JP3026488B2 - X-ray tomography equipment - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an X-ray tomography apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "X-ray CT apparatus").

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, spiral scanning (hereinafter referred to as "helical scanning") for efficiently collecting multi-tomographic image data has been performed by an X-ray CT apparatus. In this helical scan, a subject (usually a patient) placed on a tabletop is inserted through the imaging surface while continuously rotating fan-shaped X-rays formed in the imaging surface, and helical scan data is collected for the patient. Then, the collected data was reconstructed to obtain a multi-tomographic image.

[0003]

However, there has been a problem that the obtained tomographic image cannot be associated with the imaging position of the patient.

[0004] Further, all the reconstructed tomographic images are not necessary for diagnosis, and the reconstruction is performed wastefully, so that there is a problem that the diagnosis efficiency is low.

[0005] Furthermore, not all areas where the helical scan has been performed are necessary for diagnosis, and useless data may be collected. Therefore, there has been a problem that a patient is exposed to unnecessary X-rays.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray tomography apparatus with improved diagnostic performance.

[0007]

According to an aspect of the present invention, a helical scan is performed on an object by X-rays to be irradiated, and helical data on the object is collected. Spiral data collecting means, storage means for storing data collected by the spiral data collecting means, display means for displaying a perspective image of a predetermined range of the subject, and a perspective image on the display means. Means for designating a desired scan range based on the data, and helical data corresponding to the range designated by the designating means are extracted from the storage means, and a plurality of tomographic images are regenerated at predetermined intervals based on the extracted data. The present invention is characterized by having reconstructing means for composing, and display means for sequentially displaying each reconstructed tomographic image.

[Effect] According to the present invention having the above-described structure, spiral data on the subject is collected by the spiral data collecting means and stored in the storage means. When a desired scan range is designated based on the perspective image displayed on the display means, the reconstructing means extracts spiral data corresponding to the scan range from the storage means, and based on each of the extracted data, a predetermined data is obtained. A plurality of tomographic images are reconstructed for each interval.
The display means sequentially displays the plurality of tomographic images.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of the present apparatus 1.

The present apparatus 1 includes an imaging stand 10 having an X-ray tube 4 for generating a fan-shaped X-ray 4a toward a detector 3 in an imaging hole 2 in which a subject M can be arranged and an imaging surface 2a, A bed 20 for moving a tabletop T on which a subject M is placed in the hole 2;
An X-ray tube rotation controller 5 for controlling the rotation of the X-ray tube 4; a high-pressure generator 6 for controlling X-ray irradiation from the X-ray tube 4;
, A processing unit 40 for collecting and reconstructing the projection data detected by the computer, a display unit 7 for displaying a tomographic image or a fluoroscopic image, a selection of an imaging mode such as a helical scan mode or a fluoroscopic mode, and a position for forming a tomographic image. It has an input unit 8 for performing operations such as setting, and a system control unit 9 for controlling each unit of the apparatus 1 to execute a shooting mode such as a helical scan mode or a fluoroscopic mode.

The X-ray detector 3 comprises a plurality of single detectors arranged in an array along the circumferential surface of a cylindrical holding member arranged obliquely. Is always received by a part of the detector 3.

The X-ray tube rotation control unit 5 controls the X-ray tube 4 to rotate continuously around the imaging hole 2 in the same direction under the control of the system control unit 9 in the helical scan mode. In the fluoroscopy mode, the X-ray tube 4 is controlled to stop at a predetermined position.

The couch section 20 has a moving section 21 for moving the top T, and a position detecting section 22 for detecting the position of the top T with respect to the photographing surface 2a.

The processing system 40 includes a helical scan data collection unit 41 that collects helical scan data in the helical scan mode, and a perspective image data collection unit 42 that collects perspective image data in the perspective image mode. And an image reconstruction unit 43 for reconstructing a tomographic image based on the helical scan data. The helical scan data collection unit 41 collects and stores helical scan data Dh corresponding to the position information of the tabletop T from the position detection unit 22. As shown in FIG. 2, the image reconstruction unit 43 corrects the projection data Ds of の to 1 cycle near the designated tomographic plane Fs and the projection data Dc of each one cycle before and after this data Ds. The tomographic image Gs for the designated tomographic plane Fs is obtained by taking in the data for use from the helical scan data collecting unit 41 and performing reconstruction processing.

The display unit 7 can display a perspective image based on the data collected by the perspective image data collection unit 42 or a tomographic image based on the reconstruction processing of the image reconstruction unit 43 by a selection operation of the input unit 8. It is.

The system control section 9 executes a helical scan mode or a fluoroscopic mode based on a photographing mode selection operation of the input section 8. In the helical scan mode, the system control section 9 rotates the X-ray tube 4 during one rotation. The X-ray tube rotation control unit 5 and the moving unit 21 are controlled so that the plate T moves continuously for a predetermined length S. With this configuration, for example, the fan-shaped X-ray 4a is equivalent to the translational movement in the body axis direction while rotating with respect to the stationary subject M.
2 moves helically around the body axis Lc of the subject M as shown by Lx in FIG. 2, helical scan data Dh is obtained from the detector 3 and collected by the helical scan data collection unit 41. It is memorized. In the fluoroscopy mode, the X-ray tube rotation control unit 5 is controlled so that the X-ray tube 4 stops at a predetermined position such as directly above or beside the subject M, and the moving unit is configured to move the tabletop T continuously. 21 is controlled.

Next, the operation of the apparatus 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flow when a tomographic image is obtained after executing the helical scan mode and the fluoroscopic mode.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a flow in the case where the helical scan mode is executed after the execution of the fluoroscopic mode.

A case where a tomographic image is obtained after executing the helical scan mode and the fluoroscopic mode will be described with reference to FIG.

When the operator operates the input unit 8 to select the helical scan mode, the system control unit 9 controls each unit based on the helical scan mode selection information from the input unit 8 to execute the helical scan. Shooting stand 1
Under the control of the system control unit 9, the X-ray tube rotation control unit 5 and the bed 20 collect helical scan data of the subject M, and the helical scan data collection unit 41.
First, helical scan data corresponding to the position of the top plate T is collected and stored.

Next, when the operator operates the input unit 8 to select the fluoroscopic mode, the system control unit 9 controls each unit based on the fluoroscopic mode selection information from the input unit 8 to execute fluoroscopic imaging. The imaging gantry 10, the X-ray tube rotation controller 5, and the couch 20 collect fluoroscopic image data of the subject M under the control of the system controller 9, and the fluoroscopic image data collector 4
2 collects and stores perspective image data corresponding to the position of the top plate T. After selecting the fluoroscopic mode, the helical scan mode may be selected.

When the operator operates the input unit 8 to request a display of a perspective image, a perspective image Gp is displayed on the display unit 7 as shown in FIG.

The operator operates the perspective image G displayed on the display unit 7.
When the tomographic image creation line Ls superimposed and displayed on p is moved and set, the image reconstructing unit 43 helically scans the data Ds and Dc corresponding to this position based on the set tomographic image creation line Ls. The data is read out from the data collection unit 41, reconstructed, and a tomographic image Gs of the tomographic plane Fs corresponding to the specified line Ls is displayed on the display unit 7.

When photographing is performed in this manner, a tomographic image corresponding to a desired subject photographing position can be obtained with high accuracy.

Next, the case where the helical scan mode is executed after the execution of the fluoroscopic mode will be described with reference to FIG.

When the system control unit 9 executes the fluoroscopic mode based on the operator's selection operation, the fluoroscopic image data collection unit 42 collects and stores the fluoroscopic image data of the subject M as described above. As shown in FIG. 3, a perspective image Gp is displayed on the display unit 7.

The operator operates the perspective image G displayed on the display unit 7.
Lines Ls1, Ls2 for creating tomographic images superimposed and displayed on p
Is moved, and the region sandwiched between the lines Ls1 and Ls2 is designated as a tomographic image formation range E in which a tomographic image is to be obtained, the system control unit 9 sends the range information (E) designated by the input unit 8 The control unit controls the imaging gantry 10, the X-ray tube rotation control unit 5, and the bed 20 based on the designated range E
And helical scan data collection for both ranges E and Ec of the correction data Dc collection range Ec before and after this range E.

The helical scan data collection unit 41 includes:
Helical scan data corresponding to the position of the tabletop T with respect to the two ranges E and Ec is collected and stored. Subsequently, the image reconstruction unit 43 performs tomographic images Gs1 to Gsn at predetermined intervals within the designated range E. Is reconstructed and transferred to the display unit 7.
Based on the operation of the input unit 8, the tomographic images Gs1 to Gsn corresponding to the subject imaging position are sequentially displayed on the display unit 7.

When the image is taken in this manner, a helical scan is performed for a necessary range, so that the exposure dose of the subject can be reduced.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be variously modified without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, as long as the scanning can be performed in a helical scan mode or a fluoroscopic mode, a third-generation scanner that continuously rotates the X-ray tube and the detector while maintaining the relative positions may be used.

[0033]

According to the present invention described in detail above, the necessary scan range is specified based on the perspective image displayed on the display means, and the spiral data corresponding to the scan range is extracted from the storage means. Then, a plurality of tomographic images are reconstructed at predetermined intervals, and the tomographic images are sequentially displayed. This eliminates waste in the reconstruction, and facilitates confirmation of the tomographic images at predetermined intervals, thereby making a diagnosis. An X-ray tomography apparatus capable of improving performance can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the embodiment of the present invention;

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 X-ray tomography apparatus 2 a imaging surface 4 a fan-shaped X-ray 9 system control unit 10 imaging gantry 22 position detection unit 41 helical scan data collection unit 42 fluoroscopic image data collection unit 43 image reconstruction unit M subject T top plate

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A helical data collecting means for performing a helical scan on an object by X-rays to be irradiated and collecting helical data on the object, and a helical data collected by the helical data collecting means. Storage means for storing the obtained data, display means for displaying a perspective image of the subject in a predetermined range, designation means for designating a desired scan range based on the perspective image on the display means, designation by the designation means Reconstructing means for extracting spiral data corresponding to the set range from the storage means and reconstructing a plurality of tomographic images at predetermined intervals based on the extracted data; and sequentially displaying the reconstructed tomographic images. X-ray tomography apparatus comprising: