JP7637580B2 - Medical image diagnostic device and control method - Google Patents

Description

The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to a medical image diagnostic device and a control method.

Conventionally, medical imaging diagnostic devices such as X-ray computed tomography (CT) devices capable of imaging a subject in a standing or sitting position are known. When positioning the subject at a user's desired position in the imaging space of the medical imaging diagnostic device, the user speaks to the subject, and the subject moves according to the user's instructions. Since the subject cannot be moved freely according to the user's will, there is a problem that the medical imaging diagnostic device cannot obtain high-quality medical images.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-322828

One of the problems that the embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings attempt to solve is obtaining high-quality medical images. However, the problems that the embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings attempt to solve are not limited to the above problem. Problems that correspond to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems.

The medical imaging diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment includes a gantry, at least one support column, an image generation unit, a support movement mechanism, and a mechanism control unit. The gantry has an imaging system for imaging the subject. At least one support column supports the gantry so that it can move in the vertical direction. The image generation unit generates an image based on the output from the imaging system. The support movement mechanism is installed so that it can move in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the gantry, and supports the subject from below. The mechanism control unit controls the movement of the support movement mechanism.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an upright CT apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a registration process according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a pre-scan being performed on a subject positioned in an upright position on a support/movement mechanism according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between a region of interest set in a pre-scan image, an opening, and a support movement mechanism according to the embodiment. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the state of movement of the support movement mechanism by the mechanism control function with respect to the pre-scan image shown in FIG. 4 in the embodiment. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a state after the support movement mechanism in FIG. 5 has moved, together with a pre-scan image, a region of interest, and an imaging center according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an upright CT apparatus according to a modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship of a plurality of gas bags with respect to a subject according to a modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a pump control process according to a modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between a region of interest in a subject, an opening, and a plurality of gas bags during a prescan according to a modified example of the embodiment. 11 is a diagram showing an example of injection of gas into each of the plurality of gas bags and discharge of gas from each of the plurality of gas bags in relation to FIG. 10 according to a modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a center of gravity tracking process according to a first application example of the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which the center of gravity changes due to the inclination of the subject according to the first application example of the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the support/movement mechanism that is moved in the X direction in accordance with the movement of the center of gravity of the subject due to the inclination of the posture of the subject, according to the first application example of the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an upright CT apparatus according to a third application example of the embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a movement tracking process according to a third application example of the embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of sensors provided between the supporting and moving mechanism and the top plate according to a fourth application example of the embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an upright CT apparatus according to a sixth application example of the embodiment. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a registration process according to the sixth application example of the embodiment.

Below, an embodiment of the medical image diagnostic device will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. For the sake of specificity, the medical image diagnostic device is an X-ray computed tomography device (hereinafter referred to as a standing CT (computed tomography) device) capable of imaging a subject in a standing or sitting position. The standing position refers to a state in which the subject stands on the floor on which the standing CT device 1 is installed. The sitting position refers to a state in which the subject sits in a wheelchair or chair (hereinafter referred to as a wheelchair, etc.). It is sufficient that the standing CT device 1 is capable of imaging at least a subject in a standing position.

The medical image diagnostic device according to the embodiment is not limited to the standing CT device 1. For example, the technical idea of the present embodiment can be appropriately realized by a magnetic resonance imaging device capable of imaging a subject in a standing or sitting position, or a nuclear medicine diagnostic device. In the following embodiments, parts with the same reference numerals perform similar operations, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an upright CT apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the upright CT apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a gantry device 10 and a console device 100. For example, the gantry device 10 is installed in a CT room, and the console device 100 is installed in a control room adjacent to a CT examination room. The gantry device 10 and the console device 100 are connected to each other by wire or wirelessly so as to be able to communicate with each other. In this embodiment, an axial direction perpendicular to the floor surface, i.e., a vertical direction, is defined as a Z-axis direction, and two directions perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and perpendicular to each other are defined as an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction, respectively.

The gantry 10 is a scanning device configured to perform X-ray CT imaging of a subject in a seated or standing position. The console device 100 is a computer that controls the gantry 10. The gantry 10 has a gantry (gantry) 11, a column 13, a rotation drive device 23, a gantry control circuit 25, a column drive device 27, an operation panel 29, and a support movement mechanism 35.

The gantry 11 has an opening 15 that forms an imaging space for imaging the subject. For example, the gantry 11 is a substantially cylindrical structure in which the opening 15 is formed. As shown in FIG. 1, the gantry 11 houses an X-ray tube 17 and an X-ray detector 19 that are arranged to face each other across the opening 15. The X-ray tube 17 and the X-ray detector 19 are included in an imaging system for imaging the subject in this embodiment. The imaging system may further include a data acquisition circuit (hereinafter referred to as a DAS (Data Acquisition System)) 33, a high-voltage generator 31, a collimator, a wedge, and the like. That is, the gantry 11 has an imaging system for imaging the subject. The gantry 11 is supported by the support 13 so as to be movable vertically along the support 13.

The gantry 11 has a main frame (not shown) made of a metal such as aluminum, and a rotating frame 21 rotatably supported by the main frame around a rotation axis A1 via bearings or the like. A ring-shaped electrode (not shown) is provided at the contact point between the main frame and the rotating frame 21. A conductive slider (not shown) is attached to the contact point of the main frame so as to make sliding contact with the ring-shaped electrode.

The pillar 13 is a base that supports the gantry 11 away from the floor surface. The pillar 13 has a columnar shape, such as a cylindrical shape or a rectangular pillar shape. The pillar 13 is formed of any material, such as plastic or metal. The pillar 13 is attached, for example, to the side of the gantry 11. The pillar 13 supports the gantry 11 with the rotation axis A1 of the opening 15 oriented approximately perpendicular to the floor surface so that the gantry 11 can slide vertically relative to the floor surface in order to perform X-ray CT imaging of a subject in a seated or standing position.

Typically, the pillars 13 are provided on both sides of the gantry 11. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, one pillar 13 may be connected to only one of the two sides of the gantry 11. In other words, at least one pillar 13 supports the gantry 11 so that it can move vertically. Also, although the pillars 13 have a columnar shape, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the pillars 13 may have any shape, such as a U-shape, as long as they can support at least one side of the gantry 11.

The support 13 does not need to fix the gantry 11 so that the rotation axis A1 is perpendicular to the floor surface. In other words, the support 13 may be configured to support the gantry 11 so that it can rotate around a horizontal axis (hereinafter referred to as the tilt axis) that is parallel to the floor surface. In this case, the support 13 and the gantry 11 may be connected via a bearing or the like so that the gantry 11 can rotate around the tilt axis.

The X-ray tube 17 is a vacuum tube that generates X-rays by irradiating thermoelectrons from a cathode (filament) to an anode (target) by applying a high voltage from a high voltage generator 31 and supplying a filament current. X-rays are generated when the thermoelectrons collide with the target. The X-rays generated at the tube focus of the X-ray tube 17 are shaped into a cone beam, for example, via a collimator, and irradiated onto the subject P. For example, the X-ray tube 17 may be a rotating anode type X-ray tube that generates X-rays by irradiating a rotating anode with thermoelectrons. Note that this embodiment can be applied to both a single-tube type upright CT device and a so-called multi-tube type upright CT device in which multiple pairs of X-ray tubes 17 and X-ray detectors 19 are mounted on a rotating frame 21.

The X-ray detector 19 detects the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 17 and passing through the subject P, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of X-rays to the DAS 33. The X-ray detector 19 has, for example, a plurality of detector element rows in which a plurality of detector elements are arranged in the channel direction along one arc centered on the focal point of the X-ray tube 17. The X-ray detector 19 has, for example, a structure in which the detector element rows are arranged in a slice direction (row direction). Note that the upright CT device 1 includes a Rotate/Rotate-Type (third generation CT) in which the X-ray tube 17 and the X-ray detector 19 rotate together around the subject P, and a Stationary/Rotate-Type (fourth generation CT) in which a large number of X-ray detector elements arrayed in a ring shape are fixed and only the X-ray tube 17 rotates around the subject P, and either type can be applied to this embodiment. For the sake of specificity, the following description will use a third-generation CT as an example of the upright CT device 1 of this embodiment.

The X-ray detector 19 is an indirect conversion type detector having, for example, a grid, a scintillator array, and an optical sensor array. The scintillator array has a plurality of scintillators, and the scintillator has a scintillator crystal that outputs light with a photon amount corresponding to the amount of incident X-rays. The grid is arranged on the X-ray incident side of the scintillator array and has an X-ray shielding plate that has a function of absorbing scattered X-rays. The grid is sometimes called a collimator (one-dimensional collimator or two-dimensional collimator). The optical sensor array has a function of converting the amount of light from the scintillator into an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of light, and has an optical sensor such as a photomultiplier tube (PMT). The X-ray detector 19 may be a direct conversion type detector having a semiconductor element that converts the incident X-rays into an electrical signal. The X-ray detector 19 may also be a photon counting type X-ray detector. The X-ray detector 19 is an example of an X-ray detection unit.

The rotating frame 21 has an opening 15, and an X-ray tube 17 that generates X-rays is attached to it. Specifically, the rotating frame 21 is an annular frame that supports the X-ray tube 17 and the X-ray detector 19 facing each other and rotates the X-ray tube 17 and the X-ray detector 19 using a gantry control circuit 25 described below. The rotating frame 21 is rotatably supported on the main frame via a support bearing. The rotating frame 21 receives power from a rotation drive device 23 under the control of the gantry control circuit 25 and rotates at a constant angular velocity around the rotation axis A1.

The rotating frame 21 further includes and supports the high voltage generator 31 and the DAS 33 in addition to the X-ray tube 17 and the X-ray detector 19. The rotating frame 21 is housed in a substantially cylindrical housing in which an opening 15 that forms an imaging space is formed. The central axis of the opening 15 coincides with the rotation axis A1 of the rotating frame 21. The detection data generated by the DAS 33 is transmitted, for example, from a transmitter having a light-emitting diode (LED) to a receiver having a photodiode provided in a non-rotating part (for example, the main frame) of the gantry 10 by optical communication, and is then transferred to the console device 100. The method of transmitting the detection data from the rotating frame 21 to the non-rotating part of the gantry 10 is not limited to the optical communication described above, and any method of non-contact data transmission may be used.

The rotation drive device 23 generates power to rotate the rotating frame 21 under control of the gantry control circuit 25. The rotation drive device 23 generates power by driving at a rotation speed according to the duty ratio of the drive signal from the gantry control circuit 25. The rotation drive device 23 is realized by a motor such as a direct drive motor or a servo motor. The rotation drive device 23 is housed in the gantry 11, for example.

The gantry control circuit 25 controls the high voltage generator 31, the rotation drive device 23, the column drive device 27, and the DAS 33 according to commands from the console device 100. The gantry control circuit 25 has a function of receiving input signals from an input interface attached to the console device 100 or the gantry device 10 and controlling the operation of the gantry device 10. For example, the gantry control circuit 25 receives input signals and controls the rotation of the rotating frame 21 and the tilt of the gantry device 10. The gantry control circuit 25 may be provided in the gantry device 10 or in the console device 100.

The platform control circuit 25 has, as hardware resources, processing devices (processors) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and storage devices (memories) such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The gantry control circuit 25 may also be implemented using an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), other complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), or simple programmable logic devices (SPLDs).

The processing device realizes the above functions by reading and executing the program stored in the storage device. Note that instead of storing the program in the storage device, the processing device may be configured to directly incorporate the program into its circuitry. In this case, the processing device realizes the above functions by reading and executing the program incorporated in the circuitry.

The drive device (hereinafter referred to as the column drive device) 27 for sliding the gantry 11 in the vertical direction is housed in the column 13 as shown in FIG. 1. The column drive device 27 generates power for sliding the gantry 11 in the vertical direction according to control from the gantry control circuit 25. Specifically, the column drive device 27 generates power by driving at a rotation speed according to the duty ratio, etc. of the drive signal from the gantry control circuit 25. The column 13 receives power from the column drive device 27 and slides the gantry 11 in the vertical direction relative to the column 13. The column drive device 27 is realized by a motor such as a servo motor, for example.

The operation panel 29 is realized by switch buttons, a touch pad that performs input operations by touching the operation surface, a touch panel display in which a display screen and a touch pad are integrated, etc. The operation panel 29 converts input operations received from the user into electrical signals and outputs them to the gantry control circuit 25. The operation panel 29 accepts a selection operation to select, for example, a sitting position imaging mode in which a subject in a sitting position is imaged, or an upright position imaging mode in which a subject in a standing position is imaged.

The high voltage generator 31 has electrical circuits such as a transformer and a rectifier, and generates a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube 17 and a filament current to be supplied to the X-ray tube 17. The high voltage generator 31 also controls the output voltage according to the X-rays emitted by the X-ray tube 17. The high voltage generator 31 may be of a transformer type or an inverter type. The high voltage generator 31 may be provided on the rotating frame 21 or on the main frame side of the gantry device 10.

The wedge, not shown, is a filter for adjusting the amount of X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 17. Specifically, the wedge is a filter that transmits and attenuates the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 17 so that the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 17 to the subject P have a predetermined distribution. The wedge is, for example, a wedge filter or bow-tie filter, and is a filter made of processed aluminum to have a predetermined target angle and a predetermined thickness.

The collimator (not shown) is a lead plate or the like that focuses the X-rays that have passed through the wedge into the X-ray irradiation range, and a slit is formed by combining multiple lead plates or the like.

The DAS 33 has an amplifier that performs an amplification process on the electrical signals output from each X-ray detection element of the X-ray detector 19, and an A/D converter that converts the electrical signals into digital signals, and generates detection data. The detection data generated by the DAS 33 is transferred to the console device 100.

The support movement mechanism 35 is installed so as to be movable in directions (X-axis direction and Y-axis direction) that intersect with the vertical direction (Z-direction), which is the direction of movement of the gantry 11. The support movement mechanism 35 supports the subject from below, that is, facing vertically upward. The support movement mechanism 35 is installed, for example, on the floor surface below the opening 15 in the gantry 11. Specifically, the support movement mechanism 35 has a top plate that supports the subject, and a movement mechanism that moves the top plate in at least one of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, that is, along the horizontal direction. The top plate corresponds to the foothold of the subject. When the subject is in an upright position below the opening 15, the top plate on the upper surface of the support movement mechanism 35 supports the subject's soles. In addition, the top plate is provided with a foot sole guide that guides the placement of the subject's soles. The foot sole guide is provided near the center of gravity of the top plate, that is, in the central part of the top plate.

The movement mechanism has, for example, at least one guide (for example, a linear guide such as a linear guide) having a block that supports the tabletop and a rail that guides the block, and a drive mechanism that moves the block on the guide along the rail. The drive mechanism has, for example, various motors that generate a drive force, and various transmission mechanisms (ball screws, chains, belts, etc.) that transmit the drive force to the block. The support movement mechanism 35 generates a drive force by the drive mechanism according to a control signal output from a mechanism control function 119 described below. The support movement mechanism 35 moves the tabletop in the horizontal direction by the generated drive force. Note that the support movement mechanism 35 may have a structure that can support the subject in a seated position. For example, a chair or the like may be installed on the tabletop or block.

The console device 100 has a memory 101, a display 103, an input interface 105, and a processing circuit 107. Data communication between the memory 101, the display 103, the input interface 105, and the processing circuit 107 is performed, for example, via a bus (BUS).

The memory 101 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or an integrated circuit storage device that stores various information. The memory 101 stores, for example, projection data and reconstructed image data. In addition to an HDD or SSD, the memory 101 may be a drive device that reads and writes various information between a portable storage medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a flash memory, or a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage area of the memory 101 may be in the upright CT device 1 or in an external storage device connected via a network. The memory 101 also stores a control program according to this embodiment. The memory 101 stores volume data generated by a pre-scan or a main scan. The memory 101 also stores the center position of the imaging at the aperture 15 (hereinafter referred to as the imaging center) according to the position of the gantry 11 relative to the support 13.

The display 103 displays various information. For example, the display 103 outputs medical images (CT images) generated by the processing circuit 107, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for accepting various operations from the user, and the like. For example, the display 103 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, an organic electroluminescence display (OELD), a plasma display, or any other display, as appropriate. The display 103 may also be provided on the pedestal device 10. The display 103 may also be a desktop type, or may be configured as a tablet terminal capable of wireless communication with the console device 100 main body. The display 103 corresponds to a display unit.

The input interface 105 accepts various input operations from the user, converts the accepted input operations into electrical signals, and outputs them to the processing circuit 107. For example, the input interface 105 accepts from the user the collection conditions for collecting projection data, the reconstruction conditions for reconstructing CT images, and the image processing conditions for generating post-processed images from CT images. As the input interface 105, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, a switch, a button, a joystick, a touchpad, a touch panel display, and the like can be used as appropriate.

In this embodiment, the input interface 105 is not limited to being equipped with physical operation parts such as a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, touchpad, and touch panel display. For example, an example of the input interface 105 includes an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs this electrical signal to the processing circuit 107. The input interface 105 is also an example of an input unit. The input interface 105 may be provided in the pedestal device 10. The input interface 105 may be configured as a tablet terminal or the like that is capable of wireless communication with the console device 100 main body. The input interface 105 corresponds to an input unit.

The processing circuitry 107 controls the operation of the entire upright CT apparatus 1 in response to the electrical signal of the input operation output from the input interface 105. For example, the processing circuitry 107 has a processor such as a CPU, MPU, or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and a memory such as a ROM or RAM as hardware resources. The processing circuitry 107 executes the system control function 111, the preprocessing function 113, the reconstruction function 115, the image processing function 117, and the mechanism control function 119 by the processor that executes the program deployed in the memory. The processing circuitry 107 that executes the system control function 111, the preprocessing function 113, the reconstruction function 115, the image processing function 117, and the mechanism control function 119 respectively corresponds to the system control unit, the preprocessing unit, the image generation unit, the image processing unit, and the mechanism control unit. Note that the system control function 111, preprocessing function 113, reconstruction function 115, image processing function 117, and mechanism control function 119 are not limited to being realized by a single processing circuit. A processing circuit may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may execute a program to realize the system control function 111, preprocessing function 113, reconstruction function 115, image processing function 117, and mechanism control function 119.

The processing circuitry 107 controls each function of the processing circuitry 107 based on input operations received from the user via the input interface 105 using the system control function 111. Specifically, the system control function 111 reads out a control program stored in the memory 101, expands it on the memory in the processing circuitry 107, and controls each part of the upright CT apparatus 1 according to the expanded control program. For example, the processing circuitry 107 controls each function of the processing circuitry 107 based on input operations received from the user via the input interface 105.

The processing circuit 107 uses the preprocessing function 113 to generate data that has been subjected to preprocessing such as logarithmic conversion, offset correction, inter-channel sensitivity correction, and beam hardening correction on the detection data output from the DAS 33. Note that data before preprocessing is referred to as raw data, and data after preprocessing is referred to as projection data.

The processing circuitry 107 generates CT image data by performing reconstruction processing using the filtered back projection method (FBP method) or the iterative reconstruction method, etc., on the projection data generated by the preprocessing function 113 using the reconstruction function 115. In other words, the reconstruction function 115 generates an image based on the output from the imaging system. The reconstruction function 115 stores the reconstructed CT image data in the memory 101.

The processing circuitry 107 uses the image processing function 117 to perform various image processing on the CT image reconstructed by the reconstruction function 115. For example, the image processing function 117 performs three-dimensional image processing such as volume rendering, surface volume rendering, image value projection processing, MPR (Multi-Planar Reconstruction) processing, and CPR (Curved MPR) processing on the CT image to generate a display image. In addition, when a region of interest (hereinafter referred to as ROI (Region of Interest)) is input via the input interface 105 in a medical image generated by prescanning (hereinafter referred to as a prescan image), the image processing function 117 calculates the center position of the ROI.

The processing circuit 107 controls the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 by the mechanism control function 119. For example, the mechanism control function 119 controls the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 based on the ROI in the pre-scan image and the imaging center in the imaging system. Specifically, the mechanism control function 119 controls the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 so as to align the center position of the ROI with the position of the imaging center. Note that the position of the ROI that is aligned with the position of the imaging center is not limited to the center position, and may be, for example, the center of gravity of the ROI.

More specifically, the mechanism control function 119 outputs information corresponding to at least one of the movement direction and movement amount of the support movement mechanism 35 (hereinafter referred to as the recommended movement amount) based on the center position of the ROI and the position of the imaging center. The recommended movement amount corresponds to a control value related to controlling the movement of the support movement mechanism 35. At this time, the mechanism control function 119 controls the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 based on the output information, i.e., in accordance with the control value that is the recommended movement amount. The mechanism control function 119 that outputs the recommended movement amount corresponds to an output section.

The mechanism control function 119 may output information corresponding to at least one of the movement direction and movement amount of the support movement mechanism 35 to the display 103. At this time, when the user inputs an operation related to the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 based on the displayed information, the mechanism control function 119 controls the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 according to the input operation. The mechanism control function 119 may also control the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 according to a user instruction based on the ROI in the pre-scan image and the imaging center in the imaging system. The mechanism control function 119 may also control the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 according to a user instruction to align the center position of the ROI with the position of the imaging center.

The alignment process executed by the upright CT apparatus 1 of this embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The alignment process is to control the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 so as to align the center position of the ROI with the center of imaging. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the alignment process according to this embodiment.

(Alignment process)
(Step S201)
An ROI is set on a prescan image generated by the prescan. Specifically, the subject is placed in an upright position on the support movement mechanism 35 installed below the opening 15. Next, the imaging system performs a prescan on the subject under the control of the system control function 111. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the execution of a prescan on the subject P positioned in an upright position on the support movement mechanism 35. As shown in Fig. 3, a prescan is performed on the subject P included in the imaging space at the opening 15.

The processing circuitry 107 generates projection data related to the prescan using the preprocessing function 113. Next, the processing circuitry 107 generates volume data by executing reconstruction processing using the generated projection data using the reconstruction function 115. The processing circuitry 107 generates a prescan image by executing MPR processing on the volume data using the image processing function 117. The display 103 displays the prescan image. The input interface 105 sets an ROI in the prescan image according to a user's instruction.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the ROI set in the pre-scan image PSI, the opening 15, and the support movement mechanism 35. As shown in Figure 4, the imaging center CI at which good image quality can be obtained may differ from the center of the ROI.

(Step S202)
The processing circuitry 107 calculates the center position of the ROI in the displayed image by the image processing function 117. When the ROI is circular, the center position corresponds to the center of the circle. When the ROI is elliptical, the center position corresponds to, for example, the midpoint of the major axis or minor axis of the ellipse. When the ROI is polygonal, the center position corresponds to the center of gravity of the ROI. At this time, the processing circuitry 107 may superimpose the ROI, the center position of the ROI, and the position of the imaging center on the prescan image PSI and display them on the monitor or display 103 provided on the gantry 11 or the support 13. At this time, the user may input the movement direction and movement amount of the support movement mechanism 35 as a vector such as an arrow via the input interface 105.

(Step S203)
The processing circuitry 107 outputs a recommended movement amount based on the center position of the ROI and the position of the imaging center by the mechanism control function 119. The mechanism control function 119 may display the recommended movement amount on a monitor or display 103 provided on the gantry 11 or the support 13 together with the center position of the ROI and the position of the imaging center. This allows the user to be notified of the recommended movement amount. The recommended movement amount corresponds to, for example, a direction (movement direction) from the center position of the ROI toward the position of the imaging center or a distance between the center position of the ROI and the position of the imaging center. In other words, the recommended movement amount corresponds to a vector amount from the center position of the ROI toward the position of the imaging center. The mechanism control function 119 may display the recommended movement amount on the display 103 together with the prescan image PSI. At this time, the user may appropriately correct the recommended movement amount via the input interface 105.

(Step S204)
The processing circuit 107 moves the top plate by the operation of the driving mechanism based on the moving direction and the moving amount by the mechanism control function 119. The mechanism control function 119 may manually move the support moving mechanism 35 according to the moving amount input or corrected by the user or the recommended moving amount by the instruction of the operator via the input interface 105. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the movement of the support moving mechanism 35 by the mechanism control function 119 with respect to the pre-scan image PSI shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the center position of the ROI is located to the left of the imaging center CI on the X-axis. Therefore, the mechanism control function 119 moves the support moving mechanism 35 by the output moving amount MM along the positive direction of the X-axis as shown in FIG. 5.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the state after the support movement mechanism 35 in Figure 5 has been moved, along with the pre-scan image PSI, ROI, and imaging center. As shown in Figure 6, after the support movement mechanism 35 has been moved by a movement amount MM, the center position of the ROI and the position of the imaging center are aligned. As a result, the center position of the ROI and the position of the imaging center approximately coincide, and a high-quality medical image can be obtained in the main scan that is performed after this step in the alignment process.

The upright CT device 1 according to the embodiment described above includes a gantry 11 having an imaging system for imaging the subject P, at least one support pillar 13 that supports the gantry 11 movably in the vertical direction, an image generating unit that generates a prescan image PSI based on the output from the imaging system, a support movement mechanism 35 that is installed movably in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the gantry 11 and supports the subject P from below, and a mechanism control unit that controls the movement of the support movement mechanism 35. As a result, the upright CT device 1 can control the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 based on the region of interest in the prescan image PSI and the imaging center in the imaging system, for example, to align the center position of the region of interest with the position of the imaging center.

Furthermore, according to the upright CT device 1 of this embodiment, information corresponding to at least one of the movement direction and movement amount of the support movement mechanism 35 is output based on the region of interest in the subject P and the imaging center of the imaging system, and the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 is controlled based on the output information. Furthermore, according to the upright CT device 1 of this embodiment, the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 can be controlled according to a user's instruction based on the region of interest in the pre-scan image PSI and the imaging center of the imaging system, for example, a user's instruction to align the center position of the region of interest with the position of the imaging center. For example, the output information is displayed on the display 103, and when an operation related to the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 is input by the user via the input interface 105 based on the information, the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 can be controlled according to the input operation.

As described above, according to the upright CT apparatus 1 of the embodiment, the center position of the ROI set in the pre-scan image PSI can be aligned to the imaging center automatically or by user instruction. In other words, the ROI can be placed at the imaging center at the user's will without speaking to the subject P. As a result, according to the upright CT apparatus 1, high-quality medical images can be generated in the main scan of the subject P. Furthermore, according to the upright CT apparatus 1, since the ROI can be placed at the imaging center without speaking to the subject P, the throughput of the examination of the subject P can be improved.

(Modification)
In this modification, a plurality of gas bags capable of being expanded by injection of gas to hold (fix) the subject P are provided on the side of the opening 15, and the injection of gas into the gas bags and the discharge of gas from the gas bags are controlled in accordance with the control of the movement of the support movement mechanism 35. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an upright CT apparatus 2 according to this modification. The upright CT apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 7 further includes a plurality of gas bags 37 and a plurality of pumps 39 in the upright CT apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1. Note that the technical features of this modification may be implemented independently without being accompanied by the control of the movement of the support movement mechanism 35. That is, in the implementation of this modification, the support movement mechanism 35 can be omitted.

The gas bags 37 are provided on the wall surface of the gantry 11 at the opening 15. The gas bags 37 are, for example, made of a material that can expand by injecting gas and contract by discharging gas, and that does not attenuate radiation such as X-rays. The gas bags 37 are expanded by injecting gas to maintain the posture of the subject P. The gas bags 37 are connected to the pumps 39 via the hoses 41. The gas is, for example, air. In this case, the gas bag 37 may be called an air bag. The gas is not limited to air, and may be a gas other than air. The gas bags 37 may be removable from the gantry 11. The gas bags 37 may be provided with a removable cover, drape, or the like that covers the gas bags 37. The cover and drape are made of a material that does not attenuate radiation such as X-rays. A pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the gas packed in the gas bag 37 may be arranged in each of the gas bags 37.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship of multiple gas bags 37 with respect to the subject P. In Figure 8, the gantry 11 is not shown. As shown in Figure 8, each of the multiple gas bags 37 is provided with a hose 41 used for injecting and discharging gas. Also, as shown in Figure 8, the gas bag 37 filled with gas is arranged around the subject P at the opening 15. In other words, the gas bag 37 filled with gas is positioned at a predetermined pressure between the wall surface of the gantry 11 at the opening 15 and the subject P, so the posture of the subject P is maintained.

As shown in FIG. 8, each of the gas bags 37 is in close contact with the adjacent gas bag. Although only two gas bags 37 and two pumps 39 are shown in FIG. 7, in reality, two or more gas bags are provided on the wall surface of the gantry 11 at the opening 15 as shown in FIG. 8. In addition, multiple pumps 39 are provided on the gantry device 10 or the like according to the number of gas bags 37. Note that instead of the multiple gas bags 37, one gas bag divided into multiple compartments may be used. In this case, the multiple pumps 39 are associated with the multiple compartments, respectively, and are connected to the multiple compartments via the multiple hoses 41.

The multiple pumps 39 inject gas into the multiple gas bags 37 and expel gas from the multiple gas bags 37 under the control of the mechanism control function 119. The multiple pumps 39 and hoses 41 can be installed anywhere outside the imaging space as long as they do not interfere with the rotation of the rotating frame 21, the movement of the gantry 11, or the movement of the support movement mechanism 35.

The processing circuit 107 further controls the injection and discharge of gas by the multiple pumps 39 by the mechanism control function 119 in conjunction with the control of the movement of the support movement mechanism 35. When gas is injected into the gas bag 37, if the pressure inside the gas bag 37 (hereinafter referred to as the bag pressure) reaches a predetermined threshold (hereinafter referred to as the pressure threshold), the mechanism control function 119 controls the pump 39 connected to the gas bag 37 to stop the injection of gas. The process related to the control of the multiple pumps 39 for the injection and discharge of gas (hereinafter referred to as the pump control process) will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the pump control process.

(Pump control process)
(Step S901)
Prior to the implementation of a pre-scan, the subject P is placed on the support and movement mechanism 35 in a state in which the gas has been removed from the multiple gas bags 37. If the gas bags 37 are filled with gas before the subject P is placed on the support and movement mechanism 35, the mechanism control function 119 controls the pump 39 to exhaust gas from the gas bags 37. At this time, the pump 39 exhausts gas from the gas bags 37 under the control of the mechanism control function 119. Next, the subject P is placed on the support and movement mechanism 35.

(Step S902)
Gas is injected into the gas bag 37 by controlling the pump 39 by the mechanism control function 119. The amount of gas injected into the gas bag 37 (hereinafter referred to as the gas injection amount) is determined by the mechanism control function 119 based on, for example, the weight and height in the patient information of the subject P related to the examination. At this time, the mechanism control function 119 controls the pump 39 until the determined injection amount is reached. Note that the mechanism control function 119 may control the pump 39 until the internal pressure of the gas bag 37 detected by a pressure sensor provided in the gas bag 37 reaches a pressure threshold. The pressure threshold is stored in advance in the memory 101.

(Step S903)
The imaging system performs a prescan on the subject P under the control of the system control function 111. The processing circuitry 107 generates projection data related to the prescan using a preprocessing function 113. The processing circuitry 107 generates volume data by performing reconstruction processing using the generated projection data using a reconstruction function 115. The processing circuitry 107 generates a prescan image PSI by performing MPR processing on the volume data using an image processing function 117. The display 103 displays the prescan image PSI.

(Step S904)
The input interface 105 sets an ROI in the prescan image PSI according to a user's instruction. The processing circuitry 107 calculates the center position of the ROI in the displayed image by the image processing function 117.

(Step S905)
The processing circuitry 107 determines the gas injection amount and gas discharge amount (hereinafter referred to as gas discharge amount) for each of the gas bags 37 based on the center position of the ROI, the position of the imaging center, and the correspondence table by the mechanism control function 119. The correspondence table is a correspondence table (hereinafter referred to as ROI movement correspondence table) showing the correspondence relationship between the gas injection amount and the gas discharge amount for each of the gas bags 37, for example, the difference between the center position of the ROI and the position of the imaging center, the direction from the center position of the ROI to the position of the imaging center, and the weight and height of the subject P. The ROI movement correspondence table is stored in advance in the memory 101.

Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the ROI, the opening 15, and the multiple gas bags 37 in the subject P during pre-scanning. As shown in Figure 10, the imaging center CI at which good image quality is obtained is different from the center of the ROI. In this step, for example, as shown in Figure 10, the gas injection amount and gas discharge amount for aligning the center of the ROI with the imaging center are determined. The processing circuit 107 may display the gas injection amount and gas discharge amount for each of the multiple gas bags 37 on a monitor provided on the display 103 or the gantry 11. At this time, the mechanism control function 119 can manually correct the gas injection amount and gas discharge amount according to an instruction from the operator via the input interface 105.

(Step S906)
The processing circuit 107 controls each of the pumps 39 according to the gas injection amount and gas discharge amount determined for each of the gas bags 37 by the mechanism control function 119. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of gas injection into each of the gas bags 37 and gas discharge from each of the gas bags 37 with respect to FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 11, gas is injected into the two gas bags on the left side of the ROI through the two hoses 411, and gas is discharged from the two gas bags on the right side of the ROI through the two hoses 413. As a result, the subject P is moved along the direction PM as shown in FIG. 11. When the process in this step is executed, the process in step S204 is also executed at the same time. That is, the mechanism control function 119 further controls the injection of gas and the discharge of gas by the pump 39 in accordance with the control of the movement of the support movement mechanism 35. The mechanism control function 119 may manually control the pump 39 according to an instruction from the operator via the input interface 105.

(Step S907)
If the pressure of at least one of the gas bags 37 exceeds the threshold (YES in step S907), the process proceeds to step S909. If the pressure of none of the gas bags 37 exceeds the threshold (NO in step S907), the process proceeds to step S908.

(Step S908)
If the gas injection amount and gas discharge amount in the gas bags 37 reach the amount determined in step S905 (YES in step S908), the process of step S909 is executed. If the gas injection amount and gas discharge amount in the gas bags 37 do not reach the amount determined in step S905 (NO in step S908), the process of step S906 is executed.

(Step S909)
According to instructions from a user via the input interface 105, a main scan is performed on the subject P under the control of the system control function 111. At this time, the processing circuitry 107 generates projection data using the pre-processing function 113. Next, the processing circuitry 107 reconstructs volume data based on the projection data using the reconstruction function 115. Next, the processing circuitry 107 generates a medical image related to the main scan (hereinafter referred to as a main scan image) based on the volume data using the image processing function 117.

(Step S910)
If the subject P is not changed in the next examination (NO in step S910), that is, if a further examination is to be performed on the same subject, the processes from step S904 onward are repeated. If the ROI is not changed in the further examination on the subject P, step S909 may be executed. If the subject P is changed in the next examination (YES in step S910), the process of step S911 is executed.

(Step S911)
The gas bag 37 is replaced by the user. Instead of replacing the gas bag 37, the gas bag 37 may be disinfected. If the gas bag 37 is provided with a cover or a drape, the cover or the drape is replaced by the user. From after YES in step S910 until the end of this step, a character string or information prompting the user to replace the gas bag 37, the cover or the drape, or disinfect the gas bag 37 may be displayed on the monitor or the display 103 provided on the gantry 11 or the support 13. This makes it possible to prompt the user to replace the gas bag 37, the cover or the drape, or disinfect the gas bag 37. At this time, the character string or information, in other words, the information prompting the user to replace the gas bag 37, the cover or the drape, or disinfect the gas bag 37, may be hidden, for example, by a user's instruction via the input interface 105. Furthermore, the process in step 911 (replacement of the gas bag 37, cover, and drape, and disinfection of the gas bag 37) may be performed once a day, for example, after all tests on that day have been completed.

According to the upright CT device 2 of the above-described modified example, the pump 39 further controls the injection and discharge of gas into and from each of the multiple gas bags 37 provided on the wall surface of the gantry 11 at the opening 15 in conjunction with the control of the movement of the support movement mechanism 35. This allows the posture of the subject P to be maintained, i.e., fixed, and the center position of the ROI set in the pre-scan image PSI to be automatically aligned with the imaging center. This improves the accuracy of aligning the ROI with the imaging center, and improves the stability when the subject P moves. In addition, this upright CT device 2 can prevent the CT image from being blurred by the subject P's upper body being unsteady. This allows the upright CT device 2 to generate a high-quality main scan image. Other effects are the same as those of the embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

(First application example)
In this application example, the support movement mechanism 35 is moved in response to the displacement of the center of gravity of the subject P on the support movement mechanism 35. Specifically, the upright CT apparatus 1 detects the center of gravity of the subject P supported by the support movement mechanism 35, and controls the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 so as to compensate for the amount of displacement of the center of gravity based on the detected amount of displacement.

The support movement mechanism 35 further includes a detection unit that detects the center of gravity of the subject P supported by the support movement mechanism 35. The detection unit is realized, for example, by a center of gravity sensor. The center of gravity sensor is realized, for example, by a pressure sensor and a processor. The pressure sensor detects the pressure on the tabletop by the subject's soles and the pressure on the tabletop or block by a wheelchair or the like supporting the subject P. The processor calculates the center of gravity of the subject P based on the output from the pressure sensor. The calculation of the center of gravity based on the output from the pressure sensor can be appropriately realized by existing technology, so the explanation is omitted. As described above, the detection unit detects the center of gravity of the subject P supported by the support movement mechanism 35. The detection unit outputs the calculated position of the center of gravity to the console device 100. In other words, the detection unit has a function of monitoring the position of the center of gravity of the subject P.

The configuration of the detection unit is not limited to the above, and various sensors such as ultrasonic sensors or optical cameras may be used instead of pressure sensors. When various sensors or optical cameras are used instead of pressure sensors, the detection unit is not installed on the support movement mechanism 35, but is installed in multiple locations, for example, on the wall surface of the gantry 11 at the opening 15, at an angle different from the angle facing each other around the rotation axis A1. For example, when an optical camera is used as the detection unit, the optical camera monitors the position and posture of the subject P. The location where the optical camera is installed is not limited to the wall surface of the gantry 11 at the opening 15, and may be installed, for example, on the ceiling directly above the opening 15.

When the detection unit is realized by various sensors or an optical camera, the processor calculates the inclination of the subject based on the data output from the various sensors or the optical camera, and calculates the center of gravity based on the calculated inclination. The calculation of the center of gravity based on the output from the various sensors or the optical camera can be appropriately realized by existing technology, so a description is omitted. The detection unit may also be realized by the image processing function 117 in the processing circuit 107. At this time, the image processing function 117 detects the inclination of the subject P based on, for example, multiple pre-scan images PSI along the Z direction. Next, the image processing function 117 detects the center of gravity of the subject P based on the detected inclination.

The processing circuitry 107 uses the mechanism control function 119 to control the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 based on the amount of displacement of the center of gravity of the subject P so as to compensate for the amount of displacement. For example, the mechanism control function 119 calculates the amount of displacement of the center of gravity of the subject P monitored by the detection unit and the direction of displacement of the center of gravity based on the position of the center of gravity over time. The mechanism control function 119 moves the top plate by operating the drive mechanism based on the direction of movement and the amount of displacement, with the direction opposite to the displacement direction as the movement direction.

The following describes the process of moving the support movement mechanism 35 in accordance with changes in the center of gravity of the subject P in the support movement mechanism 35 (hereinafter referred to as center of gravity tracking process). Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for center of gravity tracking process. The center of gravity tracking process can be executed as appropriate, for example, at any time before the execution of the main scan.

(Center of gravity tracking process)
(Step S1301)
The processing circuitry 107 calculates a change in the center of gravity (amount of displacement of the center of gravity) and a displacement direction of the center of gravity based on the position of the center of gravity of the subject P detected by the detection unit using the mechanism control function 119. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which the center of gravity has changed due to the tilt PT of the subject P. As shown in Fig. 13, when the center of gravity of the subject P moves due to the tilt PT of the posture of the subject P, the mechanism control function 119 calculates the amount of displacement of the center of gravity corresponding to the movement of the center of gravity and the displacement direction of the center of gravity.

(Step S1302)
If the displacement amount of the center of gravity exceeds a predetermined threshold (hereinafter referred to as the center of gravity threshold) (YES in step S1302), the process of step S1303 is executed. If the displacement amount of the center of gravity is less than the center of gravity threshold (NO in step S1302), the process of step S1304 is executed. The center of gravity threshold is preset and stored in the memory 101.

(Step 1303)
The processing circuitry 107 controls the support movement mechanism 35 by the mechanism control function 119 based on the movement direction, which is the opposite direction to the displacement direction of the center of gravity, and the displacement amount of the center of gravity. The support movement mechanism 35 moves the top board in the movement direction by the displacement amount of the center of gravity using the drive mechanism under the control of the mechanism control function 119. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the support movement mechanism 35 moved in the X direction by the movement amount GM in accordance with the movement of the center of gravity of the subject P due to the tilt PT of the posture of the subject P. As shown in Fig. 14, even if the center of gravity changes due to the tilt PT of the posture of the subject P, the support movement mechanism 35 moves so as to compensate for the movement of the center of gravity.

The processing circuit 107 may display the amount of displacement of the center of gravity, which corresponds to the movement of the center of gravity, and the direction of the displacement of the center of gravity on a monitor provided on the display 103 or the gantry 11. At this time, the mechanism control function 119 may manually move the support movement mechanism 35 according to an instruction from the operator via the input interface 105.

(Step S1304)
If the output from the detection unit indicates a change in the center of gravity of the subject P (YES in step S1304), the process proceeds to step S1301 and thereafter. If the output from the detection unit indicates no change in the center of gravity of the subject P (NO in step S1304), the process proceeds to step S1305.

(Step S1305)
If a main scan is to be executed in response to a user instruction via the input interface 105 (YES in step S1305), the center of gravity tracking process ends. If a main scan is not to be executed (NO in step S1305), the process of step S1304 is repeated.

According to the upright CT device 1 of the first application example described above, the center of gravity of the subject P supported by the support movement mechanism 35 is detected, and the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 is controlled to compensate for the amount of displacement of the center of gravity based on the detected amount of displacement of the center of gravity. As a result, according to this upright CT device 1, even if the center of gravity changes due to the tilt PT of the subject P's posture, the support movement mechanism 35 can be moved to compensate for the change in the center of gravity. Therefore, according to this upright CT device 1, even if the center of gravity changes, the displacement of the center of gravity can be compensated for, so that the main scan can be performed at the position desired by the user. As a result, according to this upright CT device 1, a high-quality main scan image can be generated. As other effects are similar to those of the embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

(Second Application Example)
This application example is to control the injection of gas into and the discharge of gas from the multiple gas bags 37 described in the modified example in response to the displacement of the center of gravity of the subject P in the support movement mechanism 35. That is, the mechanism control function 119 controls the pump 39 based on the displacement of the center of gravity of the subject P so as to compensate for the displacement. The configuration of this application example is the same as that of Fig. 7. Below, the center of gravity tracking process in this application example that differs from the first application example will be described.

(Step S1303)
The processing circuit 107 determines the gas injection amount and gas discharge amount for each of the gas bags 37 based on a correspondence table relating to the displacement direction of the center of gravity, the displacement amount of the center of gravity, and the displacement of the center of gravity (hereinafter referred to as the center of gravity displacement correspondence table) by the mechanism control function 119. The center of gravity displacement correspondence table is a correspondence table that indicates the correspondence relationship between the gas injection amount and the gas discharge amount for, for example, the displacement direction of the center of gravity, the displacement amount of the center of gravity, and the weight and height of the subject P for each of the gas bags 37. The center of gravity displacement correspondence table is stored in advance in the memory 101.

The processing circuit 107 controls each of the multiple pumps 39 by the mechanism control function 119 according to the gas injection amount and gas discharge amount determined for each of the multiple gas bags 37. The mechanism control function 119 controls the pump 39 until the internal bag pressure detected by the pressure sensor provided in the gas bag 37 reaches the pressure threshold. For example, when gas is injected into the gas bag 37, if the internal bag pressure reaches the pressure threshold, the mechanism control function 119 controls the pump 39 connected to the gas bag 37 to stop the injection of gas. The control of the other pumps 39 conforms to the modified example, and therefore will not be described.

According to the upright CT apparatus 2 of the second application example described above, the center of gravity of the subject P supported by the support movement mechanism 35 is detected, and the operation of the pump 39 is controlled so as to compensate for the amount of displacement of the center of gravity based on the detected amount of displacement. The effect of this application example is similar to that of the first application example, so a description thereof will be omitted.

(Third Application Example)
This application example is to move the support movement mechanism 35 without using the displacement of the center of gravity of the subject P. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the upright CT apparatus 3 in this application example. Hereinafter, in FIG. 15, a configuration different from FIG. 1 will be described. The beam 50 extends horizontally from the upper end of the support 13. The beam 50 is hung, for example, on the upper ends of a pair of support 13. That is, the beam 50 is arranged so as to bridge the pair of support 13. Note that, when there is one support 13, the beam 50 is cantilevered at the upper end of the single support 13. The beam 50 supports a camera (for example, an optical camera) 51, for example, directly above the rotation axis A1. That is, the optical camera 51 is arranged on the beam 50 extending horizontally from the upper end of the support 13, and can image the subject P located at the opening 15 of the gantry 11. Note that, as a modified example of this application example, the optical camera 51 may be arranged, for example, on the ceiling of an examination room in which the upright CT apparatus 3 is installed. In this case, the beam 50 is not necessary.

The optical camera 51 is placed on a beam 50 extending horizontally from the upper end of the support 13 or on the ceiling of the examination room in which the upright CT device 3 is installed. The angle of view of the optical camera 51 includes the opening (bore) 15. This allows the optical camera 51 to capture an image of the subject P located at the opening 15 of the gantry 11. The optical camera 51 captures images of the subject P at a predetermined time interval (frame rate). This allows the optical camera 51 to output multiple images of the subject P in chronological order (hereinafter referred to as subject images) to the processing circuitry 107.

The processing circuit 107 recognizes the position of the subject P in the subject image (e.g., the head of the subject P, etc.) by the image processing function 117. The recognition of the position of the subject P in the subject image (hereinafter referred to as the subject position) can be performed using known techniques such as a pre-trained model and segmentation processing, and therefore the description is omitted. The image processing function 117 determines the amount of movement of the subject P based on multiple subject positions along a time series. For example, the image processing function 117 determines the amount of movement of the subject P at a predetermined time interval based on the difference between the subject position at the time of capturing the scanogram (hereinafter referred to as the reference position) and the subject position acquired after the time of capturing the scanogram. The image processing function 117 may determine the amount of movement of the subject P at a predetermined time interval based on the difference between two subject positions adjacent in time series. The image processing function 117 also determines the direction of movement of the subject P based on the difference.

The processing circuitry 107 uses the mechanism control function 119 to control the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 so as to compensate for the amount of movement based on the amount of movement of the subject P in the image acquired by the optical camera 51. Below, a process of moving the support movement mechanism 35 in accordance with changes in the movement of the subject P in the support movement mechanism 35 (hereinafter referred to as the movement tracking process) will be described. FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the movement tracking process. The movement tracking process can be executed as appropriate, for example, at any time before the execution of the main scan.

(Motion tracking processing)
(Step S1601)
When the subject image is acquired by the optical camera 51, the processing circuitry 107 determines the amount and direction of movement of the subject P based on the subject images in time series using the image processing function 117.

(Step S1602)
The processing circuit 107 uses the mechanism control function 119 to compare the amount of motion with a predetermined threshold (hereinafter referred to as the motion threshold). The motion threshold is set in advance and stored in the memory 101. If the amount of motion exceeds the motion threshold (YES in step S1602), the process proceeds to step S1603. If the amount of motion is less than the motion threshold (NO in step S1602), the process proceeds to step S1604.

(Step 1603)
The processing circuit 107 controls the support and movement mechanism 35 using the mechanism control function 119 based on the movement direction, which is the opposite direction to the movement direction, and the movement amount. Specifically, the mechanism control function 119 reads out from the memory 101 a table that associates the movement amount with the movement amount of the support and movement mechanism 35. Next, the mechanism control function 119 checks the determined movement amount against the read table to determine the movement amount. Under the control of the mechanism control function 119, the support and movement mechanism 35 moves the tabletop by the movement amount in the movement direction using the drive mechanism. As a result, the mechanism control function 119 controls the movement of the support and movement mechanism 35 to compensate for the movement amount.

The processing circuitry 107 may display the amount of movement and the direction of movement on a monitor provided on the display 103 or the gantry 11. At this time, the mechanism control function 119 may manually move the support movement mechanism 35 according to the amount of movement, based on instructions from the operator via the input interface 105.

(Step S1604)
If the image processing function 117 detects a change in the amount of movement of the subject P (YES in step S1604), the process proceeds to step S1601 and thereafter. If the image processing function 117 detects no change in the amount of movement of the subject P (NO in step S1604), the process proceeds to step S1605.

(Step S1605)
If a main scan is to be executed in response to a user instruction via the input interface 105 (YES in step S1605), the movement tracking process ends. If a main scan is not to be executed (NO in step S1605), the process of step S1604 is repeated.

According to the upright CT device 3 according to the third application example described above, the optical camera 51 is arranged on the beam 50 extending horizontally from the upper end of the support 13 or on the ceiling of the examination room in which the upright CT device 3 is installed, and is capable of photographing the subject P located at the opening 15 of the gantry 11, and the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 is controlled so as to compensate for the amount of movement based on the amount of movement of the subject P in the image acquired by the optical camera 51. As a result, according to this upright CT device 3, even if the subject P moves, the support movement mechanism 35 can be moved so as to compensate for the movement of the subject P in real time without calculating the center of gravity of the subject P. Therefore, according to this upright CT device 3, even if the subject P moves, the movement of the subject P can be compensated for by feedback in real time, so that the main scan can be performed at the position desired by the user. Other effects are similar to those of the embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

(Fourth Application Example)
This application example is to move the support movement mechanism 35 without using the displacement of the center of gravity of the subject P. Specifically, this application example detects the load distribution of the subject P supported by the support movement mechanism 35, and controls the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 so as to compensate for the change amount based on the change amount of the load distribution. The differences between this application example and the first application example will be described below.

Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of multiple sensors (SA, SB, SC, SD) provided between the support movement mechanism 35 and the top plate TT in this application example. The top plate TT is provided with foot soles FG. The subject P stands on the top plate TT with the soles of his/her feet aligned with the foot soles FG. The multiple sensors shown in Figure 17 correspond to a detection unit. Note that the relative positional relationship between the multiple sensors, the support movement mechanism 35, and the top plate TT is not limited to the example shown in Figure 17. In addition, the detection unit may be realized by, for example, multiple n x m sensors (n and m are natural numbers equal to or greater than 2). In this case, the multiple n x m sensors are, for example, arranged planarly between the support movement mechanism 35 and the top plate TT along the X direction and the Y direction.

The multiple sensors that realize the detection unit are realized, for example, by pressure sensors or load sensors. In the following, for the sake of concrete explanation, the multiple sensors will be described as load sensors. Load sensor SA outputs the detected load Wa to processing circuit 107. Load sensor SB outputs the detected load Wb to processing circuit 107. Load sensor SC outputs the detected load Wc to processing circuit 107. Load sensor SD outputs the detected load Wd to processing circuit 107.

The processing circuit 107 measures the load distribution on the tabletop TT by the subject P at a predetermined time interval based on the multiple loads (Wa, Wb, Wc, Wd) output from the multiple load sensors (SA, SB, SC, SD) by the mechanism control function 119. The load distribution corresponds to, for example, the distribution of the measured values of multiple loads according to the relative positional relationship of the multiple load sensors with respect to the tabletop TT. The mechanism control function 119 determines the movement of the subject P based on the multiple load distributions along the time series. For example, the image processing function 117 determines the movement of the subject P at a predetermined time interval based on the difference between the load distribution at the time of capturing the scanogram (hereinafter referred to as the reference load distribution) and the load distribution acquired after the time of capturing the scanogram. The image processing function 117 may also determine the movement of the subject P at a predetermined time interval based on the difference between two load distributions adjacent in time series.

Specifically, the mechanism control function 119 compares the difference with a predetermined threshold (hereinafter referred to as the distribution threshold). The distribution threshold is set in advance and stored in the memory 101. If the difference exceeds the distribution threshold, the mechanism control function 119 determines that the subject has moved. At this time, the mechanism control function 119 determines the amount of movement in the support movement mechanism 35 based on the latest load distribution. For example, if multiple load sensors are installed as shown in FIG. 17, the mechanism control function 119 determines the amount of deviation in the +Y direction with a magnitude of (Wa+Wb)/2-(Wc+Wd)/2, and determines the amount of deviation in the +X direction with a magnitude of (Wb+Wc)/2-(Wd+Wa)/2.

When multiple load sensors are arranged in a planar manner (n x m) on the underside of the tabletop TT, the mechanism control function 119 can detect the positions of the left and right feet of the subject P by determining the in-plane peak of the load on the tabletop TT. The mechanism control function 119 can determine the positional deviation of the subject, i.e., the amount of movement of the subject P, by tracking the positions of the left and right feet.

According to the upright CT apparatus 1 of the fourth application example described above, the load distribution of the subject P supported by the support movement mechanism 35 is detected, and the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 is controlled to compensate for the change in the detected load distribution based on the change in the load distribution. As a result, according to this upright CT apparatus 1, even if the subject P moves, the support movement mechanism 35 can be moved to compensate for the movement of the subject P in real time without calculating the center of gravity of the subject P. Other effects are similar to those of the embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

(Fifth Application Example)
This application example is provided with a gripping part that is fixed to a beam extending horizontally from the upper end of the support 13, the ceiling of the examination room in which the upright CT apparatus 1 is installed, or the bottom surface of the examination room and can be gripped by the subject P positioned at the opening 15 of the gantry 11. The gripping part has, for example, a rod-shaped bar that can be gripped by the subject P.

For example, when the gripping unit is fixed to a beam or ceiling, the gripping unit is configured, for example, in a substantially L-shape. In this case, the gripping unit has a first portion, one end of which is fixed to the beam or ceiling and extends vertically downward, and a horizontal second portion that extends parallel to the ground (or floor surface) from the other end of the first portion. When the gripping unit is fixed to a beam or ceiling, the gripping unit has two rods and one rod. One end of each of the two rods is fixed to the beam or ceiling and extends vertically downward. The one rod is fixed near the other end of the two rods and extends parallel to the ground (or floor surface). When the gripping unit is fixed to the bottom surface of the inspection room, the gripping unit is realized by a bar that extends vertically upward from the floor surface or the support movement mechanism 35 within the opening.

According to the upright CT device 1 of the fifth application example described above, the subject P located at the opening 15 of the gantry 11 can be grasped by the beam 50 extending horizontally from the upper end of the support 13, the ceiling of the examination room in which the upright CT device 1 is installed, or a grasping part (bar) fixed to the bottom of the examination room. As a result, according to this application example, the stability of the subject P can be improved when the subject P moves to align the ROI with the imaging center. In addition, this upright CT device 1 can prevent the CT image from being blurred by the subject P's unsteady upper body.

(Sixth Application Example)
In this application example, the gripper in the fifth application example is fixed to a beam or the ceiling of an examination room via a horizontally movable moving frame, and the movement of the moving frame is controlled by the mechanism control function 119. In the following, for the sake of concrete explanation, it is assumed that the gripper has an L-shape and is installed on the beam via the moving frame.

Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an upright CT device 4 according to this application example. As shown in Fig. 18, the moving frame 53 is fixed to the beam 50. The moving frame 53 supports the gripping part 55 so that it can move horizontally (XY directions). The moving frame 53 moves the gripping part 55 in the horizontal direction under the control of the mechanism control function 119. The moving frame 53 has a moving mechanism that moves the gripping part 55 in at least one of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, i.e., along the horizontal direction.

The moving mechanism has, for example, at least one guide (for example, a linear guide such as a linear guide) having a block that supports the gripping unit 55 and a rail that guides the block, and a drive mechanism that moves the block in the guide along the rail. The drive mechanism has, for example, various motors that generate drive force and various transmission mechanisms that transmit the drive force to the block. The moving frame 53 generates a drive force by the drive mechanism in accordance with a control signal output from the mechanism control function 119. The moving frame 53 moves the gripping unit 55 horizontally using the generated drive force.

The alignment process in this application example will be described below. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the alignment process in this application example. Steps S1901 and S1902 in FIG. 19 correspond to steps S201 and S202 in FIG. 2, and are similar processes, so their description will be omitted.

(Alignment process)
(Step S1903)
The processing circuitry 107 outputs the movement amount and movement direction of the moving frame 53 based on the center position of the ROI and the position of the imaging center by the mechanism control function 119. The mechanism control function 119 may display the movement amount and movement direction of the moving frame 53 on a monitor or display 103 provided on the gantry 11 or the support 13 together with the center position of the ROI and the position of the imaging center. This allows the movement amount and movement direction of the moving frame 53 to be notified to the user. The mechanism control function 119 may display the movement amount and movement direction of the moving frame 53 on the display 103 together with the pre-scan image PSI. At this time, the user may appropriately correct the movement amount and movement direction of the moving frame 53 via the input interface 105.

(Step S1904)
The processing circuitry 107 moves the moving frame 53 by the operation of the drive mechanism based on the moving direction and moving amount by the mechanism control function 119. Note that the mechanism control function 119 may manually move the moving frame 53 according to the moving amount and moving direction input or corrected by the user in response to an instruction from the operator via the input interface 105.

According to the upright CT device 4 of the sixth application example described above, the gripping unit 55 is fixed to the beam 50 extending horizontally from the upper end of the support 13 or to the ceiling of the examination room in which the upright CT device 4 is installed via the moving frame 53, and the movement of the moving frame 53 is controlled. The effects of this application example are similar to those of the embodiment and the fifth application example, so a description thereof will be omitted. Note that, as a modified example of this application example, only the gripping unit 55 may move without moving the top plate TT. In this case, the support movement mechanism 35 may be omitted. In this case, the user can encourage the movement of the subject P.

(Seventh Application Example)
In this application example, for example, based on the amount of movement and the direction of movement calculated from the center position of the ROI and the position of the imaging center CI, it is determined whether the tabletop is moved to a position corresponding to the contact between a part of the subject P and the gantry 11 (hereinafter referred to as the contact position), and the amount of movement is corrected based on the determination result. The contact position corresponds to the position of the support movement mechanism 35 when the part of the subject P is in contact with the gantry 11.

The mechanism control function 119 determines whether or not the top will be moved to the contact position based on the amount of movement and the direction of movement determined from the center position of the ROI and the position of the imaging center CI. If it is determined that the top will be moved to the contact position, the mechanism control function 119 reduces (corrects) the amount of movement so that the top will not be moved to the contact position. The mechanism control function 119 controls the support movement mechanism 35 according to the corrected amount of movement. In other words, the mechanism control function 119 controls the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 so that a part of the subject P does not come into contact with the gantry 11.

According to the upright CT device 1 of the seventh application example described above, it is determined whether or not the support movement mechanism 35 moves to the contact position based on the region of interest (ROI) in the prescan image PSI and the imaging center CI in the imaging system, and if it is determined that the support movement mechanism 35 moves to the contact position, the movement amount of the support movement mechanism 35 is corrected so that a part of the subject P does not come into contact with the gantry 11, and the support movement mechanism 35 is controlled according to the corrected movement amount. As a result, according to the upright CT device 1 of this application example, the ROI can be positioned near the imaging center CI without causing a part of the subject P to come into contact with the gantry 11, thereby improving the throughput of the examination on the subject P.

(8th Application Example)
In this application example, for example, based on the movement amount and movement direction calculated from the center position of the ROI and the position of the imaging center CI, it is determined whether or not a partial region of the subject P will move out of the imaging field of view (FOV) of the imaging system due to the movement of the support movement mechanism 35, and when it is determined that the partial region is out of the imaging field of view, the range out of the imaging field of view is displayed on the display 103. Next, in this application example, the movement amount of the support movement mechanism 35 is changed according to a user instruction input according to the out-of-view range, and the support movement mechanism 35 is controlled according to the changed movement amount.

The mechanism control function 119 determines whether or not a portion of the subject P will move out of the imaging field of view of the imaging system due to the movement of the support movement mechanism 35, based on the amount of movement and the direction of movement determined from the center position of the ROI and the position of the imaging center CI. If it is determined that the portion of the subject P will move out of the imaging field of view, the mechanism control function 119 uses the prescan image PSI to display the range that is out of the imaging field of view (hereinafter referred to as the out-of-field range) on the display 103. This allows the user to visually recognize the out-of-field range. The mechanism control function 119 changes the amount of movement of the support movement mechanism 35 in response to a user instruction via the input interface 105. The mechanism control function 119 controls the support movement mechanism 35 in accordance with the changed amount of movement.

According to the upright CT device 1 according to the eighth application example described above, it is determined whether or not a part of the subject P will be out of the imaging field of view due to the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 based on the region of interest (ROI) in the prescan image PSI and the imaging center CI in the imaging system. If it is determined that the part of the subject P will be out of the imaging field of view, the out-of-field range is displayed on the display 103, the amount of movement of the support movement mechanism 35 is changed according to the user's instruction input according to the out-of-field range, and the support movement mechanism 35 is controlled according to the changed amount of movement. As a result, according to the upright CT device 1 according to this application example, if it is determined that the part of the subject P will be out of the imaging field of view, the out-of-field range is displayed on the display 103, so that the out-of-field range can be visually notified to the user. Therefore, according to the upright CT device 1 according to this application example, the support movement mechanism 35 can be controlled according to the amount of movement changed by the user. From these facts, according to the upright CT device 1 according to this application example, the amount of movement can be changed according to the user's instruction according to the out-of-field range, so that the main scan can be performed on the ROI according to the user's desire. Other effects of this application example are similar to those of the embodiment, so a description will be omitted.

(Ninth Application Example)
In this application example, for example, based on the amount of movement and the direction of movement calculated from the center position of the ROI and the position of the imaging center CI, it is determined whether or not the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 will cause a portion of the subject P to move out of the imaging field of view. If it is determined that the portion of the subject P will move out of the imaging field of view, the amount of movement of the support movement mechanism 35 is changed so that the portion of the subject P does not move out of the imaging field of view, and the support movement mechanism 35 is controlled according to the changed amount of movement.

The mechanism control function 119 determines whether or not the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 will cause a portion of the subject P to move out of the imaging field of view in the imaging system, based on the amount of movement and the direction of movement determined from the center position of the ROI and the position of the imaging center CI. If it is determined that the portion of the subject P will move out of the imaging field of view, the mechanism control function 119 changes the amount of movement of the support movement mechanism 35 so that the portion of the subject P does not move out of the imaging field of view. Specifically, the mechanism control function 119 changes (reduces) the amount of movement so that the portion of the subject P does not move out of the imaging field of view. The mechanism control function 119 controls the support movement mechanism 35 according to the changed amount of movement.

According to the upright CT device 1 of the ninth application example described above, it is determined whether or not a portion of the subject P will fall outside the imaging field of view due to the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 based on the region of interest (ROI) in the prescan image PSI and the imaging center CI in the imaging system, and if it is determined that the portion will fall outside the imaging field of view, the amount of movement of the support movement mechanism 35 is changed so that the portion does not fall outside the imaging field of view, and the support movement mechanism 35 is controlled according to the changed amount of movement. As a result, according to the upright CT device 1 of this application example, the ROI can be positioned near the imaging center CI without the portion of the subject P falling outside the imaging field of view, thereby improving the throughput of the examination of the subject P.

(10th Application Example)
This application example is to execute the eighth or ninth application example according to a scan plan of a main scan for a subject P. The scan plan includes, for example, the number of scans, a scan range, exposure timing, exposure conditions, and image processing conditions.

Based on the amount of movement and the direction of movement calculated from the center position of the ROI and the position of the imaging center CI, the mechanism control function 119 determines whether or not the movement of the support movement mechanism 35 will cause a portion of the subject P to fall outside the imaging field of view in the imaging system. If it is determined that the portion of the subject P falls outside the imaging field of view, the mechanism control function 119 displays the out-of-field range on the display 103 in accordance with the scan plan of the main scan for the subject P, or changes the amount of movement of the support movement mechanism 35 so that the portion of the subject P does not fall outside the imaging field of view. If the out-of-field range is displayed on the display 103, the mechanism control function 119 changes the amount of movement of the support movement mechanism 35 in accordance with a user instruction input in accordance with the out-of-field range. The mechanism control function 119 controls the support movement mechanism 35 in accordance with the changed amount of movement. The effects of this application example are similar to those of the eighth and ninth application examples, and therefore will not be described here.

When the technical idea of the embodiment is realized by a control method, the control method uses an imaging system in a gantry 11 supported vertically by at least one support 13 to image a subject P supported from below by a support movement mechanism 35 installed to be movable in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the gantry 11, generates an image based on the output from the imaging system, and controls the movement of the support movement mechanism 35. The procedure and effect of the alignment process executed by the control method are similar to those of the embodiment, and therefore will not be described.

According to at least one of the embodiments, multiple application examples, and modified examples described above, high-quality medical images can be obtained.

Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims, as well as the scope and spirit of the invention.

Regarding the above-described embodiments, the following supplementary notes are disclosed as one aspect and optional features of the invention.
(Appendix 1)
At least one support column for vertically movably supporting a gantry for imaging the subject;
a support movement mechanism that is installed so as to be movable in a direction intersecting a direction of movement of the gantry and supports the subject;
A mechanism control unit that controls the movement of the support movement mechanism;
A medical imaging diagnostic device comprising:
(Appendix 2)
The imaging device may further include an image generating section that generates an image based on an output from the imaging system.
(Appendix 3)
The gantry may include an imaging system for imaging a subject.
(Appendix 4)
The mechanism control unit may control movement of the support movement mechanism based on a region of interest in the image and an imaging center in the imaging system.
(Appendix 5)
The mechanism control unit may control movement of the support movement mechanism so as to align a center position of the region of interest with a position of the imaging center.
(Appendix 6)
The mechanism control unit may control the movement of the support movement mechanism according to a user's instruction based on a region of interest in the image and an imaging center in the imaging system.
(Appendix 7)
The mechanism control unit may control the movement of the support movement mechanism in accordance with a user's instruction to align a center position of the region of interest with a position of the imaging center.
(Appendix 8)
The apparatus may further include a detection unit that detects a center of gravity of the subject supported by the support/movement mechanism,
The mechanism control unit may control the movement of the support movement mechanism so as to compensate for the amount of displacement based on the amount of displacement of the center of gravity.
(Appendix 9)
The imaging system may further include a camera located above an opening of the gantry and having an imaging field of view that includes an interior of the opening of the gantry.
The mechanism control unit may control the movement of the support movement mechanism so as to compensate for an amount of movement of the subject based on the amount of movement of the subject in the image acquired by the camera.
(Appendix 10)
The camera may be an optical camera that is arranged on a beam extending horizontally from the upper end of the support or on the ceiling of an examination room in which the medical image diagnostic apparatus is installed, and is capable of photographing the subject positioned in the opening of the gantry.
(Appendix 11)
The apparatus may further include a detection unit that detects a load distribution of the subject supported by the support/movement mechanism,
The mechanism control unit may control the movement of the support movement mechanism based on an amount of change in the load distribution so as to compensate for the amount of change.
(Appendix 12)
The gantry may have an opening that defines an imaging space for the imaging,
a plurality of gas bags provided on a wall surface of the gantry at the opening, the gas bags inflating when gas is injected to maintain the posture of the subject;
and a plurality of pumps for injecting the gas into the gas bag or discharging the gas from the gas bag.
The mechanism control unit may further control the injection and discharge of the gas by the pump in conjunction with the control of the movement.
(Appendix 13)
The apparatus may further include a detection unit that detects a center of gravity of the subject supported by the support/movement mechanism,
The mechanism control unit may control the pump so as to compensate for the displacement based on the displacement of the center of gravity.
(Appendix 14)
The apparatus may further include a gripping portion that is located at an opening of the gantry and can be gripped by the subject.
(Appendix 15)
The gripping portion may be fixed to a beam extending horizontally from an upper end of the support, to a ceiling of an examination room in which the medical image diagnostic apparatus is installed, or to a floor surface of the examination room.
(Appendix 16)
The gripping portion may be fixed to the beam or the ceiling via a horizontally movable moving frame,
The mechanism control unit may control the movement of the moving frame.
(Appendix 17)
The mechanism control unit includes:
and determining whether or not the support and movement mechanism is to move to a position corresponding to contact between a part of the subject and a gantry, based on a region of interest in the image and an imaging center in the imaging system.
when it is determined that the support and movement mechanism is to move to a position corresponding to the contact, an amount of movement of the support and movement mechanism may be corrected so that a part of the subject does not come into contact with a gantry;
The support movement mechanism may be controlled in accordance with the corrected amount of movement.
(Appendix 18)
The mechanism control unit includes:
and determining whether or not a partial region of the subject falls outside an imaging field of view of the imaging system due to movement of the support movement mechanism, based on a region of interest in the image and an imaging center of the imaging system.
When it is determined that the object is outside the imaging field of view, the area outside the imaging field of view may be displayed on a display.
a movement amount of the support movement mechanism may be changed in response to a user instruction input according to the deviation range,
The support movement mechanism may be controlled in accordance with the changed amount of movement.
(Appendix 19)
The mechanism control unit includes:
and determining whether or not a partial region of the subject falls outside an imaging field of view of the imaging system due to movement of the support movement mechanism, based on a region of interest in the image and an imaging center of the imaging system.
When it is determined that the partial area is to fall outside the imaging field of view, a movement amount of the support movement mechanism may be changed so that the partial area does not fall outside the imaging field of view.
The support movement mechanism may be controlled in accordance with the changed amount of movement.
(Appendix 20)
The mechanism control unit includes:
and determining whether or not a partial region of the subject falls outside an imaging field of view of the imaging system due to movement of the support movement mechanism, based on a region of interest in the image and an imaging center of the imaging system.
When it is determined that the partial region falls outside the imaging field of view, a range that falls outside the imaging field of view may be displayed on a display in accordance with a scan plan for the subject, or a movement amount of the support movement mechanism may be changed so that the partial region does not fall outside the imaging field of view.
When the deviation range is displayed on a display, a movement amount of the support movement mechanism may be changed in response to a user instruction input according to the deviation range,
The support movement mechanism may be controlled in accordance with the changed amount of movement.
(Appendix 21)
The medical image diagnostic apparatus may image the subject in an upright position.
(Appendix 22)
The medical imaging diagnostic device may be an X-ray computed tomography device or a positron emission tomography device.
(Appendix 23)
The gantry may perform scanography on the subject.
The region of interest may be identified in an image produced by the scanography.
(Appendix 24)
an imaging system in a gantry supported by at least one support column so as to be movable in a vertical direction, imaging an object supported from below by a support movement mechanism installed so as to be movable in a direction intersecting a direction of movement of the gantry;
generating an image based on an output from the imaging system;
Controlling the movement of the support movement mechanism;
A control method comprising:
(Appendix 25)
a gantry having an imaging system for imaging an object;
At least one support column that supports the gantry so as to be movable in a vertical direction;
an image generating unit that generates an image based on an output from the imaging system;
a support movement mechanism that is installed to be movable in a direction intersecting a direction of movement of the gantry and that supports the subject from below;
an output unit that outputs information corresponding to at least one of a moving direction and a moving amount of the support/movement mechanism based on a region of interest in the subject and an imaging center of the imaging system;
A medical imaging diagnostic device comprising:

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Standing CT device 2 Standing CT device 3 Standing CT device 4 Standing CT device 10 Mounting device 11 Gantry (mounting)
13 Pillar 15 Opening 17 X-ray tube 19 X-ray detector 21 Rotating frame 23 Rotation drive device 25 Frame control circuit 27 Pillar drive device 31 High voltage generator 33 DAS (Data Acquisition System)
35 Support movement mechanism 37 Gas bag 39 Pump 41 Hose 50 Beam 51 Optical camera 53 Movement frame 55 Grip unit 101 Memory 103 Display 105 Input interface 107 Processing circuit 111 System control function 113 Pre-processing function 115 Reconstruction function 117 Image processing function 119 Mechanism control function 411 Hose 413 Hose

Claims (16)

a gantry having an imaging system for imaging a subject in a standing position ;
At least one support column that supports the gantry so as to be movable in a vertical direction;
an image generating unit that generates an image based on an output from the imaging system;
a support movement mechanism that is installed to be movable in a direction intersecting a direction of movement of the gantry and that supports the soles of the subject from below;
A mechanism control unit that controls the movement of the support movement mechanism;
a detection unit that detects a center of gravity of the subject supported by the support/movement mechanism;
Equipped with
The mechanism control unit includes:
Calculating a displacement amount and a displacement direction of the center of gravity based on the position of the center of gravity along a time series;
a direction opposite to the displacement direction is set as a movement direction, and a top plate supporting the soles of the subject is moved in the movement direction by an amount equal to the displacement amount of the center of gravity.
Medical imaging diagnostic equipment. the mechanism control unit controls the movement of the support movement mechanism based on a region of interest in the image and an imaging center in the imaging system.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 . The mechanism control unit controls the movement of the support movement mechanism so as to align a center position of the region of interest with a position of the imaging center.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2 . The mechanism control unit controls the movement of the support movement mechanism in response to a user's instruction based on a region of interest in the image and an imaging center in the imaging system.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 . The mechanism control unit controls the movement of the support movement mechanism in accordance with a user's instruction to align a center position of the region of interest with a position of the imaging center.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4. a gripping part that is fixed to a beam extending horizontally from an upper end of the support, to a ceiling of an examination room in which the medical image diagnostic apparatus is installed, or to a bottom surface of the examination room and that can be gripped by the subject positioned at an opening of the gantry;
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 . The gripping portion is fixed to the beam or the ceiling via a horizontally movable frame,
The mechanism control unit controls the movement of the moving frame.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6 . The mechanism control unit includes:
determining whether or not the support and movement mechanism moves to a position corresponding to contact between a part of the subject and a gantry based on a region of interest in the image and an imaging center in the imaging system;
when it is determined that the support and movement mechanism is to move to a position corresponding to the contact, correcting an amount of movement of the support and movement mechanism so that the part of the subject does not come into contact with a gantry;
controlling the support movement mechanism in accordance with the corrected movement amount;
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3 . The mechanism control unit includes:
determining whether or not a partial region of the subject falls outside an imaging field of view of the imaging system due to movement of the support movement mechanism based on a region of interest in the image and an imaging center of the imaging system;
When it is determined that the object is outside the imaging field of view, the range outside the imaging field of view is displayed on a display;
changing the amount of movement of the support movement mechanism in response to a user instruction input according to the deviation range;
controlling the support movement mechanism in accordance with the changed amount of movement;
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3 . The mechanism control unit includes:
determining whether or not a partial region of the subject falls outside an imaging field of view of the imaging system due to movement of the support movement mechanism based on a region of interest in the image and an imaging center of the imaging system;
when it is determined that the partial area falls outside the imaging field of view, changing a movement amount of the support movement mechanism so that the partial area does not fall outside the imaging field of view;
controlling the support movement mechanism in accordance with the changed amount of movement;
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3 . The mechanism control unit includes:
determining whether or not a partial region of the subject falls outside an imaging field of view of the imaging system due to movement of the support movement mechanism based on a region of interest in the image and an imaging center of the imaging system;
when it is determined that the partial region falls outside the imaging field of view, displaying the range outside the imaging field of view on a display in accordance with a scan plan for the subject, or changing the amount of movement of the support movement mechanism so that the partial region does not fall outside the imaging field of view;
When the deviation range is displayed on a display, changing the movement amount of the support movement mechanism in response to a user instruction input according to the deviation range;
controlling the support movement mechanism in accordance with the changed amount of movement;
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3 . a gantry having an imaging system for imaging a subject in a standing position;
At least one support column that supports the gantry so as to be movable in a vertical direction;
an image generating unit that generates an image based on an output from the imaging system;
a support movement mechanism that is installed to be movable in a direction intersecting a direction of movement of the gantry and that supports the soles of the subject from below;
A mechanism control unit that controls the movement of the support movement mechanism;
an optical camera that is arranged on a beam extending horizontally from an upper end of the support column or on a ceiling of an examination room in which a medical image diagnostic apparatus is installed, and that is capable of photographing the subject positioned in an opening of the gantry;
Equipped with
The mechanism control unit includes :
determining an amount of motion of the subject and a direction of motion of the subject based on a position of the subject in the time -series images acquired by the optical camera;
a direction opposite to the direction of the movement is set as a moving direction, and a top plate supporting the soles of the subject is moved in the moving direction by the amount of movement.
Medical imaging diagnostic equipment. a gantry having an imaging system for imaging a subject in a standing position;
At least one support column that supports the gantry so as to be movable in a vertical direction;
an image generating unit that generates an image based on an output from the imaging system;
a support movement mechanism that is installed to be movable in a direction intersecting a direction of movement of the gantry and that supports the soles of the subject from below;
A mechanism control unit that controls the movement of the support movement mechanism;
a detection unit that detects a load distribution of the subject supported by the support/movement mechanism;
Equipped with
The mechanism control unit includes:
determining a change amount of the load distribution and a shift direction of the load distribution based on the load distribution along a time series ;
a direction opposite to the direction of the displacement is set as a direction of movement, and a top plate supporting the soles of the subject is moved in the direction of movement by the change amount.
Medical imaging diagnostic equipment. a gantry having an imaging system for imaging a subject in a standing position;
At least one support column that supports the gantry so as to be movable in a vertical direction;
an image generating unit that generates an image based on an output from the imaging system;
a support movement mechanism that is installed to be movable in a direction intersecting a direction of movement of the gantry and that supports the soles of the subject from below;
A mechanism control unit that controls the movement of the support movement mechanism;
In a medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising:
the gantry has an opening forming an imaging space for the imaging;
The medical image diagnostic apparatus includes:
a plurality of gas bags provided on a wall surface of the gantry at the opening, the gas bags inflating when gas is injected to maintain the posture of the subject;
and a plurality of pumps for injecting the gas into the gas bag or discharging the gas from the gas bag,
The mechanism control unit further controls the injection and discharge of the gas by the pump in accordance with the control of the movement .
Medical imaging diagnostic equipment. a detection unit that detects a center of gravity of the subject supported by the support/movement mechanism,
The mechanism control unit includes:
Calculating a displacement amount and a displacement direction of the center of gravity based on the position of the center of gravity along a time series ;
a direction opposite to the displacement direction is set as a movement direction, and the pump is controlled so that a top plate supporting the soles of the subject is moved in the movement direction by an amount equal to the displacement amount of the center of gravity.
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 14 . an imaging system in a gantry supported by at least one support column so as to be movable in a vertical direction, imaging a subject in an upright position supported from below by a support movement mechanism installed so as to be movable in a direction intersecting a direction of movement of the gantry ;
generating an image based on an output from the imaging system;
Controlling the movement of the support movement mechanism;
detecting a center of gravity of the subject supported by the support/movement mechanism;
Equipped with
Controlling the movement of the support movement mechanism includes:
Calculating a displacement amount and a displacement direction of the center of gravity based on the position of the center of gravity along a time series;
a direction opposite to the displacement direction is set as a movement direction, and a top plate supporting the soles of the subject is moved in the movement direction by an amount equal to the displacement amount of the center of gravity;
A control method comprising:

Images