JP7266334B1 - X-ray equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus capable of acquiring in a short time an X-ray image in which the directions of the images are aligned and an image obtained by the imaging apparatus. An X-ray irradiator for irradiating an object with X-rays; an X-ray detector for detecting X-rays transmitted through the object; an X-ray half mirror that transmits X-rays emitted by a device and reflects light from the subject; and an imaging device that receives the light from the subject reflected by the X-ray half mirror. photographic equipment. [Selection drawing] Fig. 1

Description

The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus.

There is an X-ray imaging apparatus that uses an infrared camera to photograph a part of an object to be imaged with X-rays, thereby making it possible to compare the X-ray image and the infrared image, thereby improving diagnostic performance (for example, Patent Document 1). .

JP 2013-158431 A

In one aspect of the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, an infrared camera is moved on the axis of the X-ray focal point, an infrared image is captured, and the infrared camera is moved outside the X-ray irradiation field when photographing with the X-ray irradiator. This aspect has the problem that it takes time to acquire the X-ray image and the infrared image.

In another aspect of the apparatus, an infrared camera outside the x-ray field is aimed at the x-ray focus to capture the infrared image. In this case, there is a problem that the posture of the imaging region differs between the X-ray image and the infrared image, or the infrared image requires complicated corrections to match the posture of the imaging region in the infrared image with the posture of the imaging region in the X-ray image. There is a problem that you need to do

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus capable of acquiring an X-ray image in which the directions of the images are aligned and an image obtained by the imaging apparatus in a short period of time.

The gist of the present invention is as follows with reference to the reference numerals in the drawings.
(1) an X-ray irradiator 31 for irradiating an object with X-rays;
an X-ray detector 61 that detects X-rays that have passed through the object;
an X-ray half mirror 51 between the X-ray irradiator and the subject, which transmits X-rays emitted by the X-ray irradiator and reflects light from the subject;
an imaging device 52 for receiving light from the subject reflected by the X-ray half mirror 51;
An X-ray imaging apparatus 1 comprising:
(2) In the X-ray imaging apparatus according to (1),
An illumination light 4 is provided between the X-ray half mirror and the subject and illuminates the subject,
The X-ray imaging apparatus, wherein the illumination light has a ring shape, and the X-rays emitted from the X-ray irradiator pass through the center.
(3) In the X-ray imaging apparatus according to (2),
The X-ray imaging apparatus, wherein the illumination light includes a plurality of light sources with different center wavelengths.
(4) In the X-ray imaging apparatus according to (3),
a pivoting arm for pivoting the X-ray detector, the X-ray irradiator, the X-ray half mirror, and the imaging device positioned to sandwich the subject with respect to the X-ray detector, around the subject; 2. An X-ray imaging device comprising:

1 is a diagram showing an X-ray imaging apparatus; FIG. It is a figure which shows the imaging|photography principle of an X-ray image and a camera image. FIG. 3 shows an X-ray image and a camera image;

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an X-ray imaging apparatus 1. As shown in FIG.
The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 performs X-ray irradiation, X-ray detection, and imaging so as to acquire an X-ray image and a camera image (image by the imaging device 52) showing the imaging part in the same posture. As the X-ray imaging apparatus 1, an X-ray CT apparatus capable of imaging a wide range of parts of a subject such as the head and body will be described as an example. The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 includes a housing 11 having an openable and closable door and an X-ray shielding function, and can be installed at an appropriate location in a hospital. The housing 11 is provided with a seat portion 111 on which a subject sits, and a grip portion 112 which is gripped by the subject with both arms raised. The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 may be configured to image an upright subject.

The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 includes a swivel arm 2, a display 91, an input section 92, a control section 93, and a PC94.
The display 91 displays an X-ray image for the operator to confirm the imaging direction (angle of view), a camera image from an imaging device 52 described later, and setting information for operating and setting the X-ray imaging device 1 . to display.
The input unit 92 includes buttons, keys, a touch panel, etc., and receives input from the operator.
The control unit 93 includes a processor and memory, and controls the entire X-ray imaging apparatus 1 .

The PC 94 (Personal Computer) includes a processor, memory, input section 941 and display 942 . The processor performs various processes by reading programs in memory. The memory stores various programs as well as X-ray images and camera images generated by the processor. The input unit 941 includes buttons, keys, a touch panel, and the like, and receives input from the operator. A display 942 displays three-dimensional or two-dimensional X-ray images and camera images.

An application (application program) that runs on an OS (Operating System) is installed in the PC 94 . The PC 94 can process received X-ray image data and camera image data using the application and display three-dimensional or two-dimensional X-ray images and camera images in various forms. The application displays, for example, a three-dimensional or two-dimensional X-ray image and a camera image of the same imaging region of the subject on the same screen.

The swivel arm 2 has a support portion 21 positioned on the top surface side of the housing 11 and arms 22 and 23 hanging down from the left and right ends of the support portion 21, and is formed in a downward U shape. The arms 22 and 23 are opposed to each other with the subject sandwiched therebetween. The swivel arm 2 swivels about the subject by a drive mechanism (not shown).

One arm 22 incorporates first and second X-ray irradiators 31 and 32 and a first drive mechanism 33, and has an illumination light 4, an X-ray half mirror 51, and an imaging device 52 installed outside. be.

The first drive mechanism 33 moves both the first and second X-ray irradiators 31 and 32 up and down, controls the attitudes of the first and second X-ray irradiators 31 and 32, and controls the X-ray irradiation direction. do.

The first and second X-ray irradiators 31 and 32 are vacuum tubes that generate X-rays, are vertically separated, and irradiate an object with X-rays.

The other arm 23 has an X-ray detector 61 for detecting X-rays emitted from the first and second X-ray irradiators 31 and 32 and transmitted through the subject, and a second drive for moving the X-ray detector 61 up and down. A mechanism 62 is provided. The X-ray detector 61 is, for example, an FPD (Flat Panel Detector) in which detection elements for detecting X-rays are arranged two-dimensionally. X-ray image data generated by the signal of each pixel by the X-ray detector 61 is sent to the PC 94, and the PC 94 generates a three-dimensional or two-dimensional X-ray image based on the X-ray image data.

When imaging the head, the first and second X-ray irradiators 31 and 32 are positioned upward, the subject's head is placed in the X-ray irradiation field of the first X-ray irradiator 31 above, and the second X-ray irradiator 31 is positioned downward. 2 For example, the chest is placed in the X-ray irradiation field by the X-ray irradiator 32 . The first and second X-ray irradiators 31 and 32 alternately irradiate X-rays at predetermined intervals (for example, 0.03 seconds). The X-ray detector 61 is also associated with a position corresponding to the positions of the first and second X-ray irradiators 31 and 32, and in this case positioned above.

The detection range of the X-ray detector 61 in the vertical direction is a length that allows detection of both the X-rays emitted by the first and second X-ray irradiators 31 and 32 . When the first and second X-ray irradiators 31 and 32 are positioned upward, the irradiation direction of X-rays may be controlled downward. When photographing a three-dimensional image, the object is photographed from 360 degrees around the object by turning the turning arm 2, and X-ray image data is obtained.

By moving the first and second X-ray irradiators 31 and 32 and the X-ray detector 61 downward and rotating the rotating arm 2, the region below the chest of the subject can be imaged. When imaging the lower side of the object, the irradiation directions of the first and second X-ray irradiators 31 and 32 may be controlled upward.

In the arm 22, the illumination light 4, the X-ray half mirror 51, and the imaging device 52 are installed at positions corresponding to the position of the first X-ray irradiator 31 when taking an X-ray image of the head.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the principle of X-ray images and camera images.
The illumination light 4 is between the X-ray half mirror 51 and the subject and illuminates the subject. The illumination light 4 has a ring shape, and the X-rays (X-ray irradiation field) emitted by the first X-ray irradiator 31 pass through the central cavity. The illumination light 4 may include a plurality of light sources 41 and 42 with different central wavelengths depending on the purpose of photographing. The light sources 41 and 42 may be LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). For example, the light source 41 emits light with a wavelength in the visible light range for obtaining a bright normal appearance image. As the light source 41, one having a peak wavelength in the range of 380 nm to 780 nm, for example, may be used. The light source 42 emits light with a wavelength in the infrared light range longer than the wavelength in the visible light range. As the light source 42, one having a peak wavelength in the range of 780 to 1500 nm, for example, may be used. The plurality of light sources 41 and 42, which are LEDs, may be arranged in a ring. By acquiring camera image data with the imaging device 52 that detects light with a wavelength in the infrared light range, the data can be processed to visualize the temperature distribution of the imaging site (see FIG. 3). The outputs of the light sources 41 and 42 may be switched depending on the shooting purpose.

The X-ray half mirror 51 is located between the first X-ray irradiator 31 and the subject, transmits X-rays emitted by the first X-ray irradiator 31, and reflects light from the subject. The X-ray half mirror 51 is, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 10-020095, in a silicon substrate, a boron-containing silicon layer and a multilayer layer are laminated on one surface, and an X-ray transmitting mirror is formed on the other surface. A window may be formed. When the light source 41 outputs, the reflection of light with wavelengths in the visible light range increases, and when the light source 42 outputs, the reflection of light with wavelengths in the infrared light range or radiation from the subject increases. The X-ray half-mirror 51 adjusts the X-ray (X ray field) and is inclined 45 degrees with respect to the reference axis passing through the X-ray focus of the first X-ray irradiator 31 . The direction of reflection of light by the X-ray half mirror 51 can be set in an appropriate direction. The imaging device 52 may be arranged below the X-ray half mirror 51 with the direction vertically downward. In FIG. 1, the reflection angle of the X-ray half mirror 51 is downward and the imaging device 52 is downward, and in FIG. 2, the reflection angle of the X-ray half mirror 51 is horizontal and the imaging device 52 is lateral. is an example, and FIGS. 1 and 2 show that the reflection angle of the X-ray half mirror 51 is 45 degrees with respect to the reference axis of the first X-ray irradiator 31 .

The imaging device 52 receives light from the object reflected by the X-ray half mirror 51 . The imaging device 52 may include a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) for light with wavelengths in the visible light range as an imaging element, or an FPA for light with wavelengths in the infrared light range. (Focal Plane Array), and the optical path may be branched by optical components such as a half mirror and a prism so as to guide light to imaging elements corresponding to the light sources 41 and 42 of the illumination light 4. . For example, the optical path may be designed so that light with wavelengths in the visible light range is guided to the CCD, and light with wavelengths in the infrared range is guided to the FPA. In the present embodiment, the imaging device 52 detects light with a wavelength in the far-infrared light range (eg, 4000 to 1000000 nm) by the above-described configuration, but detects light with a wavelength in the mid-infrared light range (eg, 2500 to 4000 nm). It may be one that detects light. In addition, the imaging device 52 includes pixels provided with filters that selectively transmit light with wavelengths in the visible light range and filters that selectively transmit light with wavelengths in the near-infrared light range (for example, 780 to 2500 nm). The CCD or CMOS provided with the provided pixels may simultaneously acquire X-ray image data and camera image data of a subject in the same posture (same angle of view). The imaging elements 31, 32, 4, 51, and 52 are positioned so that the posture (imaging direction) of the imaging part such as the head is the same in the X-ray image and the camera image.

By rotating the swivel arm 2, the imaging device 52 acquires 360-degree camera image data and transmits it to the PC 94. The PC 94 acquires three-dimensional or two-dimensional camera image data, showing the appearance or the surface. Camera image data indicating temperature and the like is generated.

In this embodiment, the illumination light 4, the X-ray half mirror 51, and the imaging device 52 are fixed in vertical position. The arm 22 may be provided with a third driving device for moving the arm 22 up and down to a position corresponding to the movement.

(effect)
The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 takes a camera image using the X-ray half mirror 51 that transmits X-rays and reflects light from the subject to the imaging device 52 side. (which can be rephrased as shooting direction, angle of view, and line of sight) become the same (see FIG. 3). In addition, since the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 can perform imaging while the relative positions of the imaging device 52 and the first and second X-ray irradiators 31 and 32 are fixed, the X-ray image and the camera image can be quickly obtained.

The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 can display a three-dimensional camera image on the same screen as a three-dimensional X-ray image. Since the surface can be displayed as a camera image and the inside can be displayed as a CT image, the diagnostic performance can be improved.

The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 can receive infrared light or the like other than natural light by means of the imaging device 52, and by processing the image data, it is possible to detect pain, swelling, temperature distribution, etc. of the imaging site such as the head, which was impossible with the naked eye. It is possible to generate a camera image that visualizes

The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 can evenly irradiate light from the surroundings of the imaging part such as the head with the ring-shaped illumination light 4 without causing shadows, and can take good camera images.

The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 rotates the imaging elements 31, 32, 4, 51, and 52 with respect to the subject by the swivel arm 2, so that the entire periphery of the subject can be imaged while the subject is sitting still without lying on the bed. can.

(Modification)
In this embodiment, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 rotates the imaging elements 31, 32, 4, 51, and 52 with respect to the subject, but the imaging elements 31, 32, 4, 51, and 52 are fixed in the circumferential direction. A three-dimensional image may be obtained by placing the subject on the turntable and rotating it. In the X-ray imaging apparatus 1, the subject may be placed on a table having an elevating function, and the subject may be vertically moved with respect to the imaging elements 31, 32, 4, 51, and 52. FIG.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... X-ray imaging apparatus, 2... Rotating arm, 4... Illumination light, 31... X-ray irradiator (first X-ray irradiator), 51... X-ray half mirror, 52... Imaging device, 61... X-ray detector.

Claims (4)

an X-ray irradiator for irradiating an object with X-rays;
an X-ray detector that detects X-rays that have passed through the subject;
an X-ray half-mirror located between the X-ray irradiator and the subject for transmitting X-rays emitted by the X-ray irradiator and reflecting light from the subject;
an imaging device that receives light from the subject reflected by the X-ray half mirror;
an illumination light that is between the X-ray half mirror and the subject and illuminates the subject;
The illumination light has a ring shape, and the X-rays emitted by the X-ray irradiator pass through the center,
The X-ray imaging apparatus , wherein the illumination light includes a plurality of light sources with different center wavelengths . In the X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1,
The illumination light includes a first light source having a central wavelength in the range of 380 nm to 780 nm, and a second light source having a central wavelength different from that of the first light source and having a central wavelength in the range of 780 nm to 1500 nm. An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising: In the X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 2,
An X-ray imaging apparatus capable of switching the output between the first light source and the second light source. In the X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The X-ray detector, and the X-ray irradiator, the X-ray half mirror , the image pickup device , and the illumination light , which are positioned to sandwich the subject with respect to the X-ray detector, are centered on the subject. An X-ray imaging device with a pivoting arm that pivots to.

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