JP3285853B2 - CT device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a CT apparatus for performing a desired routine inspection (an inspection that is regularly performed according to a predetermined order) according to an inspection plan.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art PAS (programmable
An anatomical selection (programmable anatomical examination mode selection) function is provided. The PAS function refers to a function in which exposure conditions are programmed in advance in accordance with the imaging purpose and imaging region of the subject, and the operation conditions programmed by operating a relevant operation button (key) on a keyboard or a panel can be stored in a storage device. . In a conventional CT apparatus equipped with this PAS function, since only one exposure condition can be set by one key operation, various key operations must be repeated when performing a routine inspection. There is. Further, there is a problem that the exposure condition that can be set by the key operation is limited to only the exposure condition relating to data collection.

In the inspection example using the conventional CT apparatus shown in FIG. 9, the following X-ray CT process is executed. As a first step (procedure), after setting the irradiation condition to PAS, the second step is performed.
Prepare for exposure at the stage. Subsequently, in a third stage, irradiation is started, and a CT image of the subject is collected. Subsequently, in a fourth stage, the CT image is transferred to an optical disk (not shown) and stored, and then, in a fifth stage, a CT image is photographed by a multi-format camera (not shown) in some cases. As mentioned above, each step requires a manual operation by an operator to perform a series of routine inspections. Further, this manual operation (key / button operation) is further required when an inspection similar to that described above is repeated.

[0004]

As described above, the conventional C
Since only one exposure condition can be set by one key / button operation in the T device, a problem that an operator must execute a large number of key operations in order to perform a routine inspection. There is. Furthermore, there is a problem that only the exposure condition relating to image collection can be set. In other words, the operator is forced to perform a cumbersome amount of key / button operations while performing an X-ray CT routine examination. In particular, when a situation arises in which it is necessary to interrupt the execution of the routine inspection and perform a different content inspection, it is necessary to perform a larger number of key / button operations in order to change the content to another routine inspection after the interruption. There is a problem that there is.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a CT apparatus capable of reducing the burden on an operator for CT inspection.

[0006]

Means for Solving the Problems of claims 1 invention, CT
The flow of processing of multiple types of functions related to inspection
Storage means for storing as an image, and selecting the inspection plan
Item for selecting a diagnosis part to be examined and a diagnostic part to be examined
A first screen displaying at least
When the diagnostic site displayed on the first screen is selected,
A plurality of test plans corresponding to the diagnosis site
Display means comprising a second screen that can be displayed as
Inspection plan of the item on the second screen selected by the selection means
Execution means for executing
It is.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the inspection plan is executed.
Suspended and further changed means to change the contents of the inspection plan
Is provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the inspection plan is externally provided.
Characterized by further comprising means for online transfer
Is what you do.

According to the present invention, when executing an inspection plan
First, the diagnosis site displayed on the first screen, for example, “Head
If you select "Parts", the second screen will display multiple inspection plans for the head.
Is displayed, and the item selected on the second screen is displayed.
Inspection plan is executed, so operator operability
And the burden can be reduced. In addition, inspection meter
During the execution of the drawing, interrupt the execution and change to another inspection plan.
Functions can further reduce the burden on the operator.
I can do it. In addition, inspection plans can be transferred externally online.
If functions are added, convenience can be improved.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The contents of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a CT apparatus according to the present invention.

As input means, there are a mouse 1, a keyboard 2, and a display screen 3 with a touch sensor.
Further, a start switch 3A and an interrupt switch 3 are used as input means.
There is B. The monitor 4 and the multi-format camera 5 are used. An interactive control 6 is connected to all components 1 to 5 described above. As a data storage means, a memory 8, a floppy disk via a floppy disk (FD) device 9, an optical disk via an optical disk device 10, and a magnetic disk via a magnetic disk device 11 are used. Further, the scan controller 12
The bed controller 15 and the X-ray controller 16 are controlled. The gantry / bed control unit 15 controls a gantry 15A and a bed 15B on which a subject (not shown in detail) is placed, and the X-ray control unit 16 controls the X-ray tube 1
6A, and controls X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 16A in conjunction with the gantry / bed control unit 15. Thus, the desired X-ray emission control is performed by the scan control unit 12 (this will be described later). Speaker 14
And a voice control unit 13 are connected to the scan control unit 12. There is a system control unit 7 as a comprehensive control system for the X-ray CT apparatus. Further, the online data transfer device 20 connected to the system control unit 7 sends the inspection plan (flow of the programmed routine inspection) to another CT device (not shown in detail). Note that an external storage device (which performs image transfer) described later is not illustrated.

[0013] Summary of the test execution process of the CT apparatus of a first embodiment of the present invention shown in the test execution process Figure 2 is as follows.

When the operator touches a selected position on the display screen 3 with a touch sensor, the interactive control unit 6 recognizes the position, and the position data is stored in the interactive control unit 6.
Is sent to the system control unit 7 from. The system control unit 7 determines the flow of the routine inspection corresponding to the position data (inspection plan: combination of various functions in FIG. 3 described later) and conditions (conditions necessary to execute the various functions in FIG. 3) in the magnetic disk drive. The data is read from the magnetic disk via the memory 11 and sent to the memory 8.

Subsequently, the system control unit 7 sequentially reads out the conditions for executing the functions and mechanisms from the inspection plan stored in the memory 8 and sends them to the system control unit 7. The scan control unit 12 interprets various functions sent from the system control unit 7 and performs necessary commands (processing information such as a preparation command).
And the conditions are sent to the X-ray control unit 16, the gantry / bed control unit 15, and the voice control unit 13. Related control units 13, 15,
16 receives and executes this instruction. For example, when the preparation is completed according to the preparation command, the scan control unit 12 sends a start command to the related control units 13, 15, and 16. To ensure safety,
Instructions are sent in the following order:

Press the start switch 3A of the keyboard 2 →
Interactive control unit 6 → scan control unit 12 → each control unit 13,
15, 16 Reading is repeated until the final function of the inspection result is executed.

First Embodiment (Preparation of Inspection Plan) A first embodiment of the X-ray CT apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 shows the relationship between the slice position head 18A of the subject 18.

FIG. 3 shows a list of various functions of the examination plan for the head 18A of the subject 18. 3 are stored in, for example, a magnetic disk.

In general, an examination by an X-ray CT apparatus is performed by combining various functions so as to be adapted to the purpose of photographing a subject and a region to be photographed. As described in the description of the related art, most of the functions are performed independently of each other. Therefore, in the conventional X-ray CT apparatus, each function has to be performed in accordance with the inspection purpose.

On the other hand, the first embodiment of the present invention
You only need to perform the following simple operations.

In the X-ray CT apparatus shown in FIG. 1, a monitor 4, a keyboard 2, and a mouse 1 are used as input means for creating an examination plan suitable for the purpose of photographing, and an examination plan is created using an examination plan creation program. Create and store it on a magnetic disk or the like. Imaging part, for example, head 18A of subject 18
An inspection plan is created and stored on a magnetic disk or the like. As shown in FIG. 3, the inspection plan includes a series of functions and a series of conditions (scanning image capturing conditions, scan exposure conditions, transfer destination of an external storage medium) set for each function. And imager conditions). In this example, the functions shown in FIG. 3 correspond to one operation (execution) in an examination performed by the X-ray CT apparatus. However, this may not be the case depending on the performance of the CT apparatus. For example, there is a type that has a single exposure function but does not have a continuous exposure function.

The inspection plan may be a combination of various functions instead of a combination of a series of functions shown in FIG.

In preparing an inspection plan, not only the flow of functions but also the shooting conditions of scano imaging, the exposure conditions of scanning, the transfer destination of the external storage medium, the conditions of the imager, and the like are selected in accordance with the selection of each function. Set.

It is generally said that 30 to 50 types of examination plans, including specific examinations, must be prepared for CT examinations. As long as dozens of different examination plans have been created, it is only necessary to select an appropriate examination plan according to the doctor's instructions.

In the CT apparatus having the inspection plan according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the inspection plan can be easily selected using the display screen 3 with the touch sensor shown in FIG. Regarding the selection of an examination plan, an examination plan that is frequently used irrespective of the diagnosis site is arranged on the screen 1 of the display screen 3 with a touch sensor, and an examination plan for each diagnosis region is arranged on the screen 2 (see FIG. 4).

Referring to FIG. 4, when the operator touches the instruction "head" on the screen 1, the touch sensor operates, and the screen 2 is displayed on the display screen 3 with the touch sensor.
Is displayed. Next, if an instruction "return" is touched, the screen 1 is displayed again.

Further, the display position and the name of the inspection plan can be changed so that the inspection plan can be easily used or the title of the inspection plan can be easily stored in the memory 8. The less frequently used test plans shown in FIG. 3 are placed in the "head" group.

The various advantages based on the first embodiment can be better understood by referring to the comparison list of FIG.

As is clear from the comparison list, even if the items of each function of the conventional CT apparatus are the same as those of the CT apparatus of the present invention, the operator must consider the operation in the subsequent stage in the conventional CT apparatus. On the other hand, the X-ray CT apparatus of the present invention can automatically execute a desired inspection according to an inspection plan created in advance.

[0030] Returning to the discussion of step 14 of the test plan shown in interruption Figure 3 Inspection Plan (scanning), and be described in detail item exposure conditions.
FIG. 6 shows a plurality of exposure conditions to be set in step 14.
Shown in

It is possible to interrupt the execution of step 14 (S14) of the inspection plan created based on the first embodiment and change the exposure conditions (see FIG. 6) set in advance.

The procedure of this interruption is as follows. FIG.
In the device shown in FIG. 1, when the "interrupt" switch 3B of the keyboard 2 is pressed, the interrupt command is issued via the interactive control unit 6, the scan control unit 12, and the system control unit 7 to the related control unit 1.
3, 15, 16 and the function being executed is interrupted accordingly. When the system control unit 7 receives the interruption instruction,
Inspection plan can be changed interactively. When the inspection plan is temporarily changed, the functions and conditions of the inspection plan stored in the memory 8 are rewritten. When the inspection plan is permanently changed, the functions and conditions of the inspection plan stored in the magnetic disk are rewritten. Then start switch 3A
Press to resume the inspection plan.

Input Source Selection Further, the inspection plan previously stored on the magnetic disk based on the first embodiment can be widely used. As an example, if an excellent inspection plan can be created, the inspection plan is stored in the online data transfer device 20 shown in FIG.
Can be similarly used in other X-ray CT apparatuses.

Second Embodiment In a conventional CT apparatus, only the conditions necessary for one exposure are stored and used. However, in an inspection using an X-ray CT apparatus, a plurality of conditions (such as an X-ray tube current, a slice width, and a slice pitch) are combined with each other to improve efficiency and image quality, and to reduce X-ray exposure. Therefore, in the conventional CT apparatus, this condition must be changed for each exposure.

On the other hand, in the CT apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, for example, various conditions for a plurality of exposures shown in FIG. 6 can be stored in a magnetic disk in advance and used.

In the X-ray CT apparatus shown in FIG. 1, when the scan step 14 (S14 in FIG. 3) is started, the system control unit 7 scans one type of exposure condition via the magnetic disk and the memory 8, Send to control unit 12. This irradiation condition is selected from the items shown in FIG. The scan control unit 12 sets the irradiation condition according to the irradiation condition.
3, 15 and 16, and each control unit 13, 1
5, 16 execute the instruction. Subsequently, the above-described series of processes is repeated until all the conditions shown in FIG. 6 are fulfilled.

The CT apparatus having the inspection plan according to the first embodiment of the present invention has an advantage similar to that of the X-ray CT apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. All the exposure conditions are sent to the scan control unit 12 via the magnetic disk and the memory 8, and are sequentially processed. The X-ray CT apparatus having the inspection plan based on the first embodiment of the present invention further stores a plurality of exposure conditions shown in FIG. Through the use of the memory 8, there is an advantage that a troublesome exposure does not have to be performed because it can be used, and there is no risk of mistakenly changing the exposure condition.

Third Embodiment FIG. 7 shows the detailed functions of the contrast agent setting step 16 (S16) shown in FIG. FIG. 7 shows a scan performed prior to the setting of the contrast agent, the same conditions as those of the additional scan, and a scan at the same position. If it is the same position in the simple scan, scan it except it,
The function of performing the scan with the scan order reversed is displayed.

In general, an X-ray inspection using an X-ray contrast agent is performed in combination with a simple X-ray inspection without using an X-ray contrast agent (also referred to as a simple scan). This is because the diseased part can be detected by comparing the same test site of the subject with the X-ray test using the method. Therefore, the X-ray inspection using the contrast agent can be performed on the same inspection site of the subject under the same irradiation condition as that of the simple X-ray inspection without using the contrast agent.
Referring to FIG. 6, as described above, in order to perform an X-ray inspection using the contrast agent, a large amount of irradiation conditions (X-ray tube current,
It can be seen that the slice width, slice pitch, number of repetitions of exposure, etc.) must be set.

According to the third embodiment of the present invention, an X-ray examination using a contrast agent can be performed very easily. The process is as follows (see FIG. 8).

Referring to FIG. 8, step 14 (S
The irradiation condition (table in FIG. 6) executed in 14) is written in the irradiation condition setting table of the memory 8 (the illustrated scanning condition table 80). After the irradiation is performed in accordance with the irradiation condition, the data of the irradiation condition is transmitted from the scan control unit 12 to the memory 8.
Is sent to the contrast agent setting table 82 and written in the table 82. Therefore, even if the irradiation is interrupted and the irradiation conditions are changed, the necessary irradiation conditions can be maintained. In other words, the condition is changed for the eight exposure repetitions located at the lowermost row in the scan condition table 80 so that the first four times are the same as the previous time, and the other four times are the same. Alternately, tube current 80 mA, slice width 10 mm, pitch 10
mm and a scan is performed and written in the contrast agent setting table 82.

The memory 8 newly stores the contrast agent setting table 82 described above.
The following advantages are assured because of possession.

As described above with reference to the setting function of the contrast agent shown in FIG. 7, when the subject moves during the irradiation, it is very common to perform the irradiation again. At the same time, the same inspection site (position) of the subject moved during the X-ray inspection using the contrast agent is irradiated several times. The living body is subjected to undesired X-ray exposure by the multiple exposures. On the other hand, there is a test in which the same test site is exposed several times at a preset time interval.

In order to solve the multiple exposures, a function shown in FIG. 7 is used for an X-ray inspection using a contrast agent. ), And a function (scanning is performed except for the same position in a simple scan). This function can be automatically set and executed according to the third embodiment.

Further, in a basic X-ray inspection without using a contrast agent, the irradiation direction is almost unchanged. For example, the body inspection is performed from the patient's head toward the legs. However, during the X-ray examination using the contrast agent, the irradiation order is not necessarily limited to one order because the flow direction of the X-ray contrast agent to be injected into the patient is an important condition. Therefore, FIG.
It is possible to change the exposure direction by the function shown in FIG.

[0046]

According to the present invention, a place for executing an inspection plan is provided.
In this case, first, the diagnostic site displayed on the first screen, for example,
If you select “Head”, multiple examinations of the head will be displayed on the second screen.
The plan item is displayed and selected on the second screen
The inspection plan for the item is executed, and the operator
The workability can be improved and the burden can be reduced. In addition, inspection
During the execution of the inspection plan, interrupt the execution and change to another inspection plan.
By adding additional functions, the burden on the operator can be reduced.
It can be further improved. In addition, external transfer of inspection plans online
If a function that can be added is added, convenience can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an entire CT apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a slice position.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a list of various functions of an inspection plan.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of screen information of a display screen with a touch sensor.

FIG. 5 is a comparison diagram of a conventional CT device and a CT device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing items of exposure conditions.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a detailed function of setting a contrast agent.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a memory setting table.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a conventional device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Keyboard 3 Display screen with touch sensor 3A Start switch 3B Suspend switch 4 Monitor 5 Multi-format camera 6 Interactive control unit 8 Memory 9 Floppy disk (FD) device 10 Optical disk device 11 Magnetic disk device 12 Scan control unit 13 Voice control unit 14 Speaker 15 gantry / bed control unit 15A gantry 15B gantry 16 X-ray control unit 16A X-ray tube 18 Subject 18A Subject head 20 Online data transfer device

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-3-240135 (JP, A) JP-A-2-174098 (JP, A) JP-A-1-252950 (JP, A) 9406 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A61B 6/00-6/14 G06T 1/00

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A process flow of a plurality of types of functions related to a CT inspection.
Storage means for storing the test plans as a plurality of types of test plans , selecting means for selecting the test plans, and at least items indicating diagnostic sites to be tested.
A first screen to be displayed on the first screen by the selecting means
Is selected, the diagnosis site corresponding to the diagnosis site is selected.
2nd that can display multiple inspection plans as items
Display means provided with a screen, and inspection of items on the second screen selected by the selection means
An execution unit for executing a plan . 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the execution of the inspection plan is interrupted.
It is necessary to further provide a change means for changing the contents of the plan.
The CT apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 3. An on-line transfer of the inspection plan to outside.
2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
3. The CT apparatus according to 2.