阅读说明：本技术 医用图像诊断装置、x射线计算机断层拍摄装置及医用图像诊断辅助方法 (Medical image diagnosis apparatus, X-ray computed tomography apparatus, and medical image diagnosis support method ) 是由 大野信英 于 2020-10-14 设计创作，主要内容包括：实施方式的医用图像诊断装置具备架台装置和处理电路。架台装置具有利用放射线或者磁进行被检体的拍摄的拍摄系统。处理电路生成将第一图像与使用了拍摄系统的拍摄中的拍摄位置所关联的平面合成而成的第二图像,该第一图像是由与拍摄系统不同的光学拍摄装置拍摄被检体而获得的。(A medical image diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a gantry apparatus and a processing circuit. The gantry apparatus includes an imaging system for imaging a subject with radiation or magnetism. The processing circuit generates a second image in which a plane associated with an imaging position in imaging using an imaging system is synthesized with a first image obtained by imaging a subject with an optical imaging apparatus different from the imaging system.)

1. A medical image diagnostic apparatus is provided with:

a gantry device having an imaging system for imaging a subject with radiation or magnetism; and

and a processing circuit that generates a second image in which a first image obtained by imaging the subject with an optical imaging device different from the imaging system is synthesized with a plane associated with an imaging position in imaging with the imaging system.

2. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1,

the processing circuit generates the second image using a rectangle, square, ellipse, or circle figure representing the shooting position as a plane associated with the shooting position.

3. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2,

the shape or size of the pattern corresponds to the shape or size of an opening provided in the gantry apparatus, or corresponds to the shape or size of a field of view imaged by the gantry apparatus.

4. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1,

the processing circuit generates the second image by synthesizing a line or a plane corresponding to a median line of the subject, the first image, and a plane associated with the imaging position.

5. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1,

the processing circuit generates a plane associated with the imaging position corresponding to the tilt angle of the gantry apparatus.

6. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1,

further comprising an input interface circuit that changes at least one of a position and an angle of a plane associated with the imaging position in response to an input from a user on the composite image displayed on the display circuit,

the processing circuit controls at least one of the gantry apparatus and a bed apparatus having a top plate on which the subject is placed, based on the changed plane associated with the imaging position.

7. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6,

the mobile terminal comprises the display circuit and the input interface circuit.

8. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1,

the first image includes the gantry apparatus or a reference position of the gantry apparatus.

9. An X-ray computed tomography apparatus, comprising:

a gantry device having an imaging system for imaging a subject with radiation; and

and a processing circuit that generates a second image in which a first image obtained by imaging the subject with an optical imaging device different from the imaging system is synthesized with a plane associated with an imaging position in imaging with the imaging system.

10. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 9,

the processing circuit generates the second image using a rectangle, square, ellipse, or circle figure representing the shooting position as a plane associated with the shooting position.

11. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 10,

the shape or size of the pattern corresponds to the shape or size of an opening provided in the gantry apparatus, or corresponds to the shape or size of a field of view imaged by the gantry apparatus.

12. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 9,

the processing circuit generates the second image by synthesizing a line or a plane corresponding to a median line of the subject, the first image, and a plane associated with the imaging position.

13. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 9,

the processing circuit generates a plane associated with the imaging position corresponding to the tilt angle of the gantry apparatus.

14. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 9,

further comprising an input interface circuit that changes at least one of a position and an angle of a plane associated with the imaging position in response to an input from a user on the composite image displayed on the display circuit,

the processing circuit controls at least one of the gantry apparatus and a bed apparatus having a top plate on which the subject is placed, based on the changed plane associated with the imaging position.

15. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 14,

the mobile terminal comprises the display circuit and the input interface circuit.

16. The X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to claim 9,

the first image includes the gantry apparatus or a reference position of the gantry apparatus.

17. A medical image diagnosis support method for image diagnosis using a gantry apparatus having an imaging system for imaging a subject with radiation or magnetism, comprising:

acquiring a first image by imaging the subject with an optical imaging device different from the imaging system,

generating a second image in which the first image is synthesized with a plane associated with a shooting position in shooting using the shooting system, an

And displaying the second image.

Technical Field

The present embodiment relates generally to a medical image diagnosis apparatus, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus, and a medical image diagnosis support method.

Background

In an X-ray CT apparatus, a lamp (area lamp) for projecting a laser beam onto a top plate is sometimes used in order to confirm an imaging cross-sectional position and an imaging range (hereinafter, also referred to as "imaging cross-sectional position and the like"). The area lighting device can project a position or an area corresponding to the imaging cross-section position of the subject image onto the top plate, for example. The user can visually confirm the position and range indicated by the projection light from the area light to the top plate, thereby confirming the imaging cross-sectional position of the X-ray imaging while avoiding the subject from being irradiated.

However, when confirming the imaging cross-sectional position or the like using the area light, the user has to move the imaging cross-sectional position from the operation room to the examination room and perform positioning near the patient before imaging. The display based on the imaging cross-sectional position of the area projector is only the surface on which the laser beam is projected. Therefore, when the gantry is tilted, the line of the depth where radiation is generated cannot be visually observed, and it is difficult to accurately grasp whether or not a place where reliable protection is desired is avoided.

Disclosure of Invention

A medical image diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a gantry apparatus and a processing circuit. The gantry apparatus includes an imaging system for imaging a subject with radiation or magnetism. The processing circuit generates a second image in which a plane associated with an imaging position in imaging using an imaging system is synthesized with a first image obtained by imaging a subject with an optical imaging apparatus different from the imaging system.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an environment in which an X-ray CT apparatus 1 is installed.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a synthesized image in which a virtual plane is synthesized with an image obtained by the optical imaging device C1.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a synthesized image in which a virtual plane is synthesized on an image obtained by the optical imaging device C2.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a composite image obtained based on an image from the optical pickup device C1 when the gantry is tilted.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a composite image obtained based on an image from the optical pickup device C2 also in the case where the gantry is tilted.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processing from setting of an imaging cross-sectional position of the X-ray CT apparatus to start of imaging.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an angiographic CT system S in which the gantry apparatus 10 is shared between two medical imaging devices.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, a first embodiment and a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a repetitive description will be made only when necessary. In addition, the embodiment can be combined with other embodiments and the related art within a range in which no contradiction occurs in the configuration.

(first embodiment)

First, an environment in which the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is installed will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an environment in which an X-ray CT apparatus 1 is installed.

As shown in fig. 1, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes a gantry apparatus 10, a couch apparatus 30, and a console apparatus (not shown in fig. 1). The gantry apparatus 10 and the couch apparatus 30 are provided in the examination room R1. The console device is installed in an operation room R2 provided beside the examination room R1. The user can see the state of the inspection room R1 through the window W of the operation room R2, and can go between the inspection room R1 and the operation room R2 through a door, not shown. The gantry apparatus 10 and the bed apparatus 30 operate based on an operation from a user via the console apparatus or an operation from a user via an operation unit provided in the gantry apparatus 10 or the bed apparatus 30.

An optical imaging device C1 represented by a digital camera, an infrared camera, or the like is provided on the ceiling of the examination room R1. An optical imaging device C2 such as a digital camera or an infrared camera is also provided on the wall of the examination room R1.

The optical imaging device C1 images the gantry 10 and the couch device 30 from the top of the gantry 10 and the couch device 30. The optical imaging device C2 images the gantry apparatus 10 and the couch apparatus 30 from the side surfaces of the gantry apparatus 10 and the couch apparatus 30. The optical imaging device C2 may image either the right side surface or the left side surface of the gantry apparatus 10 or the couch apparatus 30.

For example, after the subject is placed on the top 33 of the bed apparatus 30, the imaging by the optical imaging apparatuses C1 and C2 is continuously performed until the imaging cross-sectional position is determined. The images captured by the optical imaging devices C1 and C2 are sequentially transmitted to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 in real time.

Next, the structure of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 will be schematically described. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in fig. 2, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the embodiment includes a gantry apparatus 10, a couch apparatus 30, and a console apparatus 40.

In the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the top plate 33 of the couch device 30 or the rotation axis of the rotating frame 13 in the non-tilted state is defined as the Z-axis direction, the axial direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and horizontal to the floor surface is defined as the X-axis direction, and the axial direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and vertical to the floor surface is defined as the Y-axis direction.

The gantry 10 includes an imaging system for imaging medical images used for diagnosis. That is, the gantry apparatus 10 is an apparatus having an imaging System that irradiates X-rays onto the subject P and collects projection Data from detection Data of the X-rays that have passed through the subject P, and includes an X-ray tube 11, a wedge 16, a collimator 17, an X-ray detector 12, an X-ray high-voltage apparatus 14, a DAS (Data Acquisition System) 18, a rotating frame 13, a control apparatus 15, and a bed apparatus 30.

The X-ray tube 11 is a vacuum tube that irradiates thermal electrons from a cathode (filament) toward an anode (target) due to high voltage application from an X-ray high voltage device 14.

The wedge 16 is a filter for adjusting the amount of X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11. Specifically, the wedge 16 is a filter that transmits and attenuates the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11 so that the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11 toward the subject P have a predetermined distribution.

The wedge 16 is, for example, a wedge filter (wedge filter) or a bow-tie filter (bow-tie filter), and is a filter formed by machining aluminum to a predetermined target angle or a predetermined thickness.

The collimator 17 is a lead plate or the like for narrowing the irradiation range of the X-rays transmitted through the wedge 16, and a slit is formed by combining a plurality of lead plates or the like.

The X-ray detector 12 detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11 and having passed through the subject P, and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the amount of the X-rays to the data acquisition device (DAS 18). The X-ray detector 12 includes, for example, a plurality of X-ray detection element rows in which a plurality of X-ray detection elements are arranged in the channel direction along one arc with the focal point of the X-ray tube 11 as the center. The X-ray detector 12 includes, for example, a plurality of X-ray detection element rows in which a plurality of X-ray detection elements are arranged in the channel direction along one arc with the focal point of the X-ray tube as the center. The X-ray detector 12 has a structure in which a plurality of X-ray detection element rows each having a plurality of X-ray detection elements arranged in a channel direction are arranged in a slice direction (also referred to as a body axis direction or a column direction), for example.

In addition, the X-ray detector 12 is an indirect conversion type detector having, for example, a grid, a scintillator array, and a photosensor array. The scintillator array has a plurality of scintillators, and the scintillators have scintillator crystals that output a quantity of light corresponding to the quantity of incident X-rays. The grid is disposed on the surface of the scintillator array on the X-ray incidence side, and has an X-ray shielding plate having a function of absorbing scattered X-rays. The photosensor array has a function of converting an electric signal corresponding to the amount of light from the scintillator, and includes photosensors such as photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). The X-ray detector 12 may be a direct conversion type detector having a semiconductor element that converts incident X-rays into an electric signal.

The X-ray high voltage device 14 includes a high voltage generator having an electric circuit such as a transformer (transformer) and a rectifier and having a function of generating a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube 11, and an X-ray controller for controlling an output voltage according to the X-ray irradiated from the X-ray tube 11. The high voltage generator may be of a transformer type or an inverter type. The X-ray high voltage device 14 may be provided on the rotating frame 13 or on the fixed frame (not shown) side of the gantry 10. The fixed frame is a frame that rotatably supports the rotating frame 13.

The DAS 18 includes amplifiers for amplifying electric signals output from the X-ray detection elements of the X-ray detector 12 and a/D converters for converting the electric signals into digital signals, and generates detection data. The detection data generated by the DAS 18 is transmitted to the console device 40.

The rotating frame 13 is an annular frame that supports the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 so as to face each other and rotates the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 by the controller 15. The rotating frame 13 may support the X-ray high-voltage apparatus 14 and the DAS 18 in addition to the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12. The detection data generated by the DAS 18 is transmitted from a transmitter having a light emitting diode provided on the rotating frame 13 to a receiver having a photodiode provided on a non-rotating portion of the gantry 10 such as a fixed frame by optical communication, and is transmitted to the console device 40. The transmission method of transmitting the detection data from the rotating frame 13 to the non-rotating portion of the gantry apparatus 10 is not limited to optical communication, and may be performed by using a data transmission method of a non-contact type or another method.

The control device 15 includes a processing circuit having a CPU and a driving mechanism such as a motor and an actuator. The control device 15 has a function of receiving an input signal from the input interface 43 attached to the console device 40 or the input interface attached to the gantry device 10 to control the operations of the gantry device 10 and the couch device 30. The controller 15 receives an input signal, and controls the rotation of the rotating frame 13 and the operation of the gantry apparatus 10 and the couch apparatus 30.

For example, the controller 15 tilts the gantry apparatus 10 by rotating the rotating frame 13 around an axis parallel to the X-axis direction by the controller 15 based on tilt angle (tilt angle) information input through an input interface attached to the gantry apparatus 10 or tilt angle information based on a virtual plane from the control function 150 a. The control function 150a of the control device 15 or the processing circuit 150 is an example of a control unit.

Here, the virtual plane is a plane set at a predetermined position on the top plate 33 and serving as a reference for controlling the movement of the top plate 33 and the tilt of the gantry apparatus 10 of the bed apparatus 30 during imaging. That is, at the time of imaging, the controller 15 controls the base 31, the top 33, and the gantry 10 of the couch device 30 so that the virtual plane coincides with the imaging plane. The imaging plane is a plane corresponding to a cross-sectional image obtained by imaging, and is, for example, a plane having the Z axis as a normal line and located at the center of the X-ray detector 12 in the Z axis direction.

The bed device 30 is a device for placing and moving a subject P to be scanned, and includes a base 31, a bed driving device 32, a top plate 33, and a support frame 34. The base 31 is a housing that supports the support frame 34 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The couch driving device 32 is a motor or an actuator that moves a top plate 33 on which the subject P is placed in the longitudinal direction (the Z-axis direction in fig. 1). The top plate 33 provided on the upper surface of the support frame 34 is a plate on which the subject P is placed. The couch driving device 32 may move the support frame 34 in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 33 in addition to the top plate 33.

The bed driving device 32 moves the base 31 in the vertical direction in accordance with a control signal from the control device 15. The couch driving unit 32 moves the top plate 33 in the longitudinal direction in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 15. That is, the couch driving device 32 controls at least one of the base 31 and the top plate 33 so that the virtual plane coincides with the actual imaging cross section.

The console device 40 is a device that receives an operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 by a user and reconstructs X-ray CT image data from X-ray detection data collected by the gantry device 10. The console device 40 includes a memory 41, a display 42, an input interface 43, and a processing circuit 150.

The Memory 41 is implemented by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a semiconductor Memory element such as a flash Memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like. The memory 41 stores, for example, projection data and reconstructed image data. The memory 41 is an example of a storage unit.

The display 42 is a monitor referred to by the user, and displays various information. For example, the display 42 outputs a medical image (CT image) generated by the processing circuit 150, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for accepting various operations from a User, and the like. The display 42 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display. The display 42 is an example of a display circuit.

The input interface 43 receives various input operations from a user, converts the received input operations into electric signals, and outputs the electric signals to the processing circuit 150. For example, the input interface 43 receives, from the user, acquisition conditions for acquiring projection data, reconstruction conditions for reconstructing a CT image, image processing conditions for generating a post-processing image from a CT image, and the like. For example, the input interface 43 is implemented by a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, a switch, a button, a joystick, or the like. The input interface 43 is an example of an input unit.

The processing circuit 150 controls the overall operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1. The processing circuit 150 includes, for example, a control function 150a, a preprocessing function 150b, a reconstruction processing function 150c, an image generation function 150d, a synthetic image generation function 150e, and an arithmetic function 150 f. In the embodiment, the control function 150a, the preprocessing function 150b, the reconstruction processing function 150c, the image generating function 150d, and the composite image generating function 150e as the constituent elements, and the processing functions performed by the arithmetic function 150f are stored in the memory 41 as programs executable by a computer. The processing circuit 150 is a processor that reads out and executes programs from the memory 41 to realize functions corresponding to the respective programs. In other words, the processing circuit 150 in a state in which each program is read has each function shown in the processing circuit 150 of fig. 1.

In fig. 1, the processing functions performed by the control function 150a, the preprocessing function 150b, the reconstruction processing function 150c, the image generation function 150d, the synthesized image generation function 150e, and the arithmetic function 150f are realized by a single processing circuit 150, but the processing circuit 150 may be configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and the functions may be realized by executing a program by each processor.

In other words, the above-described respective functions may be configured as programs and each program may be executed by one processing circuit, or specific functions may be installed in a dedicated and independent program execution circuit.

The term "processor" used in the above description means, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (graphics Processing Unit), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Programmable Logic Device (e.g., a Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD)), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). The processor realizes the functions by reading out and executing the program stored in the memory 41. Instead of storing the program in the memory 41, the program may be directly incorporated into the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor realizes the function by reading out and executing the program incorporated in the circuit.

The processing circuit 150 controls various functions of the processing circuit 150 based on an input operation received from the user via the input interface 43 by the control function 150 a. The processing circuit 150 generates data obtained by applying preprocessing such as logarithmic conversion processing, offset processing, inter-channel sensitivity correction processing, and beam hardening correction to the detection data output from the DAS 18 by using the preprocessing function 150 b. The data before preprocessing (detection data) and the data after preprocessing may be collectively referred to as projection data. The processing circuit 150 generates CT image data by performing reconstruction processing using a filter correction back projection method, an iterative approximation reconstruction method, or the like on the projection data generated by the preprocessing function 150b by using the reconstruction processing function 150 c. The processing circuit 150 converts the CT image data generated by the reconstruction processing function 150c into tomographic image data or three-dimensional image data of an arbitrary cross section by a known method based on an input operation received from the user via the input interface 43 by the image generation function 150 d.

Further, the processing circuit 150 generates a composite image as a second image by combining a first image obtained by imaging the gantry apparatus 10 and the couch apparatus 3 by the optical imaging apparatuses C1 and C2 and a plane associated with the imaging position in the imaging by the imaging system using the gantry apparatus 10, by using the composite image generating function 150 e. That is, the processing circuit 150 generates a synthetic image in which a virtual plane (for example, a rectangular plate-like plane) is set on the top plate 33 of the couch device 30 by using, for example, the AR technique based on the images received from the optical imaging devices C1 and C2 by the synthetic image generating function 150 e.

Further, the processing circuit 150 generates a composite image in which the mid-line is set on the top plate 33 of the couch device 30 based on the images received from the optical imaging devices C1 and C2 by the composite image generating function 150 e.

Here, the median line is a straight line parallel to the longitudinal direction of the top plate 33, and typically a center line in the short side direction (X-axis direction) of the top plate 33. Further, a composite image in which a virtual plane is set on the top plate 33 may be generated also for the mid-sagittal line in the same manner as the imaging position.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a synthesized image in which a virtual plane PL1 is synthesized with an image obtained by the optical imaging device C1. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a synthesized image obtained by synthesizing the virtual plane PL1 with the image obtained by the optical imaging device C2. The plane PL0 in fig. 3 and 4 shows a shooting plane in a simulated manner.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, in the synthetic image generated by the synthetic image generating function 150e, the virtual plane PL1 and the median line L1 are displayed on the top panel 33.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a composite image obtained based on an image from the optical imaging device C1 when the gantry apparatus 10 is tilted. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a composite image obtained based on an image from the optical imaging device C2 when the gantry apparatus 10 is tilted as well.

As shown in fig. 5 and 6, when the gantry 10 is tilted, the virtual plane PL1 is also displayed tilted in conjunction with the gantry 10. The user can view a composite image such as that illustrated in fig. 3 to 6 displayed on the display 42 in the operation room R2. The user adjusts the position of the virtual plane PL1 with respect to the subject P on the display 42 so that the virtual plane PL1 coincides with the imaging plane PL0, which is the section to be imaged of the subject P. This position adjustment may be performed using a mouse or the like, for example, and may be performed by a fingertip operation when the display 42 on which the synthesized image is displayed is a touch panel.

In fig. 3 to 6, a composite image including the gantry apparatus 10 is illustrated for the sake of easy understanding of the description. However, the user performs registration of the imaging cross section by adjusting the position of the virtual plane PL1 with respect to the subject P on the composite image. Therefore, the display stand device 10 is not necessarily required for the synthesized image.

Returning to fig. 2, the processing circuit 150 calculates the display position of the virtual plane by using the arithmetic function 150 f. That is, the processing circuit 150 calculates the current relative positional relationship between the gantry apparatus 10 and the top 33 (for example, the relative positional relationship between the reference position of the gantry apparatus 10 and the reference position of the top 33) based on the images received from the optical imaging apparatuses C1 and C2 by using the arithmetic function 150 f. The processing circuit 150 calculates, by using the calculation function 150f, the position at which the virtual plane PL1 is currently displayed on the top 33, based on the calculated relative positional relationship between the gantry 10 and the top 33.

When the relative positional relationship between the gantry apparatus 10 and the top 33 is changed, the same processing is performed based on the images of the gantry apparatus 10 and the top 33 after the change, which are captured by the optical imaging devices C1 and C2.

The processing circuit 150 calculates information on the tilt angle of the gantry apparatus 10, the vertical movement amount of the top plate 33, and the longitudinal movement amount of the top plate 33, based on the current position and angle of the virtual plane, by using the calculation function 150 f. That is, the processing circuit 150 calculates information on the tilt angle of the gantry apparatus 10 for matching the current virtual plane with the imaging plane, the vertical movement amount of the top plate 33, and the longitudinal movement amount of the top plate 33 by using the calculation function 150 f.

Next, a flow of processing from setting of an imaging cross-sectional position using a virtual plane to start of imaging in the X-ray CT apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processing from setting of an imaging cross-sectional position of the X-ray CT apparatus to start of imaging.

First, in step S1, registration of an examination reservation list of patient information or input of details is performed before placement of the subject P is performed. Then, as shown in fig. 7, photographing by the optical photographing devices C1, C2 is started (step S1).

Typically, the imaging start in step S1 is performed in a state where the subject P is placed on the top 33. However, the start of imaging in step S1 may be performed before the subject P is placed on the top 33.

For example, imaging by the optical imaging devices C1 and C2 is continuously performed during a period after the subject is placed on the top plate 33 of the bed apparatus 30 and before the imaging cross-sectional position is determined. The images captured by the optical imaging devices C1 and C2 are sequentially transmitted to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 in real time.

Next, the processing circuit 150 calculates the relative positional relationship between the current gantry apparatus 10 and the top 33 based on the images received from the optical imaging apparatuses C1 and C2 by using the arithmetic function 150f (step S2), and calculates the position at which the virtual plane PL1 is displayed on the current top 33 based on the calculated relative positional relationship between the gantry apparatus 10 and the top 33 (step S3).

Next, the processing circuit 150 generates a composite image in which a plate-like figure representing a virtual cross section and a straight line representing a median line are combined with the images received from the optical imaging devices C1 and C2 by the composite image generating function 150e, and displays the composite image on the display 42 (step S4).

Next, on the synthesized image, positioning of the virtual plane is performed (step S5). For example, an instruction to adjust the position or angle of the virtual plane displayed on the display 42 is input in accordance with a user input from the input interface 43. The processing circuit 150 changes the position and angle of the virtual plane on the synthetic image by the synthetic image generating function 150 e.

At this time, the position and angle of the virtual plane can be finely adjusted by enlarging or reducing the composite image on the display 42. For example, when a head cross section is captured, the position of the virtual plane PL1 on the screen of the display unit is adjusted so that the virtual plane PL1 is arranged at a desired position on the head of the subject P, by viewing the composite image illustrated in fig. 3 to 6. For example, the user adjusts the position and the inclination angle of the virtual plane while visually checking the irradiated line on the monitor in order to avoid a tissue having high radiation sensitivity, such as an eyeball (crystalline lens) of the subject P.

Next, the processing circuit 150 calculates information on the tilt angle of the gantry apparatus 10 for matching the virtual plane with the imaging plane, the vertical movement amount of the top plate 33, and the longitudinal movement amount of the top plate 33 by using the calculation function 150f (step S6).

Next, the controller 15 controls the gantry apparatus 10 and the couch apparatus 30 so that the virtual plane coincides with the imaging plane, and executes imaging processing (step S7).

The X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment described above includes: a gantry apparatus 10 having an imaging system; a couch device 30 having a top plate 33; and a combined image generating function 150e as an image generating unit that generates a second image in which a first image obtained by imaging the gantry apparatus 10 and the couch apparatus 30 by the optical imaging apparatuses C1 and C2 and a virtual plane associated with an imaging position in imaging by the imaging system using the gantry apparatus 10 are combined.

In actual imaging, for example, the gantry apparatus 10 and the couch apparatus 30 are controlled so that the virtual plane coincides with the imaging cross section. Therefore, the user can easily and accurately set the imaging cross section of the subject by adjusting the position and angle of the virtual plane displayed on the monitor. As a result, the operation time in the imaging section alignment can be shortened.

The virtual plane reflects not only the position in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction but also the tilt angle of the gantry apparatus 10 and is displayed on the display unit. Therefore, the user can adjust the position and the inclination angle of the virtual plane while visually checking the irradiated line on the display 42 in order to avoid the tissue having high radiation sensitivity such as the eyeball (crystalline lens). As a result, the AR confirms the imaging cross section including the oblique line, and thus reliable radiation prevention of the region desired to be protected can be achieved.

Further, a plate-like figure showing the cross-sectional position and a straight line showing the median line are synthesized on the patient image captured by the camera and displayed on the monitor. The conventional remote operation is performed by the console while viewing the monitor, thereby moving the bed or the gantry to tilt and determining the imaging position. Thus, the setting and adjustment of the virtual plane can be performed in the operation room. As a result, the user can perform a series of imaging only in the operation room without moving between the examination room and the operation room.

(modification 1)

The X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment may generate and display a composite image including a virtual plane corresponding to the imaging plane and the median line. In contrast, a composite image that also includes information corresponding to the imaging range may be generated and displayed.

The processing circuit 150 calculates, by using the calculation function 150f, the position of the boundary plane PL2 in the imaging range closer to the gantry 10 in the body axis direction and the position of the boundary plane PL3 in the imaging range farther from the gantry 10 in the body axis direction, based on the set imaging range and the relative positional relationship between the gantry 10 and the top 33. The processing circuit 150 generates a composite image in which the virtual plane PL1, the boundary plane PL2 indicating the boundary of the imaging range, the boundary plane PL3, and the median line L1 are combined with the images received from the optical imaging devices C1 and C2 by the composite image generating function 150 e.

At this time, color discrimination may be performed for each plane so as to discriminate the virtual plane PL1, the boundary plane PL2 indicating the boundary of the imaging range, and the boundary plane PL 3.

According to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of modification 1, the imaging range can be set easily and accurately in addition to the imaging cross section. As a result, the operation time for positioning the imaging section and the imaging range can be shortened.

(modification 2)

The X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is exemplified in a case where a composite image including a virtual plane corresponding to an imaging plane and a median line is displayed on the display 42 in the operation room R2. In contrast, a composite image including a virtual plane corresponding to the imaging plane and the median line may be displayed on the tablet PC. With this configuration, the alignment can be performed anywhere in the operation room or the inspection room.

(modification 3)

The positioning function of the imaging cross section using the virtual plane described in the above embodiment can be applied to the standing CT apparatus, as a matter of course. In this case, for example, one of the optical imaging devices C1 and C2 is disposed on a wall on the front surface of the subject, and the other of the optical imaging devices C1 and C2 is disposed on a wall on the side surface of the subject.

(modification 4)

The application range of the positioning function of the imaging cross section using the virtual plane described in the above embodiment is not limited to the X-ray CT apparatus. The present invention can also be applied to a medical image diagnosis apparatus including a gantry having a photographing system and a bed, such as a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, PET, SPECT.

(modification 5)

In the first embodiment, the virtual plane is displayed as a rectangle. Of course, the rectangle is only an example of the virtual plane, and may be any plane such as a square plane, a perfect circle plane, or an ellipse plane as long as the figure symbolically represents the virtual plane corresponding to the shooting plane. The shape or size Of the pattern may correspond to the shape or size Of an opening provided in the gantry apparatus or the shape or size Of a Field Of View (FOV) photographed by the gantry apparatus.

(modification 6)

Some X-ray CT apparatuses do not have a tilt mechanism of the gantry. In this case, a configuration may be adopted in which a synthetic image including a virtual plane is generated and displayed using only the image from the optical imaging device C1 as needed.

(second embodiment)

Next, an X-ray CT apparatus according to a second embodiment will be described. The X-ray CT apparatus according to the second embodiment is applied to a multi-room solution system in which a gantry is shared among a plurality of systems by moving the gantry between a plurality of examination rooms.

In the following description, the case of applying the present invention to an angiographic-CT system, which is a 2Room system in which a gantry moves between two examination rooms, is taken as an example, but the number of examination rooms is not limited.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an angiographic CT system S in which the gantry apparatus 10 is shared between two medical imaging devices.

As shown in fig. 8, the angiographic-CT system S includes an X-ray CT apparatus 1 and an X-ray imaging system 50 as an angiographic (Angio) apparatus. The examination room R3 is provided with an X-ray CT apparatus 1. Further, an X-ray imaging system 50 is provided in an examination room R4 adjacent to the examination room R3. The inspection room R3 and the inspection room R4 can be partitioned by an opening/closing door D.

The X-ray imaging system 50 includes an X-ray imaging device 51, a bed 52, and a console device 53 as imaging systems. The X-ray imaging system 50 and the X-ray CT apparatus 1 CAN communicate with each other by CAN (Controller Area Network) communication or the like, for example.

The gantry 10 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is movable between a plurality of examination rooms R3 and R4 using a transport rail L, for example. The angiography-CT system S is a system in which the gantry apparatus 10 for performing X-ray computed tomography on the subject is shared between medical imaging devices respectively provided in the examination rooms R3 and R4. In other words, the angiographic-CT system shares the gantry apparatus 10 between the examination rooms R3 and R4 (i.e., between the beds 4 and 7).

Although not shown, the optical imaging device C1 is provided on the ceiling of the examination room R3 at both the installation position of the gantry 10 (the reference position of the gantry 10) and the bed unit 30 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1, which are positions where X-ray CT imaging can be performed simultaneously. The optical imaging device C2 is provided on the wall of the examination room R3 on the side of the gantry 10 at both the installation position of the gantry 10 and the position of the couch device 30 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1, which are used when X-ray CT imaging can be performed simultaneously.

In the angiographic CT system S, the processing circuit 150 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 calculates the relative positional relationship between the installation position of the gantry 10 and the current tabletop 33 when performing X-ray CT imaging, based on the images received from the optical imaging devices C1 and C2, by using the arithmetic function 150 f. The processing circuit 150 calculates the position at which the virtual plane PL1 is currently displayed on the top plate 33, based on the calculated relative positional relationship, using the calculation function 150 f. Using the obtained results, positioning of the imaging cross section and the like using the virtual plane PL1 can be achieved as in the first embodiment.

According to the X-ray CT apparatus 1, even when the gantry apparatus 10 is not located in the examination room R3 but is located in the examination room R4, the subject can be placed on the top 33 of the couch apparatus 30 before the X-ray computed tomography, and the imaging cross-sectional position can be adjusted using the virtual plane while waiting for the imaging sequence. Thus, the operation rate in the multi-chamber solution system can be improved compared to the conventional one.

While several embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in other various ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof 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 thereof.