JPH08224235A - Medical inspecting device and method for moving examinee table of same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a medical inspecting device capable of quickly relieving a shock given to an examined such as a patient by controlling speed in accelerating and decelerating areas when a patient table is started up/stopped in a vertical direction. CONSTITUTION: This device is equipped with a medical inspection part 1 for the medical inspection of the examinee, an examinee table 2 for the positioning the examinee by placing and moving in a first direction for the medical inspection part 1, and a driving control part 100 which controls the acceleration speed of the examinee table 2 by moving the examinee table 2 in a second direction H different from the first direction for the medical inspection part 1 and when the positioning is performed by moving the examinee table 2 in the second direction H for the medical inspection part 1.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a subject table of a medical examination apparatus, and more particularly to a medical examination apparatus for controlling the vertical movement of a subject table of a medical examination apparatus such as an X-ray CT apparatus and the subject of the medical examination apparatus. Regarding how to move the table.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When a conventional X-ray CT (Computer Tomography) apparatus is used to capture an X-ray CT image of a patient, an operator generally takes the following steps to examine the subject ( After that, it is also referred to as a patient.) The patient is positioned and the patient is imaged. (Step 1) The patient is placed on the patient table. Alternatively, in some cases, several operators, x-ray technicians, nurses, etc., load the patient from the stretcher (mobile patient bed) onto the patient table. (Step 2) The operator manually moves the top plate of the patient table upwardly and horizontally to start moving inside the opening diameter of the scanner / gantry of the patient. (Step 3) When the operator manually operates the patient table, the light source of the localizer (projector for positioning the patient) is turned on in synchronization. (Step 4) The operator operates the patient table (coarse adjustment of patient positioning) to a position where the light line of the localizer is marked on the surface of the patient's body. (Step 5) Further, while the operator looks at the line of light of the localizer marked on the surface of the patient's body, X
The start position of the line irradiation is determined (fine adjustment of patient positioning). (Step 6) The operator irradiates X-rays to capture a scanogram image (X-ray transmission image) of the inspected region of the patient. (Step 7) The captured scanogram image is displayed on the image monitor of the operation console. The operator uses an X-ray C on the image monitor using a trackball or the like.
The shooting start position and the shooting end position of the T image are set. At the same time, the operator determines the imaging conditions according to the imaging region. At this time, the shooting start position is registered as the original (0: zero) position. The imaging conditions are mainly X-ray generation conditions (X-ray tube voltage, X-ray tube current, scan time, etc.) and image reconstruction conditions (number of display matrices, filter shape, enlargement ratio, reconstruction calculation area, etc.). , A plurality of parameters of device control conditions (top feed amount, etc.). (Step 8) The operator captures an X-ray CT image, reconstructs the image, and then analyzes the X-ray CT image.

The up / down movement of the patient table of the conventional X-ray CT apparatus is performed by controlling a hydraulic circuit composed of a hydraulic pump linked with a pantograph type link mechanism and a plurality of electromagnetic valves. . When the patient table is raised, the rod of the hydraulic cylinder attached to the pantograph type link mechanism is pushed out to expand the link mechanism and raise the patient table. Further, when the patient table is lowered, the hydraulic oil in the hydraulic cylinder is collected in the reserve tank to operate the cylinder in the returning direction, and the pantograph type link mechanism is closed to lower the patient table. Conventional X-ray CT apparatus has a patient table ascending / descending speed control, which usually has two stages of high speed / low speed. By changing the opening number of the electromagnetic valve in the hydraulic circuit, the flow rate of hydraulic oil is changed. , The speed is switching.

[0004]

The raising and lowering movements of the patient table of such a conventional X-ray CT apparatus have the following problems. As described above, the conventional patient table is started / stopped only by turning on / off the hydraulic pump and opening / closing the lowering valve in the raising / lowering operations.
Therefore, the speed and acceleration / deceleration time at start and stop are
It is fixed at a constant operating time of the mechanical system of the hydraulic circuit,
The resulting shock is transmitted to the patient by transmitting the hydraulic oil in the hydraulic circuit or the pipeline (mainly a metal pipe) forming the hydraulic circuit. Therefore, discomfort to the patient,
It is thought that there is a great deal of anxiety. Although the discomfort and anxiety depend on the individual difference of the patient, it may be a great pain depending on the patient's symptoms and age.

As described above, since the conventional patient table of the X-ray CT apparatus does not consider the driving of the patient during the ascending / descending operation and the impact at the time of stopping, the above-mentioned hydraulic circuit driving method is mainly used. . Therefore, the current X-ray CT apparatus does not have a patient table having a method of reducing the impact at the time of starting and stopping.

A simple method of alleviating the impact in a hydraulic circuit that does not perform digital control is to change the flow rate of hydraulic oil by a manual valve. However, this method is not sufficient to reduce the shock at the time of starting and stopping. This is because the manual method cannot finely and quickly perform the speed adjustment in the start and stop of the patient table, acceleration and deceleration regions.

Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention controls the speed of the acceleration and deceleration regions when starting and stopping a subject table such as a patient table when the subject table moves up and down. An object of the present invention is to provide a medical examination apparatus and a method for moving a subject table of the medical examination apparatus that can quickly reduce the impact on the specimen.

[0008]

The above object is, in the invention of claim 1, a medical examination unit for performing a medical examination of a subject and a medical examination unit on which the subject is placed. An object table for moving and positioning in a first direction, and an object table that moves the object table along a second direction different from the first direction with respect to the medical examination unit, The present invention is achieved by a medical inspection apparatus including: a drive control unit that controls the acceleration / deceleration of the subject table when the table moves and is positioned with respect to the medical inspection unit along the second direction. In the invention of claim 2, preferably, the first direction is a horizontal direction and the second direction is a vertical direction. In the invention according to claim 3, preferably, the drive control unit is a drive unit for moving the subject table in the second direction, and the adjustment of the subject table caused by the operation of the drive unit. Control means for controlling the speed. In the invention of claim 4, preferably, the drive means is a hydraulic circuit,
The hydraulic circuit includes a hydraulic pump that controls the flow rate of the hydraulic oil by controlling the rotation when the subject table is raised in the second direction according to a command from the control unit. In the invention of claim 5, preferably, the drive means is a hydraulic circuit, and the hydraulic circuit is configured to move the subject table downward along the second direction in response to a command from the control means. An electromagnetic proportional control valve for controlling the flow rate of hydraulic oil is provided. In the invention of claim 6, preferably, the medical inspection section is a scanner gantry of an X-ray computer tomography apparatus. The above-mentioned object is, in the invention of claim 7, a subject table for placing a subject and moving and positioning it in the first direction with respect to the medical examination unit, with respect to the medical examination unit. This is achieved by the method of moving the subject table of the medical inspection apparatus that controls the acceleration / deceleration of the subject table when the moving and positioning is performed along the second direction different from the first direction.

[0009]

According to the above structure, in the invention of claim 1, the drive control unit moves the subject table along the second direction different from the first direction with respect to the medical examination unit, and the subject is examined. The acceleration / deceleration of the subject table is controlled when the table is moved and positioned in the second direction with respect to the medical examination unit. This reduces the impact at the time of starting / stopping the subject table. According to the second aspect of the invention, since the second direction is the vertical direction, the impact at the time of starting / stopping the vertical movement of the subject table is reduced. In the invention of claim 3, the driving means moves the subject table in the second direction. The control means controls the acceleration / deceleration of the subject table caused by the operation of the drive means. According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the rotation of the hydraulic pump of the hydraulic circuit is controlled by a command from the control means when the subject is raised along the second direction. Thereby, the flow rate of the hydraulic oil is controlled, and the impulse at the time of starting / stopping the subject table is reduced. According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the electromagnetic control valve of the hydraulic circuit moves the subject table to the second position in response to a command from the control means.
Controls the flow rate of hydraulic oil as it descends along the direction.
This reduces the impact when the subject table is started / stopped. According to the invention of claim 6, in the X-ray computer tomography apparatus, the impact at the time of starting / stopping the subject table is reduced. In the invention of claim 7, the subject table is moved and positioned with respect to the medical examination unit along a second direction different from the first direction. At this time, the acceleration / deceleration of the subject table is controlled. This reduces the impact when the subject table is started / stopped.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The examples described below are
Since it is a preferred specific example of the present invention, various technically preferable limitations are attached, but the scope of the present invention is, unless otherwise stated to limit the present invention, in the following description.
It is not limited to these modes.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the system of an X-ray CT apparatus which is a preferred embodiment of the medical examination apparatus of the present invention. In FIG. 1, an X-ray CT apparatus system includes units such as a scanner / gantry 1, a patient table 2 as a subject table, an X-ray generator 3, an operation console 4, an image processing apparatus 5, and a central control computer 6. Has been done. This scanner gantry 1 is a medical examination unit. The scanner / gantry 1, the X-ray generator 3, and the operation console 4 have control computers 11, 12, and 14 for controlling each. The scanner / gantry control computer 11 controls the mechanism inside the scanner / gantry 1, and controls the horizontal movement (L direction in FIG. 2) and upward movement (H direction in FIG. 2) of the top plate 16 of the patient table 2. . Further, the scanner / gantry control computer 11 monitors the input of an operation panel (not shown) installed on the scanner / gantry 1 or the patient table 2, position information and height information of the top 16 of the patient table 2, or , Outputs the tilt angle of the scanner gantry 1. The control computer 12 for the X-ray generator 3 controls the output of the generated X-rays and monitors its abnormality.

Further, the operation console control computer 14 monitors inputs of switches on the operation console 4 and
Display is performed by a display device such as an LED (light emitting diode). In the scanner / gantry 1, an X-ray tube 7 and an X-ray detector 8 are arranged opposite to each other, and each is arranged on the same rotary plate (not shown).

The scanner gantry 1 which is the medical examination unit in FIG. 2 is for obtaining an X-ray CT image for medical examination of the patient PA who is the subject in FIG. Patient PA
Is placed on the top plate 16 of the patient table 2, and the X-ray irradiation area and the image reconstruction area are set for the patient PA. This X-ray irradiation area means that the patient PA placed on the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 has the opening diameter 1a of the scanner / gantry 1.
This is the area where X-rays are delivered to the patient PA when delivered in. The image reconstruction area is an area where the patient PA is irradiated with X-rays, the X-ray detector detects the X-rays transmitted, and geometrically determines the range of the detected data. This is an area for reconstructing an image using only the detected data. The X-ray irradiation area is geometrically larger than or the same as the image reconstruction area. After the patient PA is moved into the opening diameter 1a also called the opening of the scanner / gantry and positioned at the first X-ray CT image capturing position, the X-ray tube 7 and the X-ray detector 8 are placed around the patient PA. The mounted rotating plate rotates. As a result, X-rays are exposed and data of the patient PA is collected.

Data from the X-ray detector 8 shown in FIG. 1 is converted from an analog signal into a digital signal and sequentially sent to the measurement data buffer 13, where the image processing device 5 performs preprocessing such as image data compression. Data is stored in the external storage device 15. The data stored here is raw data (R
AW DATA). When the data acquisition of the raw data is completed, the raw data is transferred through the image processing device 5 and an X-ray CT image is formed by the reconstruction calculation process.
Simultaneously with the formation of this X-ray CT image, the X-ray CT image is displayed on the image monitor 10, and the X-ray CT image is stored in the external storage device 15.

The operation monitor 9 is for displaying the operating status of the system to the diagnostician or operator while displaying information for the central control computer 6 to guide the operation and support.
The image monitor 10 is for displaying an X-ray CT image and an X-ray transmission image and performing image analysis.

Next, the method of photographing the X-ray CT image of the X-ray CT apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail. In FIG. 1, a diagnostician or an operator puts the patient PA on the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 in advance and the height of the top plate 16 is adjusted. The operator uses the area setting display means (localizer, etc.) for medical examination shown in FIG. 2 installed on both sides of the patient table to scan the patient PA with the scanner / gantry 1.
Then, the X-ray irradiation region is set. The area setting position set here is successively transmitted to the scanner / gantry control computer 11. When the positioning of the patient PA with respect to the scanner / gantry 1 is completed, the operator selects and sets the imaging conditions of the X-ray CT image using the operation console 4 and the operator monitor 9 of FIG. The imaging conditions differ depending on the imaging part of the patient PA, and the imaging conditions corresponding to the imaging part of the patient PA are displayed as preset information on the operation console 4 and the operation monitor 9 of FIG. 1 in advance. The operator can also change a part of the preset information.

Immediately after the photographing conditions are determined, the central control computer 6 of FIG. 1 reads the photographing conditions from the control computer 14 for the operation console, changes the photographing conditions into a predetermined format, and then the scanner / gantry control computer 11 And the scanner gantry 1 together with the command for "imaging preparation" to the control computer 12 for the X-ray generator.
Issue a "message" composed of the rotational speed of, the patient table feed amount for each X-ray CT image acquisition, the X-ray generation condition, and the like.
In the X-ray generator 3, the X-ray generation power supply circuit is turned on,
The waiting time such as the time from the activation of the rotor (target rotating anode) in the X-ray tube 7 to the constant speed rotation or the cooling time of the X-ray tube 7 is required. When these X-ray generation enabling conditions are met, the X-ray generation device control computer 12 of FIG. 1 gives a command of “preparation for X-ray generation” to the central control computer 6.

When the X-ray generator 3 of FIG. 1 is preparing, the scanner gantry 1 confirms the initial positions of the X-ray tube 7 and the X-ray detector 8 when receiving the command of "preparation for imaging".
If each is not in the initial position (eg, the X-ray tube is at the top and the X-ray detector is at the bottom), the rotating plate of the scanner gantry 1 is rotated so that each is in the initial position. When all the units are in the "ready state" and the central control computer recognizes the "ready state" of each unit, the "X-ray irradiation command, X-ray exposure command, X-ray command" is given to each control computer 11, 12, 14. Command for data acquisition and image processing device activation standby ". The X-ray CT image is photographed by rotating the X-ray tube 7 and the X-ray detector 8 shown in FIG. 1 around the patient PA transferred to the inside of the opening diameter 1a of the scanner gantry 1 and simultaneously measuring the X-ray CT image.
It is carried out by the irradiation of rays. The rotary plate on which the X-ray tube 7 and the X-ray detector 8 are mounted in the scanner / gantry 1 rotates at a rotation angle of 360 ° or more including the acceleration / deceleration region and the constant speed rotation region. Usually, X-ray irradiation is performed in a constant speed rotation region of the rotating plate.

The X-ray generation method includes a pulse generation method and a continuous generation method. The former is 1 VIEW (PROJ) with 1 pulse.
ECTION) data is obtained, and the latter obtains 1 VIEW data with one sampling. As the number of VIEWs increases, the amount of data information increases, leading to an improvement in image quality. However, an image processing apparatus capable of processing a large amount of data at high speed is required.

Since the data output by the X-ray detector 8 in FIG. 1 is an analog signal, the measurement data buffer 1
Analog-to-digital conversion is performed at the stage when the data is transferred to No. 3.
Thereafter, the output digital data signal is subjected to preprocessing such as image data compression by the image processing device 5, and is stored in the external storage device 15 as raw data (RAW DATA). X-ray irradiation is completed, measurement data buffer 1
When all the data is transferred to 3, the image processing device 5
Upon receipt of a command of "image reconstruction calculation" from the central control computer 6, an X-ray CT image is created and displayed on the image monitor 10 by using raw data (RAW DATA) based on the image reconstruction conditions described above. At the same time, the image is stored in the external storage device 15. In order to reduce the time from data acquisition to X-ray CT image display as much as possible, an ordinary X-ray CT apparatus executes image reconstruction operations in parallel while collecting data, and simultaneously performs data acquisition at the same time as the mechanical operation of the apparatus. Performing storage etc.

If the amount of feed of the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 for each measurement is set in the message previously transferred from the central control computer 6 for each X-ray CT imaging, After each measurement, the scanner / gantry control computer 11 moves the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 to the inside or outside of the scanner / gantry 1.

Referring now to FIG. Figure 2 shows the scanner
1 shows a part of the gantry 1, a patient PA placed on the top plate 16 of the patient table 2, an ascending / descending mechanism section 21 installed on the patient table 2, and a drive control section 100 thereof. The drive control unit 100 is provided with the hydraulic circuit shown in FIG. The drive control unit 100 uses the patient table 2
Is moved with respect to the scanner gantry 1 along a vertical direction H which is a second direction different from the horizontal direction L which is the first direction, and when positioning with respect to the scanner gantry 1, This is for controlling the acceleration / deceleration of the table 2. The drive control unit 100 includes a control unit 150 and a drive unit 180. The drive means 180 is a hydraulic circuit, and this hydraulic circuit is instructed by the control means 150,
The patient table 2 is moved up and down along the second direction H to be positioned. Drive means 180
Is a drive cylinder 22, an electromagnetic valve 23, a hydraulic pump 2
4, a hydraulic oil reserve tank 25, an electromagnetic valve 26, and an electromagnetic proportional control valve 28 are provided. The rod 22a of the drive cylinder 22 is connected to the link member 21a of the pantograph type link mechanism portion 21. The drive cylinder 22 is
A hydraulic circuit is connected to the hydraulic oil reserve tank 25 via an electromagnetic valve 23 and a hydraulic pump 24. The electromagnetic valve 23 is hydraulically connected to the hydraulic oil reserve tank 25 via another electromagnetic valve 26 and an electromagnetic proportional control valve 28.

The control means 150 is electrically connected to the hydraulic pump 24 of the drive means 180 and the electromagnetic proportional control valve 28. The D / A converter 29 of the control means 150, another D / A converter 30 and an input / output device (I / O
Device 31 is a scanner / gantry control computer 1
Connected to 1. The D / A converter 29 is electrically connected to the hydraulic pump 24 via the inverter 27. The D / A converter 30 is electrically connected to the electromagnetic proportional control valve 28. The input / output device 31 is
It is electrically connected to the electromagnetic valves 23 and 26. The mechanism portion 21 for raising / lowering the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 is
Preferably, a pantograph type link mechanism is used.
When the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 is raised, the electromagnetically driven valve 23 is opened and the hydraulic pump 24 is driven,
The hydraulic oil is sent from the hydraulic oil reserve tank 25 to the drive cylinder 22, and the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 is raised. The electromagnetically driven valves 23 and 26 are switched and opened when energized (ON state) by a command from the input / output device 31, and the hydraulic oil flows only in a fixed direction. Also,
Even if the electromagnetically driven valves 23 and 26 are not energized (O
In the FF state), it is possible to flow the hydraulic oil in a fixed direction through the check valves (check valves) 23a and 26a.

The electromagnetic proportional control valve 28 outputs (pressure) in proportion to the input signal S1 inputted through the D / A converter 30.
It is a valve that can control. The electromagnetic proportional control valve 28 includes a command unit that outputs a command signal, an amplifier unit that amplifies the signal,
And it is comprised from the proportional control valve which changes hydraulic pressure.
Furthermore, in order to perform highly accurate control, the electromagnetic proportional control valve 2
Reference numeral 8 includes a portion that detects a control amount (pressure) and outputs a feedback signal.

Next, the vertical movement operation of the patient table will be described. First, the patient table raising operation will be described. The path of the hydraulic oil when rising is shown as path A. The inverter 27 controls the rotation frequency of the hydraulic pump 24. Also,
The acceleration time is preset in the inverter 27. The scanner / gantry control computer 11 is the top plate 1 of the patient table 2 sent from the central control computer 6.
The control signal SR is transmitted to the inverter 27 via the digital-analog converter (D / A converter) 30 based on the information on the set rising speed of 6. The inverter 27 drives the hydraulic pump 24 at an output frequency according to the control signal SR to control the flow rate of the hydraulic oil on the path A. At the same time, the scanner / gantry control computer 11 operates the input / output device 31.
Is used to turn the electromagnetically driven valve 23 to the OFF state (on the side of the check valve 23a), and the working oil is sent from the reserve tank 25 to the drive cylinder 22. When the hydraulic oil is sent, the drive cylinder 22 pushes out the rod 22a of the drive cylinder 22, opens the pantograph type link mechanism 21, and raises the top plate 16 of the patient table 2. At this time, the position of the electromagnetically driven valve 23 is on the side of the check valve 23a, which is the closed state of the valve. It can flow to the drive cylinder 22 side), but cannot flow from top to bottom (drive cylinder side to reserve tank side). Therefore, unless the electromagnetically driven valve 23 is opened, the operating oil is not collected from the drive cylinder 22, and the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 cannot be lowered. When the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 reaches the predetermined position PP, the scanner / gantry control computer 11 sets the control signal SR to the inverter 27 to zero via the D / A converter 30. As a result, the inverter 27 lowers the output frequency in the deceleration time given from the central control computer 6, stops the hydraulic pump 24, and stops the flow rate of the hydraulic oil. Therefore, the impact is not applied to the patient PA even when the patient table 2 reaches the upper limit position.

Next, the patient table lowering will be described. The path of the hydraulic oil when descending is indicated by path B. The electromagnetic proportional control valve 23 controls the flow rate of hydraulic oil passing through the path B. The scanner / gantry control computer 11 sets the flow rate of the hydraulic oil according to the set lowering speed of the top 16 of the patient table 2 sent from the central control computer 6 via the D / A converter 30. The control signal SR is transmitted to the electromagnetic proportional control valve 28. As a result, the electromagnetic proportional control valve 28 sends the hydraulic oil to the reserve tank 25 at a flow rate according to the control signal SR. At the same time, the scanner / gantry control computer 11 uses the input / output device 31 to turn on the electromagnetically driven valves 23 and 26 (on the side of the flow path) to send hydraulic oil from the drive cylinder 22 to the electromagnetic proportional control valve 28. As a result, the hydraulic oil in the drive cylinder 22 is collected in the reservoir tank 25. Therefore, the rod 22a of the drive cylinder 22 is retracted, the pantograph type link mechanism portion 21 is closed, and the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 is closed.
Descends. When the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 reaches a predetermined position, the scanner / gantry control computer 11
Sets the control signal SC to the inverter 27 to zero via the D / A converter 29. That is, the inverter 27
Reduces the output frequency of the inverter 27 at the set deceleration time and stops the flow rate of the hydraulic oil.

Next, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a speed pattern of the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 during the ascent and descent. The vertical axis of FIG. 3 represents the speed V of the top 16 of the patient table 2, and the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time T. The speed V1 represents the rising start speed of the hydraulic pump 24 with respect to the rising start rotation frequency and the falling start speed of the electromagnetic proportional control valve 23 corresponding to the falling start flow rate. The speed V2 is a moving speed during rising / falling, and is also a maximum speed during rising / falling.
The speed V3 is the speed of the constant speed moving unit when the vehicle is stopped during the ascent / descent. This constant-velocity moving unit is set to reduce the vibration of the pantograph-type link mechanism unit 21 at the time of stopping and to alleviate the impact of the patient PA.

The time T1 is the acceleration time until the vehicle accelerates to the set speed during rising / falling. The time T2 is the first deceleration time from the set speed to the constant speed moving unit speed. Time T3 is a constant speed time during stop. Time T4 is the second deceleration time from the speed of the constant speed moving unit to the stop. The speed V
Each of the parameters 1 to V3 and the times T1 to T4 can be set independently and fixedly, but the internal memory of the scanner / gantry control computer 11 is made to correspond to the maximum speed of ascending / descending. It is also possible to have a parameter table.

FIG. 4 shows an ascending sequence SQ1 and a descending sequence S of the top 16 of the patient table 2 according to the present invention.
The flowchart of Q2 is shown. Ascending sequence S
In Q1, the operator first pushes the raising switch (step S1). The top plate 16 of the patient table 2 is raised by a so-called deadman method, which is executed only when the operator is pushing the rise switch. When the scanner / gantry control computer 11 of FIG. 2 recognizes the input of the switch, the electromagnetically driven valve 23 is closed (step S2). Then, the inverter 27 is started (step S3), and the control signal SR corresponding to the rising speed is changed to D / A.
It is supplied to the inverter 27 via the converter 29 (step S4). In this way, the inverter 27 drives the hydraulic pump 24 so as to raise the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 at the set speed. During the ascending, depending on whether the ascending limit sensor of the top 16 of the patient table 2 inputs or the operator releases the raising switch (step S5).
The scanner / gantry control computer 11 recognizes
The control signal SR is turned off in order to make the rising speed zero (step S6). Then, the inverter 27 is stopped to end the rising (step S7). On the other hand, in the descending sequence SQ2, the operator first presses the descending switch (step S8). The lowering of the top plate 16 of the patient table 2 also employs a so-called deadman method, which is executed only when the operator presses the lowering switch. When the scanner / gantry control computer 11 recognizes the input of the switch, the electromagnetically driven valve 2
3 is opened (step S9). Then, the solenoid proportional control valve 2
8 is started (step S10), and the control signal SC corresponding to the descending speed is given to the electromagnetic proportional control valve 28 via the D / A converter 30 (step S11). With this, the electromagnetic proportional control valve 28 controls the flow rate of the hydraulic oil collected in the reserve tank 25, and the top plate 1 of the patient table 2 is controlled.
6 is lowered at the set speed. During the descent, depending on whether the descent limit sensor (not shown) of the patient table 2 inputs or the operator releases the descent switch (step S
12) The scanner / gantry control computer 11 recognizes and turns off the control signal SC in order to make the descending speed zero (step S13). Then, the electromagnetic proportional control valve 28 is closed to stop the descent of the patient table 2 (step S14).

In the vertical movement control device of the above-described embodiment, the speed of the acceleration and deceleration regions when the patient table is moved up and down and when it is stopped can be controlled by the computer, so that the impact on the patient can be alleviated quickly. It is also possible to reduce the anxiety and discomfort of the patient. Further, since the vertical movement control device according to the embodiment of the present invention is not a mechanical control system, it can be flexibly controlled according to the symptoms and age of the patient.

The X-ray CT apparatus of the present invention is provided with a patient table 2
When the top plate 16 is raised, the rotation frequency of the hydraulic pump at startup is controlled, and when it is lowered, the flow rate of the hydraulic oil is computer controlled by the electromagnetic proportional control valve. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the shock and vibration when the patient table 2 is started and stopped and is activated and stopped, and it is possible to reduce the discomfort given to the patient.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the medical examination apparatus of the present invention uses an X-ray C
The present invention is not limited to the T-apparatus, and the present invention is applicable to other types including a medical examination section and a patient table, or other medical examination apparatuses such as MRI (Magnetic Res.) Of a magnetic resonance apparatus.
PET (Positron Emis), which is a nuclear medicine diagnostic system.
sion CT), SPECT (Single Pho)
It is also applicable to a patient table of a medical examination system other than an X-ray CT apparatus such as a ton ECT). Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the control system of the scanner / gantry control computer, the inverter and the electromagnetic proportional control valve is described only by using the D / A converter. However, for example, another interface (RS-232C) is used. It is possible to use an inverter or a solenoid proportional control valve having a communication system) function. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the drive device 100 used for raising / lowering the top plate of the patient table uses hydraulic pressure as the working fluid, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other types of working fluid may be used. For example, air or an inert gas can be used as the working fluid.

[0033]

As described above, according to the present invention,
By controlling the speed of the acceleration and deceleration regions when starting and stopping a subject table such as a patient table when moving up and down, it is possible to quickly reduce the impact on a subject such as a patient.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an X-ray CT apparatus which is a preferred embodiment of a medical examination apparatus of the present invention.

2 is a patient table in the X-ray CT apparatus shown in FIG.
The figure which shows the mechanism for vertical movement and control structure.

FIG. 3 is a patient table in the X-ray CT apparatus of FIG.
The figure which shows an example of the typical speed control pattern at the time of the operation.

4 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a vertical movement operation of a patient table in the X-ray CT apparatus in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Scanner / Gantry (Medical Examination Department) 1a Scanner / Gantry Opening Diameter (Opening) 2 Patient Table (Subject Table) 3 X-ray Generator 4 Operation Console 6 Central Control Computer 7 X-ray Tube 8 X-ray Detector 9 Operation monitor 10 Image display monitor 16 Patient table top plate 21 Pantograph type link mechanism 22 Drive cylinder 23 Electromagnetic drive valve 24 Hydraulic pump 25 Hydraulic oil reserve tank 26 Electromagnetic drive valve 27 Inverter 28 Electromagnetic proportional control valve 29 For inverter D / A converter 30 D / A converter for electromagnetic proportional control valve 31 Input / output device (I / O device) 100 Drive control unit 150 Control means 180 Drive means A Hydraulic fluid path when the patient table is raised B When the patient table is lowered Hydraulic oil path V1 Up / down startup speed V2 On / Set speed when descending V3 Constant speed part speed when stopping when rising / falling T1 Acceleration time T2 First deceleration time T3 Constant speed time when stopping T4 Second deceleration time L First direction (horizontal direction) H Second Direction (vertical direction)

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A medical examination unit for performing a medical examination on a subject, a subject table for mounting the subject and moving and positioning the subject in the first direction with respect to the medical examination unit, The subject table is the first with respect to the medical examination unit.
Moving in a second direction different from that of the subject table, and the acceleration / deceleration of the subject table when the subject table moves and positions with respect to the medical examination unit along the second direction. A drive control unit for controlling the medical inspection device. 2. The medical examination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first direction is a horizontal direction and the second direction is a vertical direction. 3. The drive control unit includes a drive unit for moving the subject table in the second direction, and a control unit for controlling the acceleration / deceleration of the subject table caused by the operation of the drive unit. The medical inspection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: 4. The drive means is a hydraulic circuit, and the hydraulic circuit controls rotation when the subject table is raised along the second direction according to a command from the control means. The medical inspection apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a hydraulic pump that controls a flow rate of the hydraulic oil. 5. The drive means is a hydraulic circuit, and the hydraulic circuit controls the flow rate of hydraulic oil when descending the subject table along the second direction according to a command from the control means. The medical inspection apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising an electromagnetic proportional control valve. 6. The medical inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the medical inspection unit is a scanner gantry of an X-ray computer tomography apparatus. 7. A medical examination part is placed first with a subject placed thereon.
When moving and positioning the subject table for moving and positioning in the direction of with respect to the medical examination unit, adjustment of the subject table is performed when the subject table is moved and positioned along a second direction different from the first direction. A method of moving a subject table of a medical examination apparatus, characterized by controlling a speed.