JP2010033822A - X-ray high-voltage device and x-ray diagnostic device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an X-ray diagnostic device that stands by until the end of discharge without stopping the device by preventing the device from erroneously determining that the device is in a failure state if discharge occurs in a high-voltage circuit in such a way that the device does not reach a failure state. <P>SOLUTION: The X-ray diagnostic device includes an X-ray tube 001 for exposing an object under test to X-rays, an inverter 101 for generating pulses, a high-voltage transformer 102 for generating a high voltage, a voltmeter 103 for measuring the high voltage generated by the high-voltage transformer 102, a discharge detecting part 104 for detecting the occurrence of discharge and the end of discharge on the basis of the measured voltage, a timer 106 that starts counting in response to the occurrence of discharge so as to measure a time period during which the discharge occurs, and a control part that makes the high-voltage transformer 102 apply a high voltage to the X-ray tube 001 and stops operation of the inverter 101 when the time period during which the discharge occurs is longer than the pre-stored critical time period. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides an X-ray high voltage apparatus that irradiates a subject with X-rays by applying a high voltage to the X-ray tube, and displays and captures a fluoroscopic image of the subject using the irradiated X-rays. The present invention relates to an X-ray diagnostic apparatus.

  The X-ray diagnostic apparatus irradiates X-rays from the outside of a patient, captures X-rays transmitted through the patient with an X-ray detector or the like, and generates a fluoroscopic image that is a shadow image proportional to the transmitted dose. Then, an operator such as a doctor or a laboratory technician (hereinafter simply referred to as “operator”) diagnoses the subject by observing a fluoroscopic image generated by the X-ray diagnostic apparatus.

  The X-ray generator of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus supplies an X-ray by supplying an X-ray high voltage device that generates a high voltage tube voltage (about ± 75 KV) and a high voltage generated by the X-ray high voltage device. And the generated X-ray tube. Here, the tube voltage is a voltage applied to the X-ray tube.

  In this X-ray high voltage apparatus, even when the apparatus has not failed, discharge may occur in a high voltage circuit such as an X-ray tube or a high voltage transformer. Such discharge may occur due to slight deterioration of the X-ray tube or fluidity of the oil injected into the high-pressure transformer. When the above-described discharge occurs during fluoroscopy, the tube voltage of the X-ray tube is lowered, and it becomes difficult to generate a fluoroscopic image with appropriate luminance.

  Therefore, conventionally, when the above-described discharge occurs even if no failure has occurred, an error is generated in the X-ray high voltage device, and the X-ray high voltage device is temporarily stopped. However, if the X-ray high-voltage device is stopped, image generation stops, and the operator must temporarily stop image observation. This takes a great deal of time for X-ray image diagnosis, makes it impossible to perform a continuous procedure, makes the diagnosis inefficient, and places a heavy burden on the patient.

  Therefore, by detecting and notifying an abnormality around the high voltage, and dealing with the abnormality detected before the X-ray high-voltage apparatus stops due to a failure, a technique for preventing the X-ray high-voltage apparatus from stopping ( For example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-1000049 A

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, when a discharge occurs in the high voltage circuit when using the X-ray diagnostic apparatus in a state where no failure has occurred, the X-ray high voltage apparatus is temporarily stopped as in the prior art. There is a need to. Therefore, in such a case, a continuous procedure cannot be performed, resulting in a decrease in diagnosis efficiency and a burden on the patient.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances. When a discharge that does not cause a failure occurs in a high-voltage circuit, the device does not stop the device as a failure and waits until the discharge ends. An object of the present invention is to provide a line diagnostic apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, an X-ray high voltage apparatus according to claim 1 is an X-ray tube that exposes an X-ray to a subject, a high voltage that generates a pulse and generates a high voltage by the pulse. Generating means, a voltmeter for measuring the high voltage generated by the high voltage generating means, a discharge detecting means for detecting the occurrence of discharge and the end of discharge based on the measured voltage, and receiving the occurrence of the discharge The timer starts counting, measures the time during which the discharge is generated, and causes the high voltage generation means to apply the high voltage to the X-ray tube, and the time during which the discharge occurs. And a control unit for stopping the operation of the high voltage generating means when the time is longer than the limit time stored in advance.

  The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, an X-ray tube that irradiates a subject with X-rays, a high-voltage generation unit that generates a pulse and generates a high voltage by the pulse, and the high-voltage generation unit A voltmeter that measures the voltage output from the battery, a discharge detection means that detects the occurrence of discharge and the end of discharge based on the measured voltage, and starts counting upon occurrence of the discharge to generate the discharge And a timer for measuring the time during which the high voltage is generated and the high voltage generating means applies the high voltage to the X-ray tube, and the time during which the discharge is occurring is longer than a limit time stored in advance. If long, the control unit for stopping the operation of the high voltage generation unit, the X-ray detection unit for detecting the X-ray transmitted through the subject, and the image generation for generating a fluoroscopic image based on the detected X-ray Means and an image based on the image data And display control means for displaying on the shown means, is characterized in that it comprises a.

  The X-ray high-voltage device according to claim 1 or the X-ray diagnostic device according to claim 7 does not stop the high-voltage generating means within a certain period of time even if discharge occurs in the high-voltage circuit. In this configuration, the X-ray data in time is not used for image generation. As a result, even if a discharge that has not caused a failure occurs, the operator can continue the procedure without interruption. Therefore, the X-ray high voltage apparatus or the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention can contribute to the improvement of diagnosis efficiency and the reduction of the burden on the patient.

[First Embodiment]
The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing functions of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment includes an X-ray high voltage apparatus 100, an X-ray tube 001, an X-ray detection unit 002, an image generation unit 003, a display control unit 004, a display unit 005, and A user interface 007 having an input unit 006 and a storage unit 008 are provided.

  The X-ray high voltage apparatus 100 includes an inverter 101, a high voltage transformer 102, a discharge detection unit 104, a control unit 105, a timer 106, and a resistor 107.

  The inverter 101 is controlled by the control unit 105 to turn on and off the pulse generation. In this pulse, the value represented by the equation of pulse generation interval / pulse period is “Duty”. Inverter 101 transmits a pulse generated based on an instruction from control unit 105 to high-voltage transformer 102 as a drive pulse. The inverter 101 has a voltmeter 103 inside. However, the voltmeter 103 may be disposed outside the inverter 101.

  The voltmeter 103 measures the output voltage of the high-voltage transformer 102 that has been divided by a resistor 107 described later. The voltmeter 103 outputs the measured output voltage to the discharge detection unit 104.

  The high voltage transformer 102 includes a high voltage rectifier. High-voltage transformer 102 boosts the drive pulse received from inverter 101. Further, the high voltage transformer 102 converts the boosted drive pulse into a direct current with a high voltage rectifier and applies a maximum tube voltage of ± 75 kV between the anode and the positive electrode of the X-ray tube 001.

  The inverter 101 and the high voltage transformer 102 correspond to the “high voltage generating means” in the present invention.

  The resistor 107 is a series-connected resistor for dividing the output voltage from the high-voltage transformer 102 and taking it out. The voltage divided by the resistor 107 is output to a voltmeter 103 provided in the inverter 101. In the present embodiment, the resistor 107 divides the output voltage from the high-voltage transformer 102 at a ratio of 100,000: 10. For example, if the actual voltage output from the high voltage transformer 102 is 75 kV, the voltage is divided to 7.5 V. Here, the ratio of the partial pressure may be any other value as long as the voltage is divided to a value that is easy to use for voltage measurement, and is preferably set according to the use environment.

  The discharge detection unit 104 has a storage area such as a CPU and a memory. The discharge detection unit 104 stores an output voltage threshold for detecting discharge due to a decrease in the output voltage of the high-voltage transformer 102 in an internal storage area. This threshold value is lower than the reduction in output power that occurs during normal X-ray irradiation. Therefore, this threshold value distinguishes between a decrease in output power due to normal X-ray irradiation and a decrease in output voltage due to discharge. Here, the voltage value input from the voltmeter 103 to the discharge detection unit 104 is a voltage value smaller than the actual output because of the divided voltage. Therefore, in actuality, the discharge detection unit 104 calculates the input voltage value by converting it into an actual output value in the high-voltage transformer 102. Therefore, for the convenience of explanation, the voltage value after conversion will be described below. In the present embodiment, the discharge detection unit 104 stores in advance in the storage area 37.5 kV, which is 50% of the maximum tube voltage ± 75 kV, as a threshold value. Empirically, normal X-ray irradiation rarely falls below a value of 50% of the maximum tube voltage, and therefore, in this embodiment, a value of 50% was used as a threshold value.

  Discharge detection unit 104 receives an input of a voltage value measured by voltmeter 103 in inverter 101. The discharge detection unit 104 detects whether the input voltage value has fallen below 37.5 kV. This corresponds to “discharge detection” in the present invention. When the value of the input voltage is less than 37.5 kV, the discharge detection unit 104 outputs a discharge generation signal to the control unit 105 and the timer 106. Thereafter, when the value of the input voltage becomes 37.5 kV or more, the discharge detection unit 104 outputs a discharge end signal to the control unit 105 and the timer 106. Here, the end of discharge means recovery of the output voltage from the high-voltage transformer 102. The discharge detection unit 104 corresponds to “discharge detection means” in the present invention.

  The timer 106 receives a discharge generation signal from the discharge detection unit 104 and starts counting time. Then, the timer 106 outputs to the control unit 105 the time during which the counted discharge is occurring (hereinafter simply referred to as “discharge time”). Thereafter, the timer 106 receives a discharge end signal from the discharge detection unit 104 and stops counting the discharge time. After stopping the count, the timer 106 resets the count.

  The control unit 105 has a storage unit such as a CPU and a memory. The control unit 105 stores a limit time, which is a time threshold for determining a low voltage due to a failure, in its own storage unit. The limit time value varies depending on the device, but is preferably determined empirically. As an example of this case, in the present embodiment, the control unit 105 stores the limit time as 50 msec. Here, the limit time may be a value that can be determined to be a failure if the low voltage continues empirically for a period of time, and is generally preferably several tens of msec.

  The control unit 105 receives a discharge generation input from the discharge detection unit 104, and outputs a discharge detection signal to the X-ray detection unit 002, the image generation unit 003, and the display control unit 004.

  The control unit 105 receives an input of the discharge time counted by the timer 106. Then, the control unit 105 compares the discharge time input from the timer 106 with the limit time stored in advance.

  When the discharge time is shorter than the limit time, that is, when the control unit 105 receives a discharge end signal from the discharge detection unit 104 before the discharge time input from the timer 106 exceeds the limit time, the control unit 105 Outputs a discharge end signal to the X-ray detection unit 002, the image generation unit 003, and the display control unit 004. At this time, the control unit 105 stores information on the occurrence of discharge in its own storage unit.

  Further, after the end of the discharge, that is, after the output voltage of the high-voltage transformer 102 is recovered, upon receiving a signal for the completion of the fluoroscopic image generation from the input unit 006, the control unit 105 has information on the occurrence of the discharge in its own storage unit. Confirm whether or not. When there is information on the occurrence of discharge, the control unit 105 transmits a command to the display control unit 004 to display a message indicating that discharge has occurred on the display unit 005. The signal for ending generation of the fluoroscopic image is transmitted, for example, when the operator releases a fluoroscopic switch that is one of the input units 006. Here, in the present embodiment, the operator is notified that a discharge has occurred so that the operator can deal with the situation when necessary, but the X-ray according to the present invention can be provided without this notification. The diagnostic device is operable.

  When the discharge time is longer than the limit time, that is, when the discharge end signal is not input from the discharge detection unit 104 even after the limit time stored in the control unit 105 is exceeded, the control unit 105 operates the inverter 101. Stop. Further, the control unit 105 transmits a warning display command to the display control unit 004. Here, in the present embodiment, a warning is displayed on the display unit 005 so that the operator can quickly grasp the occurrence of the failure. However, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention can operate without notification of this warning. is there. The control unit 105 corresponds to the “control unit” in the present invention.

  A maximum of ± 75 kV (neutral point system) tube voltage is applied to the X-ray tube 001 from the X-ray high voltage apparatus 100. The X-ray tube 001 exposes the X-rays toward the subject by the applied tube voltage.

  The X-ray detection unit 002 detects X-rays that have passed through the subject and entered the X-ray detection unit 002. Then, the X-ray detection unit 002 converts the X-ray detection signal to a magnitude corresponding to the intensity of the incident X-ray and outputs the X-ray detection signal to the image generation unit 003. For example, the X-ray detection unit 002 uses a 17-inch square direct conversion type flat panel detector (FPD) or the like. This X-ray detection unit 002 corresponds to “X-ray detection means” in the present invention.

  Furthermore, the X-ray detection unit 002 receives the discharge detection signal from the control unit 105 and stops the X-ray detection. The X-ray detection is stopped by discarding the detected X-ray signal. (Alternatively, the X-ray detection signal is invalidated by setting an invalid flag or the like in the X-ray detection signal.) Thereafter, the X-ray detection unit 002 inputs a discharge end signal from the control unit 105. In response, X-ray detection is resumed. (Alternatively, the X-ray detection signal is validated by setting a flag indicating validity in the X-ray detection signal.)

  The image generation unit 003 converts the X-ray detection signal input from the X-ray detection unit 002 into a digital signal. The image generation unit 003 generates a fluoroscopic image by performing necessary image processing such as edge enhancement and filtering on the digitized X-ray detection signal. The image generation unit 003 outputs the generated perspective image data to the display control unit 004. Furthermore, the image generation unit 003 stores the generated perspective image in the storage unit 008. This image generation unit 003 corresponds to the “image generation means” in the present invention.

  Further, the image generation unit 003 receives a discharge detection signal from the control unit 105 and stops generating a fluoroscopic image. Thereafter, the image generation unit 003 receives a discharge end signal from the control unit 105 and restarts the generation of the fluoroscopic image.

  The display control unit 004 causes the display unit 005 to display the fluoroscopic image input from the image generation unit 003. The display unit 005 is a monitor, for example. The display control unit 004 corresponds to “display control means” in the present invention.

  Furthermore, the display control unit 004 receives an input of a discharge detection signal from the control unit 105, and is the newest image (hereinafter referred to as “final image”) among the fluoroscopic images stored in the storage unit 008. ) To get. Then, the display control unit 004 causes the display unit 005 to display the acquired final image. Thereafter, the display control unit 004 receives an input of the discharge end signal from the control unit 105, stops the display of the final image displayed on the display unit 005, and displays the fluoroscopic image sent from the image generation unit 003. indicate.

  Next, the operation at the time of occurrence of discharge in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation when a discharge occurs in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  Step S001: The X-ray high voltage apparatus 100 generates a pulse and applies a high voltage tube voltage to the X-ray tube 001. The X-ray tube 001 emits X-rays toward the subject. The X-ray detection unit 002 detects X-rays transmitted through the subject and generates an X-ray detection signal. The image generation unit 003 generates a fluoroscopic image based on the X-ray detection signal. Furthermore, the image generation unit 003 stores the generated perspective image in the storage unit 008. The display control unit 004 causes the display unit 005 to display the fluoroscopic image generated by the image generation unit 003.

  Step S002: The discharge detection unit 104 compares the output voltage of the high-voltage transformer 102 measured by the voltmeter 103 with a threshold value of a voltage stored in advance. When the output voltage of the high voltage transformer 102 is below the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S006. On the other hand, when the output voltage of the high-voltage transformer 102 is equal to or higher than the threshold, the process proceeds to step S003.

  Step S003: The control unit 105 determines whether an image generation end signal is input from the input unit 006 included in the user interface 007. If an image generation end signal has not been input, the process proceeds to step S001. If an image generation end signal is received, the process proceeds to step S004.

  Step S004: The control unit 105 refers to its own storage unit and determines whether or not a discharge has occurred during image generation. If discharge has occurred, the process proceeds to step S005. If no discharge has occurred, the generation of the fluoroscopic image is terminated.

  Step S005: The display control unit 004 receives a discharge occurrence warning display command from the control unit 105, and causes the display unit 005 to display a discharge occurrence warning.

  Step S006: The timer 106 receives a discharge generation signal from the discharge detection unit 104, and starts counting the discharge time.

  Step S007: Upon receiving the discharge generation signal from the discharge detection unit 104, the control unit 105 outputs a discharge detection signal to the X-ray detection unit 002, the image generation unit 003, and the display control unit 004.

  Step S008: The X-ray detection unit 002 receives an input of a discharge detection signal from the control unit 105, and stops X-ray detection.

  Step S009: The image generation unit 003 receives a discharge detection signal from the control unit 105, and stops the image generation.

  Step S010: Upon receiving the discharge detection signal from the control unit 105, the image generation unit 003 acquires a final image that is the latest image from the images generated by the image generation unit 003 from the storage unit 008. The image is displayed on the display unit 005.

  Step S011: The control unit 105 compares the discharge time input from the timer 106 with the limit time stored in advance. If the discharge time exceeds the limit time, it is determined that there is a failure and the process proceeds to step S012. If the control unit 105 receives a discharge end signal from the discharge detection unit 104 before the discharge time exceeds the limit time, the process proceeds to step S014.

  Step S012: If it is determined in step S011 that there is a failure, the control unit 105 stops the inverter 101.

  Step S013: The control unit 105 transmits a warning display command indicating that a failure has occurred to the display control unit 004. The display control unit 004 receives the instruction and causes the display unit 005 to display a notification of the occurrence of the failure.

  Step S014: Upon receipt of a discharge end signal from the discharge detector 104, the timer 106 stops counting the discharge time.

  Step S015: The timer 106 resets the discharge time count.

  Step S016: The control unit 105 outputs a discharge end signal to the X-ray detection unit 002, the image generation unit 003, and the display control unit 004.

  Step S017: The X-ray detection unit 002 receives the input of the discharge end signal from the control unit 105 and restarts the X-ray detection.

  Step S018: In response to the input of the discharge end signal from the control unit 105, the image generation unit 003 resumes image generation.

  Step S019: The display control unit 004 receives the input of the discharge end signal from the control unit 105, stops the display of the final image from the display unit 005, and further, the fluoroscopy input from the image generation unit 003 to the display unit 005. Display an image.

  Here, in this embodiment, in order to suppress wasteful operation and energy consumption, the X-ray detection in the X-ray detection unit 002 and the operation of the image generation unit 003 are stopped when discharge occurs. However, either or both of these may be operating. In that case, the image generated during the occurrence of the discharge is not displayed on the display unit 005, and the last generated perspective before the occurrence of the discharge is displayed. What is necessary is just to make it the structure which displays the last image which is an image on the display part 005. FIG.

  As described above, in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment, even if discharge occurs in the high voltage circuit, the inverter 101 is stopped if the output voltage of the high voltage transformer 102 recovers in a certain time. The image generation can be automatically resumed after the discharge is completed. Thereby, in the case of a discharge that does not lead to a failure, the operator can continue the procedure, improve the efficiency of diagnosis, and reduce the burden on the patient.

[Second Embodiment]
The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Unlike the first embodiment, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment does not resume the generation of a fluoroscopic image even if the discharge ends (the output voltage of the high-voltage transformer recovers) within a certain time after the occurrence of the discharge. It is. Therefore, in the following description, the operation of the control unit after the occurrence of discharge will be mainly described. The configuration of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment is also represented by the block diagram of FIG. 1 as in the first embodiment. And in this embodiment, the function part to which the same code | symbol as 1st Embodiment is attached | subjected without description in particular has the same function.

  Also in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment, the configuration relating to the generation of a fluoroscopic image is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  The discharge detection unit 104 compares the voltage value input from the voltmeter 103 with a voltage threshold value stored in advance. When the input voltage value falls below the threshold value, the discharge detection unit 104 inputs a discharge occurrence signal to the control unit 105 and the timer 106. Further, the discharge detection unit 104 inputs a discharge end signal to the control unit 105 and the timer 106 when the voltage once lower than the threshold becomes a value equal to or higher than the threshold, that is, when the output voltage of the high-voltage transformer 102 is recovered. To do.

  The control unit 105 stores a limit time in advance. Furthermore, the control unit 105 stores in advance a standby time that is shorter than the limit time. In the present embodiment, the control unit 105 stores the limit time as 50 msec and the standby time as 20 msec. Here, the standby time may be any value as long as it is shorter than the limit time and has a margin for detecting the end of discharge by the limit time, and is preferably set according to the use environment.

  Upon receiving a discharge generation signal from the discharge detection unit 104, the control unit 105 outputs a discharge detection signal to the X-ray detection unit 002, the image generation unit 003, and the display control unit 004.

  The control unit 105 receives the discharge time counted by the timer 106. The control unit 105 compares the input discharge time with the standby time, and further compares the discharge time with the limit time.

  The control unit 105 outputs the discharge end signal to the X-ray detection unit 002, the image generation unit 003, and the display control unit 004 even when the discharge end signal is input from the discharge detection unit 104 before the standby time. Wait without doing it.

  When the discharge end signal is input from the discharge detection unit 104 after the standby time and before the limit time, the control unit 105 terminates the discharge to the X-ray detection unit 002, the image generation unit 003, and the display control unit 004. Output a signal.

  When the discharge end signal is not input from the discharge detection unit 104 within the limit time, the control unit 105 stops the inverter 101.

  The X-ray detection unit 002 and the image generation unit 003 receive the discharge detection signal from the control unit 105 and stop the operation. In addition, the X-ray detection unit 002 and the image generation unit 003 receive the discharge end signal from the control unit 105 and restart the operation.

  The display control unit 004 receives a discharge detection signal from the control unit 105, acquires a final image from the storage unit 008, and causes the display unit 005 to display the final image. Further, the display control unit 004 receives the input of the discharge end signal from the control unit 105, stops the final image from the display unit 005, and further displays the fluoroscopic image input from the image generation unit 003 on the display unit 005. Let

  The operation of the above X-ray high voltage apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a graph of a change in output voltage in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the graph of FIG. 3, the vertical axis represents output voltage and the horizontal axis represents time. In this description, it is assumed that a tube voltage of ± 75 kV is applied to the X-ray tube 001. In this description, the threshold value of the output voltage is 37.5 kV.

  When the voltage drops below 37.5 kV after reaching the maximum voltage of 75 kV, that is, during the time indicated by the point 301 in FIG. 3, the discharge detection unit 104 detects the discharge, and the control unit 105 and the timer 106 generate a discharge. Input the signal. During the standby time of 20 mmsec from the time at point 301, the control unit 105 waits without issuing an operation restart command or the like. That is, the control unit 105 stands by until the time of the point 302. In the meantime, as shown in FIG. 3, even if the output voltage exceeds the threshold and the discharge detection unit 104 detects the end of the discharge, the control unit 105 ends the discharge to the X-ray detection unit 002, the image generation unit 003, and the display control unit 004. Does not output signals. Further, when the discharge is completed at the time indicated by the point 303 after the time at the point 302 has been exceeded, the discharge detection unit 104 inputs a discharge end signal to the control unit 105. Since the point 303 corresponds to the time from the point 301 to the point 304 after 50 mmsec which is the limit time, the control unit 105 notifies the X-ray detection unit 002, the image generation unit 003, and the display control unit 004 of the end of discharge. Output.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the flow of operation of the X-ray high voltage apparatus 100 when a discharge occurs in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the X-ray high voltage apparatus 100 when a discharge occurs in the present embodiment.

  Step S101: The discharge detection unit 104 detects the occurrence of discharge.

  Step S102: The timer 106 starts counting the discharge time.

  Step S103: The control unit 105 outputs a discharge detection signal to the X-ray detection unit 002, the image generation unit 003, and the display control unit 004.

  Step S104: The discharge detection unit 104 compares the voltage input from the voltmeter 103 with a threshold value, and determines whether or not the discharge has ended. If the discharge has not ended, step S104 is repeated. When the discharge is completed, the process proceeds to step S105.

  Step S105: The control unit 105 determines whether or not the discharge time input from the timer 106 exceeds the standby time. If the discharge time does not exceed the standby time, the process proceeds to step S104. If the discharge time does not exceed the standby time, the process proceeds to step S106.

  Step S106: The control unit 105 determines whether or not the discharge time exceeds the limit time. If the time limit has not been exceeded, the process proceeds to step S107. If the discharge time exceeds the limit time, the process proceeds to step S109.

  Step S107: The timer 106 stops counting the discharge time and resets the counter.

  Step S108: The control unit 105 outputs a discharge end signal to the X-ray detection unit 002, the image generation unit 003, and the display control unit 004.

  Step S109: The control unit 105 stops the inverter 101.

  Although not described in this flow, the X-ray detection unit 002 and the image generation unit 003 stop the operation upon receiving the discharge detection signal and restart the operation upon receiving the discharge end signal. The display control unit 004 receives a discharge detection signal, acquires a final image from the storage unit 008, displays the final image on the display unit 005, receives a discharge end signal, and outputs the final image to the display unit 005. The display of the image is stopped, and the fluoroscopic image input from the image generation unit 003 is further displayed on the display unit 005.

  As described above, in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment, the image generation unit 003 changes to the X-ray detection restart, the image generation restart, and the final image even if the discharge ends within the standby time. However, the image generated after the operation is resumed is not displayed. Thereby, it is possible to reduce repetition of on / off of X-ray detection, image generation, and display of the final image in a short time even in a disturbed tube voltage waveform peculiar to discharge. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the failure of the apparatus due to repeated on / off in a short time.

[Third Embodiment]
The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Unlike the first embodiment, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured to shorten the duty of the inverter and gradually increase the duty after the occurrence of discharge. Therefore, in the following description, operations of the control unit and the inverter after the occurrence of discharge will be mainly described. The configuration of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment is also represented by the block diagram of FIG. 1 as in the first embodiment. And in this embodiment, the function part to which the same code | symbol as 1st Embodiment is attached | subjected without description in particular has the same function.

  FIG. 5A is a graph showing changes in the output voltage of the high-voltage transformer 102 during discharge in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the state of the drive pulse of the inverter 101 corresponding to the time of FIG. In the graph of FIG. 5A, the vertical axis represents output voltage and the horizontal axis represents time.

  The control unit 105 receives a discharge generation signal from the discharge detection unit 104. This corresponds to a point 501 in FIG. At this time, the control unit 105 outputs a discharge detection signal to the X-ray detection unit 002, the image generation unit 003, and the display control unit 004.

  The control unit 105 receives a discharge generation signal and lowers the duty of the inverter 101. The drive pulse of the inverter 101 whose duty is lowered is 502 in FIG. Then, the control unit 105 gradually increases the duty and restores the duty to the drive pulse of the inverter 101 before the occurrence of discharge. A state where the duty is restored to the drive pulse of the inverter 101 before the occurrence of the discharge is 503.

  When the control unit 105 receives a discharge end signal from the discharge detection unit 104 before the limit time, that is, at the point 504 in FIG. 5A, the X-ray detection unit 002, the image generation unit 003, and the display Outputs a discharge end signal to the control unit 004.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the case where the return of the duty is earlier than the end of the discharge (that is, the recovery of the output voltage of the high-voltage transformer 102) has been described, but the end of the discharge is earlier and the return of the duty is faster than the end of the discharge. There may be a delay. In this case, the control unit 105 does not output a discharge end signal to the X-ray detection unit 002, the image generation unit, and the display control unit 004 at the end of the discharge. Thereafter, when the duty is restored, the control unit 105 outputs a discharge end signal to the X-ray detection unit 002, the image generation unit 003, and the display control unit 004. As described above, the control unit 105 outputs a discharge end signal to the X-ray detection unit 002, the image generation unit 003, and the display control unit 004 at the later timing of the duty recovery or the end of the discharge. Is preferred.

  As described above, in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment, immediately after the occurrence of discharge, the duty of the drive pulse of the inverter 101 is lowered, and the drive pulse of the inverter 101 is gradually restored to the duty before the occurrence of discharge. be able to. If the inverter 101 is driven with a normal duty after the occurrence of discharge, the scale of discharge may be increased. Therefore, in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent an increase in the scale of the discharge, prevent the transient discharge from becoming a continuous discharge, and damage the device inside the inverter 101. It is possible to reduce the risk of giving.

Block diagram of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention The flowchart showing the operation | movement at the time of discharge generation in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. Graph of change in tube voltage in X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to second embodiment The flowchart showing operation | movement of the X-ray high voltage apparatus at the time of discharge in 2nd Embodiment. (A) The graph showing the change of the output voltage of the high voltage transformer at the time of discharge in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment, (B) the state of the drive pulse of the inverter corresponding to the time of (A)

Explanation of symbols

001 X-ray tube 002 X-ray detection unit 003 Image generation unit 004 Display control unit 005 Display unit 006 Input unit 007 User interface 008 Storage unit 100 X-ray high voltage device 101 Inverter 102 High voltage transformer 103 Voltmeter 104 Discharge detection unit 105 Control unit 106 Timer 107 Resistor

Claims (12)

An X-ray tube for exposing the subject to X-rays;
High voltage generating means for generating a pulse and generating a high voltage by the pulse;
A voltmeter for measuring a high voltage generated by the high voltage generating means;
Discharge detection means for detecting the occurrence of discharge and the end of discharge based on the measured voltage;
A timer that starts counting upon receipt of the occurrence of the discharge and measures the time during which the discharge is occurring,
When the high voltage generating means applies the high voltage to the X-ray tube and the time during which the discharge is generated is longer than a preliminarily stored limit time, the operation of the high voltage generating means A control unit for stopping
An X-ray high voltage apparatus comprising:   The control means outputs a discharge detection signal when the occurrence of the discharge is detected, and outputs the discharge end signal when the end of the discharge is detected within the recovery time. The X-ray high voltage apparatus according to claim 1.   The control unit further stores a standby time shorter than the limit time, and when the end of the discharge is detected within the limit time after the standby time, the control unit outputs a signal indicating the end of the discharge. The X-ray high voltage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray high voltage apparatus outputs the X-ray.   When the occurrence of the discharge is detected, the control means lowers the duty of the pulse of the high voltage generation means, and gradually increases the duty, thereby returning to the duty before the occurrence of the discharge. The X-ray high-voltage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein   5. The X according to claim 4, wherein the control means ends the discharge when the duty returns to the duty before the occurrence of the discharge or the recovery of the high voltage, whichever is later. Line high voltage device.   6. The X-ray height according to claim 1, wherein the control unit issues a warning when a time during which the discharge is generated is longer than the recovery time. Voltage device. An X-ray tube for exposing the subject to X-rays;
High voltage generating means for generating a pulse and generating a high voltage by the pulse;
A voltmeter for measuring a voltage output from the high voltage generating means;
Discharge detection means for detecting the occurrence of discharge and the end of discharge based on the measured voltage;
A timer that starts counting upon receipt of the occurrence of the discharge and measures the time during which the discharge is occurring,
When the high voltage generating means applies the high voltage to the X-ray tube and the time during which the discharge is generated is longer than a preliminarily stored limit time, the operation of the high voltage generating means A control unit for stopping
X-ray detection means for detecting the X-ray transmitted through the subject;
Image generating means for generating a fluoroscopic image based on the detected X-ray;
Display control means for causing the display means to display an image based on the image data;
An X-ray diagnostic apparatus comprising: The control means includes
When the occurrence of the discharge is detected, a discharge detection signal is output.When the end of the discharge is detected within the limit time, the discharge end signal is output.
The display control means includes
The fluoroscopic image generated immediately before the discharge is displayed on the display unit in response to the input of the discharge detection signal, and the fluoroscopic image generated immediately before the discharge is received in response to the input of the discharge end signal. Instead, the display means displays the fluoroscopic image generated by the image generation means after the end of the discharge,
The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7.   The control unit further stores a standby time shorter than the limit time, and when the end of the discharge is detected within the limit time after the standby time, the control unit outputs a signal indicating the end of the discharge. The X-ray diagnosis apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the X-ray diagnosis apparatus outputs the X-ray diagnosis apparatus.   When the occurrence of the discharge is detected, the control means lowers the duty of the pulse of the high voltage generation means, and gradually increases the duty, thereby returning to the duty before the occurrence of the discharge. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the X-ray diagnostic apparatus is characterized in that:   11. The X according to claim 10, wherein the control means ends the discharge when the duty returns to the duty before the occurrence of the discharge or the recovery of the high voltage, whichever is later. Line diagnostic equipment.   The X-ray diagnosis according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the control unit issues a warning when the time during which the discharge is occurring is longer than the recovery time. apparatus.

Images