rotating unit that holds the X-ray source, the X-ray detector, and the optical imaging unit, and
A fixed portion that rotatably supports the rotating portion and
A transmission unit that transmits detection data related to X-rays detected by the X-ray detector and optical image data related to an optical image captured by the optical photographing unit from the rotating unit to the fixed unit.
A transmission control unit that controls the allocation of the transmission capacity of the optical image data to a predetermined transmission capacity per unit time of the transmission unit according to the collection status of the detection data and the optical image data.
An X-ray computed tomography apparatus comprising. When the transmission control unit collects the detection data and collects the optical image, the transmission control unit preferentially allocates the predetermined transmission capacity as the transmission capacity of the detection data, and allocates the remaining transmission capacity of the optical image data. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, which is allocated as a transmission capacity. A data collection circuit that collects the detected data and
A first storage unit provided between the data collection circuit and the transmission unit and storing the detection data output from the data collection circuit, and a first storage unit.
A second storage unit provided between the optical photographing unit and the transmitting unit and storing optical image data output from the optical photographing unit, and a second storage unit.
Further equipped,
The transmission control unit
Based on the allocation of the transmission capacity of the allocated detection data, the transmission unit is controlled so as to read and transmit the detection data from the first storage unit.
Based on the allocation of the transmission capacity of the allocated optical image data, the transmission unit is controlled so as to read and transmit the optical image data from the second storage unit.
The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit divides the optical image data and transmits the optical image data over a plurality of transmission timings according to an instruction from the transmission control unit. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optical imaging unit photographs the subject each time it reaches a predetermined view angle. A transfer unit that transfers the detection data and the optical image data transmitted from the rotating unit to the fixed unit from the fixed unit to an external device.
Depending on the collection status of the detected data and the optical image data, the transfer capacity of the detected data and the transfer capacity of the optical image data in the predetermined transfer capacity per unit time of the transfer unit are allocated. Transfer control unit that controls
The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising. Claims 1 to 6 support the rotating portion so that the central axis of the opening provided in the rotating portion is orthogonal to the floor surface, and support the rotating portion so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to any one of the above. A cover for covering a gantry having a rotating portion for holding the X-ray source, the X-ray detector, and the optical photographing unit is further provided.
The covering includes a mylar plate provided along the inner circumference forming an opening provided in the rotating portion.
The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mylar plate has a transparent portion at a position corresponding to a photographing field of view of the optical photographing unit. An X-ray source that generates X-rays and
An X-ray detector that detects X-rays exposed to a subject from the X-ray source, and
An optical imaging unit that optically photographs the subject, and
A rotating unit that holds the X-ray source, the X-ray detector, and the optical imaging unit, and
A fixed portion that rotatably supports the rotating portion and
A transfer unit that transfers detection data related to X-rays detected by the X-ray detector and optical image data related to an optical image captured by the optical photographing unit from the fixed unit to an external device.
A transfer control unit that controls the allocation of the transfer capacity of the optical image data to a predetermined transfer capacity per unit time of the transfer unit according to the collection status of the detected data and the optical image data.
An X-ray computed tomography apparatus comprising.

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