X-ray computed tomography apparatus with scanner function

An X-ray computed tomography apparatus with a scanner function includes a vertical frame, a patient support arm provided below the vertical frame, a horizontal support arm extending horizontally from a top portion of the vertical frame, a rotary arm drive unit provided at an end of the horizontal support arm, a horizontal rotation arm provided horizontally below the rotary arm drive unit to rotate 360 degrees, a general CT imaging X-ray source provided at one end of the horizontal rotation arm, and an X-ray detector provided at the other end of the horizontal rotation arm to face the general CT imaging X-ray source. A micro CT imaging X-ray source is provided on the vertical frame, a rotary table for seating and rotating an object to be imaged is provided above the patient support arm, and the X-ray detector is composed of a common X-ray detector.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a United States national phase application based on PCT/KR2017/008033 filed Jul. 26, 2017 which claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0087628 dated Jul. 11, 2017. The disclosure of the above patent application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an X-ray computed tomography apparatus used in hospitals or the like and, more particularly, to an X-ray computed tomography apparatus with a scanner function, which is configured to perform both a micro CT imaging operation of imaging an impression body, a model or the like at a high resolution and a general CT imaging operation of imaging a part of a human body.

BACKGROUND ART

A computed tomography (hereinafter simply referred to as “CT”) includes a micro CT for imaging a small object at a high resolution and a CT for imaging a part of a body of a patient (hereinafter referred to as “general CT” so as to be distinguished from the micro CT).

The micro CT is used for the purpose of imaging a small object such as an impression body or a model at a high resolution, whereas the general CT is used for the purpose of imaging a part of a body of a patient, such as the oral cavity or the head of a patient.

FIG. 1schematically shows the above-mentioned micro CT, andFIG. 2schematically shows the structure of the general CT.

First, as shown inFIG. 1, the micro CT includes a micro CT X-ray source1for generating an X-ray, and an X-ray detector2installed to face the X-ray source1in order to detect a transmission value of the X-ray radiated from the X-ray source1.

A rotary table3for seating and rotating an object to be imaged is provided between the micro CT X-ray source1and the micro CT X-ray detector2.

The micro CT X-ray source1, the rotary table3and the micro CT X-ray detector3are arranged along a straight line.

In the micro CT shown inFIG. 1, while seating a target object on the rotary table3and rotating the rotary table3, an X-ray is irradiated from the micro CT X-ray source1and a transmission value is detected by the micro CT X-ray detector2.

Typically, an X-ray is generated by applying a high voltage to between a cathode (sometimes a filament) and an anode provided inside a tube of an X-ray source, accelerating electrons emitted from the anode, and causing the electrons to collide with an anode as a target.

The above-mentioned micro CT is not used to image a body of a patient, but is used to image a small object such as an impression body or a model at a high resolution.

Meanwhile,FIG. 2schematically shows a general CT for imaging a body of a patient such as the oral cavity or the head of a patient.

As shown inFIG. 2, in a general CT for imaging the oral cavity or the entire head of a patient, a general CT X-ray source4and a general CT X-ray detector5for detecting the transmission value of the X-ray irradiated from the X-ray source4are provided under a horizontal rotation arm6so as to face each other.

The horizontal rotation arm6is driven by a rotary drive unit7provided above the horizontal rotation arm6. The horizontal rotation arm6is provided so that it can be moved in front-rear and left-right directions and rotated by the rotary drive unit7.

The upper portion of the horizontal rotation arm6is provided with a horizontal support arm8, which is connected to a vertical frame10. The lower portion of the horizontal rotation arm6is provided with a jaw support portion9for supporting the head of a patient.

In order to perform imaging by the above-mentioned general CT, the horizontal rotation arm6is rotated in a state in which the head of the patient is supported by the jaw support portion9. Then, CT imaging is performed as the general CT X-ray source4and the general CT X-ray detector5rotate 360 degrees around the head of the patient.

The general CT X-ray detector5detects the transmission value of the X-ray. The analog signal thus collected is converted into a digital signal, which is processed in a computer to obtain a three-dimensional image. The image information thus obtained is used for disease diagnosis or simulated surgery for the oral cavity or the entire head portion.

The general CT described above is used to image a part of a body of a patient, such as the oral cavity or the head, unlike the micro CT for imaging a small object.

However, in a dental clinic or the like, it is necessary to acquire three-dimensional data of an impression body or a model at a high resolution. Accordingly, a combination of general CT and micro CT, or a combination of general CT and high-resolution 3D scanner has to be provided in the dental clinic or the like. This poses a problem in that the purchase cost is increased and the installation space of the equipment is increased.

SUMMARY

With the aforementioned problems in view, it is an object of the present invention to provide an X-ray computed tomography apparatus capable of performing both a micro CT imaging operation of imaging a small object at a high resolution and a general CT imaging operation of imaging a part of a body of a patient.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray computed tomography apparatus capable of reducing equipment purchase cost and installation space.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray computed tomography apparatus capable of performing both a micro CT imaging operation and a general CT imaging operation without significantly increasing costs.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an X-ray computed tomography apparatus with a scanner function, including: a vertical frame; a patient support arm provided below the vertical frame; a horizontal support arm extending horizontally from a top portion of the vertical frame; a rotary arm drive unit provided at an end of the horizontal support arm; a horizontal rotation arm provided horizontally below the rotary arm drive unit to rotate 360 degrees; a general CT imaging X-ray source provided at one end of the horizontal rotation arm; and an X-ray detector provided at the other end of the horizontal rotation arm to face the general CT imaging X-ray source, wherein a micro CT imaging X-ray source is further provided on the vertical frame, a rotary table for seating and rotating an object to be imaged is further provided above the patient support arm, and the X-ray detector is composed of a common X-ray detector capable of being rotated by an X-ray detector drive unit, so that the apparatus can perform both a micro CT imaging operation and a general CT imaging operation.

A rotary table drive unit for rotating the rotary table may be provided below the rotary table.

The rotary table drive unit may be provided so as to be movable along a rail provided on the patient support arm.

The rotary table or the rotary table drive unit may be detachably provided on an upper surface of the patient support arm.

The micro CT imaging X-ray source may be provided to be able to move up and down and rotate at a predetermined angle in a horizontal direction.

When performing the micro CT imaging operation, the micro CT imaging X-ray source and the common X-ray detector may be rotated at a predetermined angle, the centers of the micro CT imaging X-ray source and the rotary table may be placed on a line, and then the micro CT imaging X-ray source and the common X-ray detector may be allowed to face each other.

A first X-ray source and a second X-ray source for performing the micro CT imaging operation by irradiating X-rays having different focuses may be provided on the vertical frame.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an X-ray computed tomography apparatus with a scanner function, including: a vertical frame; a patient support arm provided below the vertical frame; a horizontal support arm extending horizontally from a top portion of the vertical frame; a rotary arm drive unit provided at an end of the horizontal support arm; a horizontal rotation arm provided horizontally below the rotary arm drive unit to rotate 360 degrees; an X-ray source provided at one end of the horizontal rotation arm; and an X-ray detector provided at the other end of the horizontal rotation arm to face the X-ray source, wherein the X-ray source is composed of a dual focus type X-ray source capable of emitting both a micro CT imaging X-ray and a general CT imaging X-ray from one tube, so that the apparatus can perform both a micro CT imaging operation and a general CT imaging operation.

According to the X-ray computed tomography apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to perform both a micro CT imaging operation of imaging a small object at a high resolution and a general CT imaging operation of imaging a part of a body of a patient.

Furthermore, it is possible to reduce equipment purchase cost and installation space, because both the micro CT imaging operation and the general CT imaging operation can be performed in one X-ray computed tomography apparatus.

In addition, it is possible to perform both the micro CT imaging operation and the general CT imaging operation without significantly increasing costs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

First Embodiment

FIGS. 3 to 5show an X-ray computed tomography (CT) apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 3, the X-ray CT apparatus with a scanner function according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes: a vertical frame26; a patient support arm30provided below the vertical frame26; a horizontal support arm25extending horizontally from a top portion of the vertical frame26; a rotary arm drive unit24provided at an end of the horizontal support arm25; a horizontal rotation arm23provided horizontally below the rotary arm drive unit24to rotate 360 degrees; a general CT imaging X-ray source20provided at one end of the horizontal rotation arm23; and an X-ray detector provided at the other end of the horizontal rotation arm23to face the general CT imaging X-ray source20, wherein a micro CT imaging X-ray source27is further provided on the vertical frame26, a rotary table28for seating and rotating an object to be imaged is further provided above the patient support arm30, and the X-ray detector is composed of a common X-ray detector21capable of being rotated by an X-ray detector drive unit22.

That is, the X-ray CT apparatus according to the present embodiment includes both the micro CT imaging X-ray source27and the general CT imaging X-ray source20.

According to the above structure, it is possible to perform both a micro CT imaging operation of imaging an object such as an impression body, a model or the like at a high resolution and a general CT imaging operation of imaging a part of a body of a patient.

In addition, both the micro CT imaging operation and the general CT imaging operation can be performed with only one expensive X-ray detector, which makes it possible to manufacture the X-ray CT apparatus without increasing costs.

A rotary table drive unit29for rotating the rotary table28is provided below the rotary table28on which an object to be imaged is seated.

The rotary table28and the rotary table drive unit29may be fixedly installed, or may be configured to be movable along a rail to change a magnification during the micro CT imaging operation. The rotary table28may be detachably provided on the upper surface of the rotary table drive unit29. In addition, the rotary table28may be fixed to the upper surface of the rotary table drive unit29, and the rotary table drive unit29may be detachably provided on the upper surface of the patient support arm30.

In addition, the micro CT imaging X-ray source27is provided so as to be movable up and down and rotatable at a predetermined angle in a horizontal direction.

According to the above structure, the micro CT imaging operation can be performed while adjusting the position of the micro CT imaging X-ray source27.

Hereinafter, a process of performing a micro CT imaging operation and a general CT imaging operation using the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

First, when performing the micro CT imaging operation, as shown inFIG. 4, the object to be imaged is seated on the rotary table28. Then, the common X-ray detector21provided at one end of the horizontal rotation arm23is rotated to align the micro CT imaging X-ray source27. In other words, the horizontal rotation arm23is rotated by the rotary arm drive unit24, and the common X-ray detector21is rotated by the X-ray detector drive unit22. At this time, the centers of the micro CT imaging X-ray source27and the rotary table28are aligned with each other, and the X-ray source27and the common X-ray detector21are caused to face each other. InFIG. 4, reference numeral32denotes an X-ray center axis during the micro CT imaging operation.

An X-ray is irradiated from the micro CT imaging X-ray source27while rotating the rotary table28. Then, the common X-ray detector21detects the X-ray passing through the object and transmits a detection signal to the computer.

Next, a process of performing a general CT imaging operation using the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the case of performing the general CT imaging operation, a part of the body of the patient is placed on the patient support arm30. Then, as shown inFIG. 5, the general CT imaging X-ray source20and the common X-ray detector21are caused to face each other. InFIG. 5, reference numeral33denotes an X-ray center axis during the general CT imaging operation.

In this state, an X-ray is irradiated from the general CT imaging X-ray source20while rotating the horizontal rotation arm23around the head of the patient. Then, the common X-ray detector21detects the X-ray transmitted through a part of the human body and transmits a detection signal to the computer.

According to the present invention, it is possible to perform both the micro CT imaging operation and the general CT imaging operation using one X-ray CT apparatus.

In particular, the micro CT imaging operation and the general CT imaging operation can be performed using only one expensive X-ray detector, with making it possible to manufacture the X-ray CT apparatus at a relatively low cost.

In addition, since both the micro CT imaging operation and the general CT imaging operation can be performed using one X-ray CT apparatus, it is possible to reduce the equipment purchase cost and enhance the space utilization.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 6shows an X-ray CT apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The X-ray CT apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes two micro CT imaging X-ray sources, each of which is employed in the first embodiment.

That is, as shown inFIG. 6, a first X-ray source34and a second X-ray source35for performing a micro CT imaging operation by irradiating X-rays having different focuses are provided on the vertical frame10employed in the first embodiment.

According to the second embodiment of the present invention, there is an advantage that it is possible to perform a micro CT imaging for various objects.

Other matters are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and the redundant description thereof will be omitted.

Third Embodiment

FIGS. 7 to 9show an X-ray computed tomography (CT) apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 7, the X-ray CT apparatus with a scanner function according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes: a vertical frame26; a patient support arm30provided below the vertical frame26; a horizontal support arm25extending horizontally from a top portion of the vertical frame26; a rotary arm drive unit24provided at an end of the horizontal support arm25; a horizontal rotation arm23provided horizontally below the rotary arm drive unit24to rotate 360 degrees; an X-ray source20provided at one end of the horizontal rotation arm23; and an X-ray detector provided at the other end of the horizontal rotation arm23to face the X-ray source, wherein the X-ray source is composed of a dual focus type X-ray source36capable of emitting both a micro CT imaging X-ray and a general CT imaging X-ray from one tube.

That is, the dual focus type X-ray source36includes two X-ray sources provided in an X-ray tube and capable of emitting X-rays having different focuses.

According to the third embodiment of the present invention, both a micro CT imaging operation and a general CT imaging operation can be performed using only one X-ray tube and one X-ray detector.

First, when performing a micro CT imaging operation, as shown inFIG. 8, the horizontal rotation arm24is rotated by the rotary arm drive unit24, and the horizontal support arm25is moved in front-rear and left-right directions so that the center of the dual focus type X-ray source36provided at one end of the horizontal rotation arm23coincides with the center of the rotary table28.

Then, the dual focus type X-ray source36and the common X-ray detector21are caused to face each other. At this time, the horizontal rotation arm23may be moved in front-rear and left-right directions in order to adjust a magnification. It is also possible to adjust the magnification by moving the rotary table28in front-rear and left-right directions along the X-ray center axis. InFIG. 8, reference numeral32denotes an X-ray center axis when performing a micro CT imaging operation.

Subsequently, the dual focus type X-ray source36irradiates an X-ray for micro CT imaging while rotating the rotary table28by the rotary table drive unit29. Then, the common X-ray detector21detects the X-ray transmitted through an object and transmits a detection signal to the computer.

When performing a general CT imaging operation, as shown inFIG. 9, the rotary arm drive unit24is moved in front-rear and left-right directions so that the center of the rotary arm drive unit24coincides with the center of the body portion of the patient to be imaged. InFIG. 9, reference numeral33denotes an X-ray center axis when performing a general CT imaging operation.

In this state, the head of the patient is positioned on the jaw fixing portion of the patient support arm30. Then, the X-ray for general CT imaging is emitted from the dual X-ray source36while allowing the horizontal rotation arm23to rotate 360 degrees around the head of the patient. The common X-ray detector21detects the X-ray transmitted through a part of the human body and transmits a detection signal to the computer.

Other matters are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

The embodiments described above are presented to merely describe preferred embodiments of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Those skilled in the art may make various changes, modifications or substitutions within the spirit of the present invention and the claims. It is to be understood that such changes, modifications or substitutions fall within the scope of the present invention.