JPH06269437A - Digital x-ray radiographing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily execute inspection by selectively using rotary stereoscopic photograph and tomographic photograph at one apparatus concerning the diagnostic part of an examinee. CONSTITUTION:An X-ray tube device 3 movable only within a prescribed angle range around the rotational center of a rotary supporter 2 on the rotary supporter 2 equipped in a main body gantry 1 is moved on this rotary supporter 2 and just faced respectively to a video system device 4 or an X-ray detector 5 fixed at different prescribed positions on the rotary supporter 2, in examinee 11 on an examinee table 13 is irradiated with X rays from the X-ray tube device 3 while rotating this rotary supporter 2, and rotary stereoscopic photograph or tomographic photograph is performed to the diagnostic part, Thus, the inspection can easily be executed by selectively using the rotary stereoscopic photograph and tomographic photograph at one apparatus concerning the diagnostic part of the examinee 11.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention radiates X-rays to the subject while rotating an X-ray tube device and an image detection system around the subject on a table and detects the transmitted X-rays to detect the X-rays. The present invention relates to a digital X-ray imaging apparatus for taking an image and obtaining an inspection image of a diagnostic region of the subject, and particularly, one unit can easily perform an inspection by selectively using rotational stereoscopic photography and tomographic imaging of the diagnostic region of the subject. The present invention relates to a digital X-ray imaging apparatus that can be used.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional digital X-ray radiographing apparatus is installed in a main body gantry which is installed on the floor and has an opening for inserting a subject table in the horizontal direction at a substantially central portion of the upright portion. On a ring-shaped rotary support rotatably provided around the X-ray tube device and the image detection system with the center of rotation of the rotary support interposed therebetween, An X-ray CT apparatus that obtains a two-dimensional tomographic image by slicing the diagnostic region of the subject by rotating the rotary support device around the subject, and an image of the diagnostic region taken from the surroundings is displayed as a moving image. The X-ray rotation stereoscopic imaging device for observing as a stereoscopic image was independently configured as a separate device.

[0003]

In such a conventional digital X-ray photographing apparatus, the X-ray CT apparatus and the X-ray rotary stereoscopic photographing apparatus are independently configured as separate apparatuses, and therefore these two apparatuses are not provided. If the equipment is installed in the same facility (hospital, etc.), two separate X-ray shielding rooms are required, or there is a large enough space for accommodating the above two equipment. It required a large radiography room with X-ray shielding. Therefore, in either case, a large space and cost for two devices are required, resulting in high cost.

Further, for example, in an emergency medical facility or the like, both an examination by an X-ray rotary stereoscopic imaging apparatus and an examination by an X-ray CT apparatus are carried out on a subject who needs an emergency diagnosis and treatment. In that case, while carrying the subject placed on the stretcher to the imaging room where one device is installed,
Transfer to the subject table for the device and inspect by X-ray irradiation, then put the subject again on the stretcher and carry it to the imaging room where the other device is installed,
The inspection by X-ray irradiation had to be performed by transferring to the subject table for the apparatus. At this time, moving the critically ill subject between the imaging rooms or transferring the subject to the subject table imposes a heavy burden on the subject and is also dangerous. Furthermore, in addition to the time required for the actual examination, it takes time to move the subject and transfer each device to the subject table, and in order to perform these operations safely and in a short time, many It required skilled operators and assistants.

In view of the above, the present invention addresses such a problem, and a single device can easily perform an inspection on a diagnostic region of a subject by selectively using rotational stereoscopic imaging and tomographic imaging. An object is to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, a digital X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention is installed on a floor surface, and a subject table is inserted horizontally in a substantially central portion of an upright portion. A main body gantry having an opening, a ring-shaped rotary support rotatably provided in the main body gantry around the opening, and a rotation center of the rotary support on the rotary support. An X-ray tube device movably provided within a predetermined angle range for emitting X-rays to the subject, and a transmission X-ray image of the subject which is fixed at a predetermined position on the rotary support and converted into an optical image. An image system device that captures an output optical image and converts it into a video signal, and an X-ray detector that is fixed at another predetermined position on the rotary support and that detects a transmitted X-ray of the subject and converts it into an electrical signal. , The video signal from the above video equipment A first image processing device for converting the digital signal into an image by processing the digital signal and an electric signal from the X-ray detector for digitalizing the digital signal and reconstructing a tomographic image. A second image processing device, one or a plurality of display devices for respectively inputting image signals from these image processing devices and displaying an image, a rotating operation of the rotary support and a moving operation of the X-ray tube device. It comprises a main body controller for controlling and a system controller for controlling the operation of each of the above-mentioned components, and the X-ray tube device is moved on a rotary support so that the X-ray tube device and the X-ray detector are respectively positive and negative. X to the subject on the subject table
A line is radiated to perform rotational stereoscopic imaging or tomographic imaging of the diagnostic site.

[0007]

The digital X-ray imaging apparatus constructed in this manner is an X-ray tube which is movable on the rotary support provided in the main body gantry about the rotation center of the rotary support within a predetermined angle range. The X-ray tube is moved while moving the device on the rotary support, and is made to face the image system device or the X-ray detector fixed at different predetermined positions on the rotary support, respectively, while rotating the rotary support. The apparatus operates to radiate X-rays to the subject on the subject table and perform rotational stereoscopic imaging or tomographic imaging of the diagnostic region. This allows
It is possible to easily perform an inspection on a diagnostic region of a subject by using one of the three units, one of which is rotational stereoscopic imaging and the other of which is tomographic imaging.

[0008]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a digital X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention. This digital X-ray imaging apparatus emits X-rays to the subject while rotating the X-ray tube device and the image detection system around the subject on the table, detects the transmitted X-rays, and performs X-ray photography. In order to obtain an inspection image by rotational stereoscopic imaging and tomographic imaging of the diagnostic region of the subject, as shown in the figure, a main body gantry 1, a rotary support 2, an X-ray tube device 3, and an image system. Device 4
The X-ray detector 5, the first image processing device 6, the second image processing device 7, the display device 8, the main body controller 9, and the system controller 10.

The main body gantry 1 serves as a main body for rotatably supporting an X-ray tube device 3, an image system device 4, an X-ray detector 5 and the like, which will be described later, and performing an X-ray inspection on a subject 11. A substantially circular opening 14 for inserting the subject table 13 in the horizontal direction is formed at a substantially central portion of the upright portion installed on the surface 12. A rotary supporter 2 is provided inside the main body gantry 1. The rotation support 2 rotatably supports the X-ray tube device 3, the image system device 4, and the X-ray detector 5, and is formed in a ring shape having a rotation center at the center of the opening 14. It is rotatably provided around the opening 14 and can be rotated in the forward and reverse directions in the arrow C or D direction by a known drive mechanism (not shown). The rotation angle range of the rotary supporter 2 is, for example, 36 at maximum when the X-ray irradiation angle with respect to the subject 11 is large.
If it is 0 degrees, an acceleration section from starting the rotation until the X-ray emission starts and a deceleration section from the end of the X-ray emission to the stop of the rotation are added, for example, about 500 at maximum.
It is said to be degree.

The X-ray tube device 3 includes the subject table 13 described above.
It radiates X-rays to the subject 11 laid on it, and is provided on the rotary support 2 so as to be movable within a predetermined angle range around the rotation center of the rotary support 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the moving structure is formed by combining arc-shaped guide rails 15, 15, moving blocks 16, 16 and a moving mount 17. The guide rail 15,
15 is formed on one side surface of the rotary support 2 to form an arc-shaped ridge centered on the rotation center of the rotary support 2.
They are provided in parallel with each other at a predetermined interval and extend, for example, with a length of a quarter arc. The movable mount 17 serves as a pedestal to which the X-ray tube device 3 is movably attached, and is formed in a substantially L shape in a side view as shown in FIG. And the moving blocks 16, 16 are provided on the rear surface side of the right-angled member 17b.
They are arranged in parallel at intervals of 5,15. By fitting the recesses of the moving blocks 16 and 16 into the guide rails 15 and 15, respectively, the moving mount 17 can be moved along the guide rails 15 and 15.

Further, in order to drive it, as shown in FIG. 2, a drive motor 18 is attached to the right-angled member 17b, and a pinion 19 is attached to a rotary shaft projecting through the right-angled member 17b. Is fixed, this pinion 1
As shown in FIG. 1, the reference numeral 9 is engaged with an arcuate sector gear 20 provided in parallel with the guide rail 15. Therefore, by rotating the drive motor 18, the pinion 19 and the sector gear 20 serve as guides for the guide rails 15 and 15, and the X-ray tube device 3 uses the X-ray emission port of the X-ray emission port as the rotation center side of the rotation supporter 2. For example, while still facing
It will move in the range of 90 degrees. A collimator 21 for narrowing the X-ray beam is attached to the X-ray emission port of the X-ray tube device 3. The supply of high voltage to the X-ray tube device 3 and the control of X-ray emission are performed by the X-ray controller 22.

The image system device 4 converts the transmitted X-ray image of the subject 11 into an optical image and also captures this output optical image to convert it into a video signal. An image intensifier (hereinafter abbreviated as "II") 23 that receives an X-ray image that has passed through the specimen 11 and converts it into an optical image, and an optical image output from this II 23 is photographed and converted into an electrical signal. And a TV camera 24. Then, it is fixed at a predetermined position on the rotary support 2, for example, at a position facing the one limit position of the movement angle range of the X-ray tube device 3 with the opening 14 interposed therebetween.

The X-ray detector 5 detects the transmitted X-rays of the subject 11 and converts them into an electric signal.
In order to detect and detect X-rays having a certain spread that are radiated in a fan shape and transmitted through the subject 11, a plurality of detector elements are formed in a multi-channel type in an arc shape. Then, it is fixed at another predetermined position on the rotary support 2, for example, at a position facing the other limit position of the movement angle range of the X-ray tube device 3 with the opening 14 interposed therebetween. Therefore, in FIG. 1, the image system device 4 and the X-ray detector 5 are arranged on the rotary support 2 in the opening 1
They are fixed at angular positions 90 degrees apart from each other.

The first image processing device 6 digitizes a video signal from the television camera 24 of the video system device 4 and processes the digital signal to form an image, which is output from the television camera 24. A / D converter 25 for inputting an analog video signal to convert it into a digital signal, a storage device 26 for storing image data output from the A / D converter 25, and a read-out from the storage device 26. A D / A converter 27 for inputting image data and converting it again into an analog video signal, a large capacity memory 28 for storing a large number of image data output from the A / D converter 25, and the storage device 26. And a data calculator 29 that takes in image data from the large-capacity memory 28 and performs a required calculation. Then, an image obtained by rotational stereoscopic photography is constructed by this.

The second image processing device 7 digitizes the electric signal from the X-ray detector 5 and processes the digital signal to reconstruct a tomographic image.
The data from each channel of the line detector 5 is integrated and A /
A data collector 30 that performs D conversion and stores the data, a preprocessor 31 that receives the X-ray absorption data from the data collector 30 and performs preprocessing such as logarithmic conversion, gain correction, and offset correction on the data. A convolver 32 that receives the data from the preprocessor 31 and calculates the sum of products of the X-ray absorption data in all projection directions, and the data after the sum of products calculation by the convolver 32 is back projected onto the image memory 34 described later. Back projector 33 for reconstructing a superimposed tomographic image
An image memory 34 for storing the tomographic image reconstructed by the back projector 33, and an image converter 35 for setting a CT value in a desired range for the data relating to the reconstructed tomographic image on the image memory 34. It is composed of.

The display device 8 is the first image processing device 6 described above.
And an image signal from the second image processing device 7 are respectively input to display an image or tomographic image by rotational stereoscopic photography, and is composed of, for example, one or a plurality of television monitors. Further, the main body controller 9 controls the rotation operation of the rotary support 2 and the movement operation of the X-ray tube device 3, and the real position signal from the encoder 36 for detecting the rotational position of the rotary support 2. It is designed to be controlled by inputting. Furthermore, the system controller 10 controls the operation of each of the above-described components, and is composed of, for example, a CPU (central processing unit). Then, various operation commands are input to the system controller 10 by the operation device 37.

Next, the digital X thus constructed
The operation of the line imaging apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. Here, a case will be described as an example in which the inspection by the stereoscopic imaging is first performed on the subject 11 and then the inspection by the tomographic imaging is performed. First, the subject 11 placed on the stretcher and transported to the imaging room is transferred to the subject table 13, and the subject table 13 is moved back and forth so that the desired diagnostic site is located in the X-ray irradiation area. , Up, down, left and right to be positioned. next,
When the operator operates a rotary stereoscopic imaging mode selection switch (not shown) on the operation device 37, the X-ray tube device 3 is rotated by the drive motor 18 shown in FIG.
It moves by the guidance of Nos. 5 and 15 and is automatically set to a position directly facing II23 of the video system device 4 as shown in FIG.

In this state, X-ray fluoroscopy is performed to introduce a catheter to the diagnosis site, and then the operator operates the operating device 37.
By operating the photographing preparation switch (not shown), the system controller 10 appropriately rotates the rotary supporter 2 via the main body controller 9, and as shown in FIG. 3, II23 is located at point A '. To move and stop. At this time,
The X-ray tube device 3 is located at a position directly facing the point A '. This is the state of the standby position before the start of shooting.

Next, when the operator performs a photographing start operation with the operating device 37, the rotary support device 2 starts to rotate in the direction of arrow C, for example, in FIG. Immediately before reaching the point, it stabilizes at a predetermined rotation speed. At this time, the encoder 36 shown in FIG. 1 detects that the II 23 has reached the point A, and sends the detection signal to the main body controller 9. Then, the main body controller 9 sends the above detection signal to the system controller 10, and the system controller 1
0 sends a control signal for starting imaging to the X-ray controller 22, and from this time point, the X-ray controller 22 generates a pulsed high voltage and supplies it to the X-ray tube device 3. As a result, pulsed X-rays are radiated from the X-ray tube device 3 and irradiate the subject 11 on the subject table 13.

The X-ray image transmitted through the subject 11 is II
It is incident on 23 and is converted into an optical image, and this output optical image is photographed by the television camera 24. The video signal from the television camera 24 is input to the first image processing device 6, where the required image processing is performed, and the subject 11 sequentially photographed during rotation in the direction of arrow C shown in FIG. The image is the display device 8
Are displayed continuously. This continuous display image is observed as a stereoscopic image due to the afterimage effect of the human eye because the X-ray irradiation direction on the subject 11 is different for each image.

In this way, the X-ray tube device 3 and II 23
X-rays are taken continuously by the
When it reaches 360 ° in the direction of arrow C and reaches point A again, the encoder 36 detects it, and X is transmitted via the main body controller 9, system controller 10 and X-ray controller 22.
X-ray emission from the ray tube device 3 is stopped. After that, the system controller 10 turns on the rotary support device 2 via the main body controller 9.
3 starts the deceleration from point A and stops the rotation at point A ″ in FIG. 3. After this, if re-imaging of the same site or imaging of another site is required, the same procedure as described above is performed. You can repeat.

Next, in order to carry out the inspection by the tomographic image photographing for the same subject 11 after the inspection by the rotational stereoscopic photography is completed, the subject 11 is placed on the subject table 13 and The subject table 13 is appropriately moved back and forth, up and down, and left and right to position the inspection position. Next, the operator operates a tomographic image photographing mode selection switch (not shown) on the operation device 37, whereby the X-ray tube device 3 guides the guide rails 15 and 15 by the rotation of the drive motor 18 shown in FIG. , And is automatically set to a position directly facing the multi-channel X-ray detector 5 as shown by the broken line in FIG. At the same time, the collimator 21 is set to focus the X-ray beam so as to be suitable for tomographic imaging.

In this state, the operator operates a photographing preparation switch (not shown) on the operation device 37, so that the system controller 10 appropriately rotates the rotation support device 2 via the main body controller 9, and FIG. As shown in, the X-ray detector 5 moves so as to be located at the point B'and stops. At this time, the X-ray tube device 3 is in a position directly facing the point B '. This is the state of the standby position before the start of shooting.

Next, when the operator performs a photographing start operation with the operation device 37, the rotation support device 2 starts rotating in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 4, and the X-ray detector 5 is activated from the point B '. It accelerates and stabilizes at a predetermined rotation speed immediately before reaching point B. At this time, the encoder 36 shown in FIG. 1 detects that the X-ray detector 5 has reached the point B, and sends the detection signal to the main body controller 9. Then, the main body controller 9 sends the above detection signal to the system controller 10, and the system controller 10 sends a control signal for starting imaging to the X-ray controller 22. From this point, the X-ray controller 22 is pulsed. A high voltage is generated and supplied to the X-ray tube device 3. As a result, pulsed X-rays are emitted from the X-ray tube device 3, and the subject table 1
The subject 11 above 3 is irradiated.

The X-ray image transmitted through the subject 11 is incident on the X-ray detector 5 and converted into an electric signal. This electric signal is input to the second image processing device 7, where it is digitized and a tomographic image is reconstructed, and the arrow C shown in FIG.
The tomographic images of the subject 11 sequentially taken during rotation in the direction are
It is displayed two-dimensionally on the display device 8.

In this way, X-ray photography is carried out by the X-ray tube device 3 and the X-ray detector 5, and the X-ray detector 5 shown in FIG.
When it reaches the point B again after rotating 360 degrees in the direction of arrow C, the encoder 36 detects this and the X-ray is transmitted via the main body controller 9, the system controller 10 and the X-ray controller 22.
X-ray emission from the ray tube device 3 is stopped. After that, the system controller 10 turns on the rotary support device 2 via the main body controller 9.
4 to start deceleration from the point B and stop the rotation at the point B ″ in FIG. 4. After that, if re-imaging of the same site or imaging of another site is required, the same procedure as described above is performed. You can repeat.

In the above description, the rotary support 2 is assumed to rotate 360 degrees in the direction of arrow C and radiate X-rays in any photographing, but the present invention is not limited to this, and arrow D is opposite to the above. Alternatively, the X-ray may be emitted in a rotation angle range such as 270 degrees or 180 degrees. Further, the X-ray tube device 3 is movable on the rotary support 2 within a range of 90 degrees, and correspondingly, the image system device 4 is provided.
An example in which the X-ray detector 5 and the X-ray detector 5 are placed 90 degrees apart
The present invention is not limited to this, and may be arranged and movable at an angle other than 90 degrees. Further, two X-ray tube devices 3 may be provided and fixed on the rotary support 2 so as to face the image system device 4 and the X-ray detector 5, respectively. Further, in FIG. 1, the X-ray tube device 3 is fixed to one place on the rotary support 2,
The image system device 4 and the X-ray detector 5 may be moved within an appropriate angle range so as to face the X-ray tube device 3 directly.

[0028]

Since the present invention is constructed as described above,
An X-ray tube device that is movable on a rotary support provided in the main body gantry about a rotation center of the rotary support within a predetermined angle range is moved on the rotary support, and the X-ray tube device is mounted on the rotary support. Of the X-ray detector fixed to different predetermined positions of the X-ray detector and the X-ray detector, and the X-ray tube device emits X-rays to the subject on the subject table while rotating the rotary support. Rotational stereoscopic imaging or tomographic imaging can be performed on the diagnosis site. Accordingly, it is possible to easily perform an inspection on the diagnostic region of the subject by using one of the three devices, that is, the rotational stereoscopic imaging and the tomographic imaging. Therefore, unlike the conventional case, the space for two devices is not required, and the device can be efficiently installed in the same space as one device. Further, it is not necessary to transfer the subject to the subject table of each device, and the subject can be diagnosed and treated safely and promptly.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a digital X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 1, showing a mounting structure of an X-ray tube device;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of performing rotational stereoscopic imaging on a subject by the digital X-ray imaging apparatus of the present invention,

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of performing tomographic image capturing on a subject by the digital X-ray imaging apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Main body gantry, 2 ... Rotation support device, 3 ... X-ray tube device, 4 ... Image system device, 5 ... X-ray detector, 6 ... First image processing device, 7 ... Second image processing device, 8 ... Display device, 9 ... Main body controller, 10 ... System controller,
11 ... Subject, 12 ... Floor surface, 13 ... Subject table, 14 ... Opening part, 15 ... Guide rail, 16 ...
Moving block, 17 ... Moving stand, 18 ... Drive motor, 19 ... Pinion, 20 ... Sector gear, 22 ...
X-ray controller, 23 ... II, 24 ... TV camera,
36 ... Encoder, 37 ... Operating device.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A main body gantry which is installed on a floor surface and has an opening for inserting a subject table in a horizontal direction at a substantially central portion of an upright portion, and a rotation around the opening in the main body gantry. Rotatably provided ring-shaped rotary support, and an X-ray tube device movably provided on the rotary support around the center of rotation of the rotary support within a predetermined angle range and radiating X-rays to a subject. An image system device which is fixed at a predetermined position on the rotary support, converts a transmitted X-ray image of the subject into an optical image, and captures the output optical image to convert it into a video signal; and on the rotary support. An X-ray detector fixed to another predetermined position for detecting the transmitted X-rays of the subject and converting it into an electric signal, and a video signal from the video system device is digitized and the digital signal is processed to form an image. A first image processing device constituting A second image processing device that digitizes the electric signal from the X-ray detector and processes the digital signal to reconstruct a tomographic image, and image signals from these image processing devices are respectively input to obtain an image. The display device includes one or more display devices for displaying, a main body controller for controlling the rotating operation of the rotary support and a moving operation of the X-ray tube device, and a system controller for controlling the operation of each of the components. The X-ray tube device is moved on the rotary support so as to face the imaging system device or the X-ray detector, and the X-ray is radiated to the subject on the subject table to rotate the three-dimensional image of the diagnostic site. A digital X-ray imaging apparatus characterized in that imaging or tomographic imaging is performed.