JP2012147978A - X-ray photographing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an X-ray imaging apparatus capable of automatically executing positioning of an X-ray tube and adjustment of an X-ray irradiation field.
SOLUTION: A camera 34 attached to an X-ray tube 31, an auto-positioning unit 61 for moving the X-ray tube 31 to a position facing the subject according to an anatomical program, and the X-ray tube 31 facing the subject. The subject recognition unit 62 for recognizing the position of the subject from the image including the subject photographed by the camera 34 in the state of being moved to the position, and the position of the subject recognized by the subject recognition unit 62 An imaging region setting unit 63 that sets an X-ray imaging region, an X-ray tube position correction unit 64 that corrects the position of the X-ray tube 31 so that the center of the imaging region and the center of the irradiation field coincide, and the imaging region A collimator leaf position setting unit 65 that sets the position of the collimator leaf so that the irradiation field matches.
[Selection] Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus that performs X-ray imaging in order to diagnose a subject to be examined.

  Such an X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray tube movable with respect to a subject, and an X-ray detector such as a flat panel detector that detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube and passed through the subject. And a collimator having a collimator leaf for limiting the X-ray irradiation field irradiated to the subject.

  By the way, in such an X-ray imaging apparatus, auto-positioning of an X-ray tube is executed using an anatomical program that can call up imaging conditions for an imaging region. Here, the anatomical program means a data structure in which imaging conditions are associated with an imaging method including an operation method and an imaging region of a subject. By executing such auto-positioning, the X-ray tube can be automatically moved to the vicinity of the imaging position (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-125981 A

  In the automatic positioning using the anatomical program described above, the X-ray tube can be automatically moved to the vicinity of the imaging position. However, before actually performing X-ray imaging, it is necessary for the operator to perform positioning of the X-ray tube according to the physique and position of the subject. In parallel with this, it is necessary to adjust the X-ray irradiation field by adjusting the opening of the collimator leaf.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus capable of automatically executing positioning of an X-ray tube and adjustment of an X-ray irradiation field. To do.

  The invention described in claim 1 includes an X-ray tube movable with respect to a subject, an X-ray detector that detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube and passed through the subject, and the subject. A collimator having a collimator leaf for limiting an X-ray irradiation field irradiated to an examiner, and a camera attached to the X-ray tube and moving in synchronization with the X-ray tube; Auto-positioning means for moving the X-ray tube to a position facing the subject according to an anatomical program; and the subject imaged by the camera in a state where the X-ray tube has moved to a position facing the subject. Subject recognition means for recognizing the position of the subject from an image including the examiner, and imaging region setting means for setting an X-ray imaging region from the position of the subject recognized by the subject recognition means And the shooting area setting means And the center of the X-ray imaging region set Ri, as the center of the irradiation field is matched, characterized in that a X-ray tube position correcting means for correcting the position of the X-ray tube.

The invention described in claim 2 includes an X-ray tube movable with respect to a subject, an X-ray detector that detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube and passed through the subject, and the subject. A collimator having a collimator leaf for limiting an X-ray irradiation field irradiated to an examiner, and a camera attached to the X-ray tube and moving in synchronization with the X-ray tube; A subject recognition means for recognizing the position of the subject from an image including the subject photographed by the camera in a state where the X-ray tube has moved to a position facing the subject; From the position of the subject recognized by the subject recognition means, the imaging area setting means for setting the X-ray imaging area, the X-ray imaging area set by the imaging area setting means, and the irradiation field are matched. The collimator leaf to set the position of the collimator leaf. Characterized in that a full position setting means.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises auto-positioning means for moving the X-ray tube to a position facing the subject in accordance with an anatomical program.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the second or third aspect, the collimator leaf position setting means photographs a light irradiation field formed using a collimator lamp with the camera, and the camera The position of the collimator leaf is set so that the end portion of the light irradiation field imaged by (1) matches the X-ray imaging region.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the second or third aspect, the collimator leaf position setting means includes information on the X-ray imaging region, the X-ray tube, and the X-ray detector. The position of the collimator leaf is set by calculating the position of the collimator leaf using the distance information.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the subject recognition means recognizes an edge portion in an image including the subject photographed by the camera. Thus, the position of the subject is recognized.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the subject recognition means performs pattern recognition on an image including the subject photographed by the camera. By executing, the position of the subject is recognized.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the position of the subject is recognized from the image including the subject photographed by the camera, the X-ray photographing region is set, and the center of the photographing region and the center of the irradiation field are determined. Since the position of the X-ray tube is corrected so as to coincide with each other, it is possible to automatically execute the positioning of the X-ray tube after execution of auto-positioning.

  According to the second and third aspects of the present invention, the X-ray imaging region is set by recognizing the position of the subject from the image including the subject imaged by the camera, and the imaging region and the irradiation field are Since the position of the collimator leaf is set so as to match, the collimator leaf can be positioned automatically.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, since the position of the collimator leaf is set so that the end of the light irradiation field imaged by the camera coincides with the X-ray imaging region, the collimator leaf is easily positioned. It becomes possible.

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the position of the collimator leaf is set by calculating the position of the collimator leaf using the information on the X-ray imaging region and the information on the distance between the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector. Thus, the collimator leaf can be easily positioned.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, since the subject is recognized by recognizing the edge portion in the image including the subject photographed by the camera, the subject is recognized accurately and easily. It becomes possible.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the subject is recognized by executing pattern recognition on the image including the subject photographed by the camera, the subject can be recognized accurately and easily. It becomes possible to execute.

It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that X-ray imaging is performed using the X-ray imaging apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows X-ray irradiation part 3 with the suspension holding | maintenance part 4 and the horizontal movement part 5. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a collimator 32. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the main electrical structures of the X-ray imaging apparatus which concerns on this invention. 3 is a flowchart showing an imaging operation by the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the image 80 containing the subject M image | photographed with the camera. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the image 80 containing the subject M image | photographed with the camera. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the image 80 containing the subject M image | photographed with the camera. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the image 80 containing the subject M image | photographed with the camera. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the pattern of each site | part of the body of the subject. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the pattern of each site | part of the body of the subject. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the pattern of each site | part of the body of the subject.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which X-ray imaging is performed using the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray imaging apparatus includes a standing stand 1 for imaging a subject M in a standing posture, and a supine position for imaging while the subject M is lying on the side. An X-ray irradiation unit 3 including a table 2, an X-ray tube 31, a collimator 32, and a camera 34; a suspension holding unit 4 that suspends and holds the X-ray irradiation unit 3 from a ceiling surface 59; And a horizontal moving unit 5 that horizontally moves the line irradiation unit 3 along the ceiling surface 59. The X-ray irradiation unit 3 is configured to be movable to a position A indicated by a solid line, a position B indicated by a chain line, and a position C by a suspension holding unit 4 and a horizontal movement unit 5 in FIG. Here, the position A is a position where X-ray imaging is performed by the standing stand 1. The position B is a position at which X-ray imaging is performed by the lying position table 2. Furthermore, the position C is a retracted position.

  The standing stand 1 includes an X-ray detector storage 6 that stores a flat panel detector 7 as an X-ray detector. The X-ray detector housing 6 can be moved up and down with respect to the casing 11 by being guided by a guide member (not shown). On the X-ray irradiating unit 3 side of the ascending / descending position of the X-ray detector storage unit 6, a partition 10 for preventing interference between the subject M and the X-ray detector storage unit 6 is installed.

  The lying position table 2 includes a base 21, a table 22 on which the subject M is placed, and an X-ray detector housing 6 that houses the same flat panel detector 7 as the standing stand 1. The X-ray detector storage 6 is movable in the body axis direction of the subject M on the table 22 by being guided by a guide member (not shown).

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the X-ray irradiation unit 3 together with the suspension holding unit 4 and the horizontal movement unit 5.

  The horizontal moving unit 5 includes a support unit 51 connected to the suspension holding unit 4, a pair of fixed rails 52 laid on the ceiling surface 59, and a pair of movable units connected to be movable along the fixed rails 52. Rail 53. The suspension holding part 4 is connected to the movable rail 53 via the support part 51, and the support part 51 moves integrally with the movable rail 53 in the movement direction (X direction) along the fixed rail 52. The movable rail 53 is movably connected in a direction (Y direction) orthogonal to the moving direction along the fixed rail 52.

  The suspension holding part 4 includes an expansion / contraction part 41 connected to a support part 51. The stretchable portion 41 is configured to be stretchable in the vertical direction (Z direction shown in FIG. 2), and the X-ray irradiation unit 3 is disposed at the lower end of the stretchable portion 41 via a shaft 42 that faces in the horizontal direction. It is connected so that it can swing. The X-ray irradiation unit 3 swings about the shaft 42 to be able to irradiate X-rays in the horizontal direction at the position A in FIG. 1, and emits X-rays in the vertical direction at the position B in FIG. Irradiation is possible.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the collimator 32 described above.

  The collimator 32 includes four collimator leaves 33. X-rays from the X-ray tube 31 are shielded by these four collimator leaves 33, and a rectangular X-ray irradiation field E is formed.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention.

  The X-ray imaging apparatus has a control unit 60 that controls the entire apparatus. The control unit 60 includes an auto positioning unit 61, a subject recognition unit 62, an imaging region setting unit 63, an X-ray tube position correction unit 64, and a collimator leaf position setting unit 65, which will be described later. The control unit 60 is connected to the X-ray tube 31, the flat panel detector 7, the collimator 32, and the camera 34 described above. The control unit 60 is connected to an input unit 66 having a mouse and a keyboard and a display unit 67 that displays an X-ray image and input data. Further, the control unit 60 is also connected to a storage unit 68 that stores various types of information including an anatomical program described later.

  Next, an X-ray imaging operation by the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an imaging operation by the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention.

  When starting X-ray imaging, first, auto-positioning is performed (step S1). This auto-positioning is a process of moving the X-ray irradiation unit 3 including the X-ray tube 31 to a position facing the subject M according to the anatomical program stored in the storage unit 68 by the auto-positioning unit 61 shown in FIG. is there. At the time of this auto-positioning, the X-ray irradiation unit 3 moves to a position facing the imaging region of the subject M standing on the standing stand 1 or the subject M lying on the supine table 2 according to an anatomical program.

  When the X-ray irradiation unit 3 moves to a position facing the imaging region of the subject M, the subject M is imaged by the camera 34 attached to the X-ray irradiation unit 3 (step S2). Then, the position of the subject M is recognized from the image including the subject M photographed by the camera 34 by the subject recognition unit 62 shown in FIG. 4 (step S3).

  6 to 8 are explanatory diagrams schematically showing an image 80 including the subject M photographed by the camera 34. FIG. In this embodiment, the case where the chest of the subject M is photographed is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the image 80 captured by the camera 34 includes an image 81 of the subject M. The imaging region of the camera 34 is adjusted in advance so that the imaging region of the subject M by the camera 34 coincides with the X-ray irradiation field E by the X-ray tube 31 shown in FIG. And

  Even when the above-described autopositioning is performed, as shown in FIG. 6, depending on the physique and posture of the subject M, the center of the imaging region of the subject M is the center of the imaging region by the camera 34, That is, it does not coincide with the center of the X-ray irradiation field E by the X-ray tube 31. For this reason, in the conventional X-ray imaging apparatus, the operator has to execute positioning of the X-ray tube. On the other hand, in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention, this positioning is automatically executed by each process described later.

  In order to perform positioning, first, the position of the subject M is recognized by the subject recognition unit 62 shown in FIG. 4 (step S3). In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, by comparing the pattern data 82 representing the contour of the subject M stored in the storage unit 68 in advance with the image 80 including the subject M, the subject M The edge portion of the image 81 of the subject M is recognized from the image 80 including the above, and thereby the position of the subject M is recognized. The pattern data 82 representing the contour of the subject M is stored in a plurality of types in consideration of the physique of the subject M, and an appropriate one is selected from the pattern data. Also good. Further, the distance between the left end and the right end of the pattern data 82 representing the contour of the subject M may be changed so as to correspond to the physique of the subject M.

  Next, the X-ray imaging region 83 is set from the position of the subject M recognized by the subject recognition unit 62 by the imaging region setting unit 63 shown in FIG. 4 (step S4). In this case, with reference to the upper, lower, left and right end portions of the image 81 of the subject M, an area inside the fixed distance from the end portion is set as the X-ray imaging region 83 for each imaging region. For example, when the imaging region is the chest, an area 10 cm inside from the top, bottom, left, and right ends of the image 81 of the subject M can be set as the X-ray imaging region 83, In this case, an area 1 cm inside from the top, bottom, left and right ends of the image 81 of the subject M can be set as the X-ray imaging area 83.

  Next, the position correction of the X-ray tube 31 is executed by the X-ray tube position correction unit 64 shown in FIG. 4 (step S5). In this case, the horizontal moving unit 5 or the suspension holding unit so that the center of the X-ray imaging region 83 set by the imaging region setting unit 63 and the center of the X-ray irradiation field E by the X-ray tube 31 coincide with each other. 4 corrects the position of the X-ray tube 31. FIG. 8 shows an image taken by the camera 34 after the position correction of the X-ray tube 31 is performed.

  Then, the collimator leaf position setting unit 65 shown in FIG. 4 sets the position of the collimator leaf 33 in the collimator 32 (step S6). In this case, the position of the collimator leaf 33 is set so that the X-ray imaging region 83 set by the imaging region setting unit 63 matches the X-ray irradiation field E.

  For setting the position of the collimator leaf 33, for example, a collimator lamp (not shown) is used, the light irradiation field by the collimator lamp is photographed by the camera 34, and each collimator leaf 33 is moved to a position where the end portion coincides with the photographing region 83. Should be moved. Further, instead of using the collimator lamp, the data of the X-ray imaging region 83 and the distance between the X-ray tube 31 and the flat panel detector 7 that is the distance between the source image (SID / Source Image Distance) are used. Based on this, the position of each collimator leaf 33 may be calculated, and each collimator leaf 33 may be moved to the calculated position.

  When the above steps are completed and preparation for X-ray imaging is completed, the control unit 60 shown in FIG. 4 displays on the display unit 67 and the like that imaging preparation is completed. If an imaging command is issued by the operator (step S7), X-ray imaging is executed (step S8).

  In the above-described embodiment, the subject recognition unit 62 recognizes the position of the subject M by recognizing the edge portion in the image including the subject photographed by the camera 34. On the other hand, the position of the subject M may be recognized by executing pattern recognition on an image including the subject photographed by the camera 34.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an image 80 including the subject M photographed by the camera 34 in such an embodiment. 10 to 12 are explanatory views schematically showing patterns of respective parts of the body of the subject M. 10 shows the chest pattern 85 of the subject M, FIG. 11 shows the pattern 86 of the arm portion of the subject M, and FIG. 12 shows the pattern 87 of the neck portion of the subject M, respectively. Show.

  In this embodiment, an image 80 including an image 84 of the subject M photographed by the camera 34 shown in FIG. 9, and patterns 85, 86 of each part of the body of the subject M shown in FIGS. Compare with 87. Then, the position of the subject M is recognized based on the position where the patterns 85, 86, 87 of each part of the body of the subject M and the image 84 of the subject M most overlap. At this time, the pattern 85, 86, 87 of each part of the body of the subject M is weighted according to the area. Then, if the position of the subject M is recognized, the X-ray imaging region 83 is set from the recognized position of the subject M as shown in FIG.

  If the X-ray imaging region 83 is set, X-ray imaging is performed by sequentially executing Steps S5 to S8 as in the above-described embodiment.

  In the embodiment described above, after setting the X-ray imaging region by the imaging region setting unit 63, the X-ray tube is set so that the center of the imaging region and the center of the irradiation field in the X-ray tube position correcting unit 64 coincide. 31 is corrected, and the collimator leaf position setting unit 65 sets the position of the collimator leaf 33 so that the X-ray imaging region 83 and the X-ray irradiation field E coincide with each other. However, after setting the X-ray imaging region by the imaging region setting unit 63, either the position correction of the X-ray tube 31 by the X-ray tube position correction unit 64 or the position setting of the collimator leaf 33 by the collimator leaf position setting unit 65 is selected. Only one of them may be executed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the position setting of the collimator leaf 33 is performed by the collimator leaf position setting unit 65 after performing the auto positioning using the anatomical program. However, the operator manually moves the X-ray tube 31. After the movement, the position setting of the collimator leaf 33 may be executed using the image 80 including the subject M photographed by the camera 34.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Standing stand 2 Standing table 3 X-ray irradiation part 4 Suspension holding part 5 Horizontal movement part 6 X-ray detector accommodating part 7 Flat panel detector 10 Screen 11 Casing 22 Table 31 X-ray tube 32 Collimator 33 Collimator leaf 34 Camera 41 Telescopic section 42 Axis 51 Support section 52 Fixed rail 53 Movable rail 59 Ceiling 60 Control section 61 Auto positioning section 62 Subject recognition section 63 Imaging area setting section 63
64 X-ray tube position correction unit 65 Collimator leaf position setting unit 81 Image of subject 82 Pattern data 83 X-ray imaging region E Irradiation field M Subject

Claims (7)

An X-ray tube movable with respect to the subject, an X-ray detector for detecting X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube and passing through the subject, and an X-ray irradiated to the subject In an X-ray imaging apparatus comprising a collimator having a collimator leaf for limiting an irradiation field
A camera attached to the X-ray tube and moving in synchronization with the X-ray tube;
Auto-positioning means for moving the X-ray tube to a position facing the subject in accordance with an anatomical program;
A subject recognition means for recognizing the position of the subject from an image including the subject photographed by the camera in a state where the X-ray tube has moved to a position facing the subject;
An imaging region setting unit that sets an X-ray imaging region from the position of the subject recognized by the subject recognition unit;
X-ray tube position correcting means for correcting the position of the X-ray tube so that the center of the X-ray imaging area set by the imaging area setting means matches the center of the irradiation field;
An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising: An X-ray tube movable with respect to the subject, an X-ray detector for detecting X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube and passing through the subject, and an X-ray irradiated to the subject In an X-ray imaging apparatus comprising a collimator having a collimator leaf for limiting an irradiation field,
A camera attached to the X-ray tube and moving in synchronization with the X-ray tube;
A subject recognition means for recognizing the position of the subject from an image including the subject photographed by the camera in a state where the X-ray tube has moved to a position facing the subject;
An imaging region setting unit that sets an X-ray imaging region from the position of the subject recognized by the subject recognition unit;
Collimator leaf position setting means for setting the position of the collimator leaf so that the X-ray imaging area set by the imaging area setting means matches the irradiation field;
An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising: The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 2,
An X-ray imaging apparatus further comprising auto-positioning means for moving the X-ray tube to a position facing the subject in accordance with an anatomical program. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 2 or 3,
The collimator leaf position setting means captures a light irradiation field formed using a collimator lamp with the camera, and a collimator so that an end of the light irradiation field imaged with the camera coincides with the X-ray imaging region. An X-ray imaging device that sets the position of the leaf. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 2 or 3,
The collimator leaf position setting means calculates the position of the collimator leaf by calculating the position of the collimator leaf using information on the X-ray imaging region and information on the distance between the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector. X-ray imaging device that sets the position. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The subject recognition means is an X-ray imaging apparatus that recognizes a position of the subject by recognizing an edge portion in an image including the subject photographed by the camera. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The subject recognition means is an X-ray imaging apparatus that recognizes the position of the subject by executing pattern recognition on an image including the subject photographed by the camera.

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