CA1314336C - Medical imaging apparatus - Google Patents
Medical imaging apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA1314336C CA1314336C CA000609579A CA609579A CA1314336C CA 1314336 C CA1314336 C CA 1314336C CA 000609579 A CA000609579 A CA 000609579A CA 609579 A CA609579 A CA 609579A CA 1314336 C CA1314336 C CA 1314336C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- target
- ray
- images
- monitor
- image
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Abstract
MEDICAL IMAGING APPARATUS
Inventor(s):
Abstract of the Invention An x-ray source having two levels of radiation is used to radiate a target and the x-ray image is displayed on an image intensifier. A video camera photographs the x-ray image and displays it on a monitor screen directly when the source is in a first low level mode of operation. When a selected image is identified, a control generator is activated which changes the mode of operation of the x-ray source to a higher level while at the same time inactivating the video camera for a period of time sufficient to allow the monitor screen to be cleared. The camera is then activated and at least one video frame of the high intensity x-ray image is stored in memory. The control generator also serves to synchronize the various activities of the components.
Inventor(s):
Abstract of the Invention An x-ray source having two levels of radiation is used to radiate a target and the x-ray image is displayed on an image intensifier. A video camera photographs the x-ray image and displays it on a monitor screen directly when the source is in a first low level mode of operation. When a selected image is identified, a control generator is activated which changes the mode of operation of the x-ray source to a higher level while at the same time inactivating the video camera for a period of time sufficient to allow the monitor screen to be cleared. The camera is then activated and at least one video frame of the high intensity x-ray image is stored in memory. The control generator also serves to synchronize the various activities of the components.
Description
1 3 1 ~336 MEDICAL IMAGING APPARATUS
Background of the Invention The present invention relates generally to medical x-ray imaging equipment and in particular to medical x-ray imaging equipment for displaying roentgenoscopic images of a desired ; 5 target upon a monitor, selecting given images from the displayed images, storing said selected images in memory, and recalling and displaying the selected images on the monitor.
For diagnostic practices, medical x-ray imaging equipment is often times employed for obtaining and recording roentgenoscopic images of a diseased area of a patient. The images are taken from certain predetermined angles which are necessary for recognizing and evaluating therapeutical efficacy and determining if further treatment is necessary.
In order to conduct the above-noted tasks using conventional techniques, the roentgenoscopic image of the diseased part is typically registered onto a photographic film in the form of an x-ray image and the film is later developed. In an alternative method, signals from a video camera are projected onto a film while observing the transmitted images upon a TV monitor.
While a transmitted x-ray photograph can be produced directly from the target using the above-noted film method, the amount of x-ray dosage necessary for registering the x-ray image upon the film generally is relatively large. Accordingly, the amount of potential leakage of radiation is correspondingly large resulting in a risk to both the patient and the technicians who operate the x-ray equip~ent. It is ~urther noted that '~
131~336 photographs produced by this method are usually unclear and do not possess the contrask necessary for complete or accurate diagnosis.
Directly photographing x-ray images produced on a TV
monitor have been proposed, however, the scanning periods required by most TV systems are not compatible with those of most x-ray systems thus making the photographic process difficult.
Summary of the Tnvention In order to overcome technical problems involved in most conventional methods oE recording x-ray images on TV
monitors, it is an object of the preferred e.mbodiment of the present invention to provide apparatus by which an x-ray radiated image of a target can be recorded in synchronization with the scanning signal of a TV camera to provide instantaneous viewing and recording o~ a target area.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for viewing and selectively storing x-ray images of a target that includes an x-ray source for radiating a target, said source having a first mode of operation whereby the target is radiated with low intensity radiation and a second mode of operation whereby the target is radiated with radiation of a higher intensity, means for visually displaying x-ray image of the target, video camera for photographing the visual x-ray images of the target, a monitor for displaying video images of said target, memory means for storing selected video images of the target, control means coupled to said x-ray source, said video camera, said monitor and said memory means for normally holding the x-ray source in said first mode of operation whereby low intensity x-ray images are displayed on the monitor, and switching means associated wi-th the .. .. ..
1 3 1 ~336 control means that is operable to inactivate the videocamera eor a predetermined period of time during which the monitor screen is aleared of .residual images and said x-ray source is switched to said second higher mode of operation, whereupon the camera is reactivated and the memory means is addressed for storing a selected high intensity video image of the target.
According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the x-ray imaginy device is constructed o~ (1) an x-ray unit for selectively radiating a target to be examined with one of ~wo available levels of radiation, (2) a video camera for photographing the x-ray radiated images obtained from the target, (3) an a/d converter for converting the output from the video camera into digital signal information, (4) a digital memory device for ~ producing a 1-frame memorization of said converted digital - signals, (5) a d/a converter ~or reading out memorized signal information and for converting this information into an analogue siqnal for display, (6) a monitor by which the output from the d/a converter is presented as a visual signal and which - 2a -` ~ 131~336 is synchronized with the readout from said memory, ana (7) a timing generator for synchroni~ing and controlling the various components of the system.
¦ In operation, selected analogue electrical signals from the 1 TV camera are first converted into digital signals and memorized in the digital memory. When selected x-ray images are to be memorized, the following operational sequence is carried out using the above-noted equipment. To memorize a ~iven image, the electron beam of the TV camera is initially turned off thereby allowing the photogene image on the monitor screerl to vanish completely. Once the photogene image has vanished r the target is radiated with x-rays at a second higher level and the TV camera is once again switched on in synchronization with the vertical and horizontal scanning signals oE th~ video system. The video image is then sent to the memory where it is stored for viewing at a later time.
Brief Desc iption of the Drawings For a better understanding of these and other objects of the present invention, preference will be made to the following detailed description of the invention which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a timing diagram describing the operation of the 2S apparatus shown in Fig. 1.
131~336 D iled Descri~tion of the Invention Fig. 1 is a block diayra~ of the x-ray imaging equipment of the present invention. The electrical components of each circuit is constructed so that it may be independently reset. As shown in Fig. 11 an x-ray source 1 is used to focus x-ray radiation upon a target 2 in such a way that the x-ray images are presented upon an imaye intensi~ier 3. The source is capable of selectively transmitting on demand a first lower level of radiation or a second higher level of radiation. In operation, a TV camera 4 begins to operate automatically when the x-ray source 1 begins to irradiate the target. This, in turn, causes the roentgenoscopic images formed on the image intensifier to ~e projected onto the TV camera 4. The output signals from the video camera~ which correspond to the transmitted x-ray images formed on the image intensifier 3, are next converted from analogue signals to digital signals by means of an a/d converter 5. The output signals from the a/d converter are applied to a digital memory 6. In the digital memory 6, image signals for each video frame are divided into image elements and each corresponding imaye element is stored into a relevant memory , site. A one M DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) may be used for this purpose. A timing generator 7 sends a start signal Txl to the x-ray source to initiate the imaging and storing sequence.
In addition, the timing generator 7 has added circuitry for carrying out additional functions. The generator has the capability of controlling the x-ray source to produce soft ~weak~
x-rays which are displayed as images on a monitor lt), as will be " . , , .. ".. , - . ... ,-. .~ .
explained in greater detail below. The generator also controls the synchronization of vertical and horizontal scanning signals Tc of the video camera and converting the synchronized signals Tcd to the a/d converter 5. The memory synchroni~ed signals Ta and data address signals of the digital memory Tb also originate in the timing generator.
The timing generator 7 also synchronizes the signals which are readout from the memory 6 by sending a synchronizing signal Tmd to the d/a converter 9 w~ich provides the input to a video monitor lO. The timing generator sends synchronized vertical and horizontal scanning signals Tm to the monitor lO so that the information stored in the memory or that generated directly by the TV camera can be displayed upon the monitor screen.
Transmitted roentgenoscopic images of the target displayed on the image intensifier can be monitored continually using low levels of radiation thereby exposing the patient and/or technician to low dosages. When it becomes necessary to examine selected images in greater detail, the exposure radiation level is increased and the following procedures are carried out.
Initially, the ordinary operation of the camera is deactivated for a short period o~ time by closing switch a and the photogene image on the TV monitor is allowed to vanish completely. Closing switch 8 also causes a signal Tx2 to be sent from the timing generator 7 to the x-ray source thereby increasing the level of output oi- the x-ray source. The target is radiated with higher levels of radiation thereby causing a more defined or sharper selective image to be produced on the image ~5-intenslfier. The TV camera is then reactivated in ~ynchronization with the memory and monitor systems and the selected image is passed through the a/cl converter to memory where it is stored. Once the selected memory has been stored, normal operations can be restoxed by opening switch 8.
The operational procedures of the above-noted apparatus will now be described in greater detail with reference to Fig. 2.
When it is desirous to record a selected image, switch 8 is closed at step 1 and the normal viewing load is now changed to a photographin~ and storing mode. At step 2, the photogene image on the TV camera is allowed to vanish completely by blanking out at least three image frames. At step 3, the video camera 4 iQ inactivated by means of a blanking circuit and the x-ray source is readied to produce a higher level output. At step 4, a signal Tx2 ~rom the timing generator is sent to the x-ray source and the target is then exposed to higher levels of radiation to produce a sharp image upon the image intensifier.
At step 5, the TV camera is once again turned on in synchronization with the memory circuits and the monitor circuits. Upon reactivation of the camera, a l-rame of the selected image is forwarded to the memory where it is stored.
The image is simultaneously displayed on monitor lO. At this time normal operations can be resumed by opening switch 8.
As can be seen, the above-~oted procedures makes it possible to photograph selected images produced by x-ray radiation and permits the selected images to be stored in memory where they can be recalled at a later time. The transmitted images can also be ~ !314336 observed directly upon a monitor screen through means of the video camera without passing directly through the digital memory 6. Accordingly, the x-ray signals can be monitored using low : levels of radiation and only when a selected target is to be memorized are higher dosages of radiation utilized. This in -turn protects both the patient and the technicians using the equipment while at the same time providing an important diagnostic tool to the examining physician.
: While the present invention has been illustrated with reference to preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that many modifications and variations thereof could be carried out by those skilled 1n the art without departure from the scope and spirit of this invention, as defined in the appended claims.
:~:
:~
Background of the Invention The present invention relates generally to medical x-ray imaging equipment and in particular to medical x-ray imaging equipment for displaying roentgenoscopic images of a desired ; 5 target upon a monitor, selecting given images from the displayed images, storing said selected images in memory, and recalling and displaying the selected images on the monitor.
For diagnostic practices, medical x-ray imaging equipment is often times employed for obtaining and recording roentgenoscopic images of a diseased area of a patient. The images are taken from certain predetermined angles which are necessary for recognizing and evaluating therapeutical efficacy and determining if further treatment is necessary.
In order to conduct the above-noted tasks using conventional techniques, the roentgenoscopic image of the diseased part is typically registered onto a photographic film in the form of an x-ray image and the film is later developed. In an alternative method, signals from a video camera are projected onto a film while observing the transmitted images upon a TV monitor.
While a transmitted x-ray photograph can be produced directly from the target using the above-noted film method, the amount of x-ray dosage necessary for registering the x-ray image upon the film generally is relatively large. Accordingly, the amount of potential leakage of radiation is correspondingly large resulting in a risk to both the patient and the technicians who operate the x-ray equip~ent. It is ~urther noted that '~
131~336 photographs produced by this method are usually unclear and do not possess the contrask necessary for complete or accurate diagnosis.
Directly photographing x-ray images produced on a TV
monitor have been proposed, however, the scanning periods required by most TV systems are not compatible with those of most x-ray systems thus making the photographic process difficult.
Summary of the Tnvention In order to overcome technical problems involved in most conventional methods oE recording x-ray images on TV
monitors, it is an object of the preferred e.mbodiment of the present invention to provide apparatus by which an x-ray radiated image of a target can be recorded in synchronization with the scanning signal of a TV camera to provide instantaneous viewing and recording o~ a target area.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for viewing and selectively storing x-ray images of a target that includes an x-ray source for radiating a target, said source having a first mode of operation whereby the target is radiated with low intensity radiation and a second mode of operation whereby the target is radiated with radiation of a higher intensity, means for visually displaying x-ray image of the target, video camera for photographing the visual x-ray images of the target, a monitor for displaying video images of said target, memory means for storing selected video images of the target, control means coupled to said x-ray source, said video camera, said monitor and said memory means for normally holding the x-ray source in said first mode of operation whereby low intensity x-ray images are displayed on the monitor, and switching means associated wi-th the .. .. ..
1 3 1 ~336 control means that is operable to inactivate the videocamera eor a predetermined period of time during which the monitor screen is aleared of .residual images and said x-ray source is switched to said second higher mode of operation, whereupon the camera is reactivated and the memory means is addressed for storing a selected high intensity video image of the target.
According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the x-ray imaginy device is constructed o~ (1) an x-ray unit for selectively radiating a target to be examined with one of ~wo available levels of radiation, (2) a video camera for photographing the x-ray radiated images obtained from the target, (3) an a/d converter for converting the output from the video camera into digital signal information, (4) a digital memory device for ~ producing a 1-frame memorization of said converted digital - signals, (5) a d/a converter ~or reading out memorized signal information and for converting this information into an analogue siqnal for display, (6) a monitor by which the output from the d/a converter is presented as a visual signal and which - 2a -` ~ 131~336 is synchronized with the readout from said memory, ana (7) a timing generator for synchroni~ing and controlling the various components of the system.
¦ In operation, selected analogue electrical signals from the 1 TV camera are first converted into digital signals and memorized in the digital memory. When selected x-ray images are to be memorized, the following operational sequence is carried out using the above-noted equipment. To memorize a ~iven image, the electron beam of the TV camera is initially turned off thereby allowing the photogene image on the monitor screerl to vanish completely. Once the photogene image has vanished r the target is radiated with x-rays at a second higher level and the TV camera is once again switched on in synchronization with the vertical and horizontal scanning signals oE th~ video system. The video image is then sent to the memory where it is stored for viewing at a later time.
Brief Desc iption of the Drawings For a better understanding of these and other objects of the present invention, preference will be made to the following detailed description of the invention which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a timing diagram describing the operation of the 2S apparatus shown in Fig. 1.
131~336 D iled Descri~tion of the Invention Fig. 1 is a block diayra~ of the x-ray imaging equipment of the present invention. The electrical components of each circuit is constructed so that it may be independently reset. As shown in Fig. 11 an x-ray source 1 is used to focus x-ray radiation upon a target 2 in such a way that the x-ray images are presented upon an imaye intensi~ier 3. The source is capable of selectively transmitting on demand a first lower level of radiation or a second higher level of radiation. In operation, a TV camera 4 begins to operate automatically when the x-ray source 1 begins to irradiate the target. This, in turn, causes the roentgenoscopic images formed on the image intensifier to ~e projected onto the TV camera 4. The output signals from the video camera~ which correspond to the transmitted x-ray images formed on the image intensifier 3, are next converted from analogue signals to digital signals by means of an a/d converter 5. The output signals from the a/d converter are applied to a digital memory 6. In the digital memory 6, image signals for each video frame are divided into image elements and each corresponding imaye element is stored into a relevant memory , site. A one M DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) may be used for this purpose. A timing generator 7 sends a start signal Txl to the x-ray source to initiate the imaging and storing sequence.
In addition, the timing generator 7 has added circuitry for carrying out additional functions. The generator has the capability of controlling the x-ray source to produce soft ~weak~
x-rays which are displayed as images on a monitor lt), as will be " . , , .. ".. , - . ... ,-. .~ .
explained in greater detail below. The generator also controls the synchronization of vertical and horizontal scanning signals Tc of the video camera and converting the synchronized signals Tcd to the a/d converter 5. The memory synchroni~ed signals Ta and data address signals of the digital memory Tb also originate in the timing generator.
The timing generator 7 also synchronizes the signals which are readout from the memory 6 by sending a synchronizing signal Tmd to the d/a converter 9 w~ich provides the input to a video monitor lO. The timing generator sends synchronized vertical and horizontal scanning signals Tm to the monitor lO so that the information stored in the memory or that generated directly by the TV camera can be displayed upon the monitor screen.
Transmitted roentgenoscopic images of the target displayed on the image intensifier can be monitored continually using low levels of radiation thereby exposing the patient and/or technician to low dosages. When it becomes necessary to examine selected images in greater detail, the exposure radiation level is increased and the following procedures are carried out.
Initially, the ordinary operation of the camera is deactivated for a short period o~ time by closing switch a and the photogene image on the TV monitor is allowed to vanish completely. Closing switch 8 also causes a signal Tx2 to be sent from the timing generator 7 to the x-ray source thereby increasing the level of output oi- the x-ray source. The target is radiated with higher levels of radiation thereby causing a more defined or sharper selective image to be produced on the image ~5-intenslfier. The TV camera is then reactivated in ~ynchronization with the memory and monitor systems and the selected image is passed through the a/cl converter to memory where it is stored. Once the selected memory has been stored, normal operations can be restoxed by opening switch 8.
The operational procedures of the above-noted apparatus will now be described in greater detail with reference to Fig. 2.
When it is desirous to record a selected image, switch 8 is closed at step 1 and the normal viewing load is now changed to a photographin~ and storing mode. At step 2, the photogene image on the TV camera is allowed to vanish completely by blanking out at least three image frames. At step 3, the video camera 4 iQ inactivated by means of a blanking circuit and the x-ray source is readied to produce a higher level output. At step 4, a signal Tx2 ~rom the timing generator is sent to the x-ray source and the target is then exposed to higher levels of radiation to produce a sharp image upon the image intensifier.
At step 5, the TV camera is once again turned on in synchronization with the memory circuits and the monitor circuits. Upon reactivation of the camera, a l-rame of the selected image is forwarded to the memory where it is stored.
The image is simultaneously displayed on monitor lO. At this time normal operations can be resumed by opening switch 8.
As can be seen, the above-~oted procedures makes it possible to photograph selected images produced by x-ray radiation and permits the selected images to be stored in memory where they can be recalled at a later time. The transmitted images can also be ~ !314336 observed directly upon a monitor screen through means of the video camera without passing directly through the digital memory 6. Accordingly, the x-ray signals can be monitored using low : levels of radiation and only when a selected target is to be memorized are higher dosages of radiation utilized. This in -turn protects both the patient and the technicians using the equipment while at the same time providing an important diagnostic tool to the examining physician.
: While the present invention has been illustrated with reference to preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that many modifications and variations thereof could be carried out by those skilled 1n the art without departure from the scope and spirit of this invention, as defined in the appended claims.
:~:
:~
Claims (2)
1. A system for viewing and selectively storing x-ray images of a target that includes an x-ray source for radiating a target, said source having a first mode of operation whereby the target is radiated with low intensity radiation and a second mode of operation whereby the target is radiated with radiation of a higher intensity, means for visually displaying x-ray image of the target, video camera for photographing the visual x-ray images of the target, a monitor for displaying video images of said target, memory means for storing selected video images of the target, control means coupled to said x-ray source, said video camera, said monitor and said memory means for normally holding the x-ray source in said first mode of operation whereby low intensity x-ray images are displayed on the monitor, and switching means associated with the control means that is operable to inactivate the video camera for a predetermined period of time during which the monitor screen is cleared of residual images and said x-ray source is switched to said second higher mode of operation, whereupon the camera is reactivated and the memory means is addressed for storing a selected high intensity video image of the target.
2. The system of claim 1 that further includes a means for converting said selected video images from an analogue signal to a digital signal in preparation for storage in the memory means, and a means for converting said stored digital signals from a digital signal to an analogue signal for display on said monitor.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000609579A CA1314336C (en) | 1989-08-28 | 1989-08-28 | Medical imaging apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000609579A CA1314336C (en) | 1989-08-28 | 1989-08-28 | Medical imaging apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1314336C true CA1314336C (en) | 1993-03-09 |
Family
ID=4140507
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000609579A Expired - Fee Related CA1314336C (en) | 1989-08-28 | 1989-08-28 | Medical imaging apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1314336C (en) |
-
1989
- 1989-08-28 CA CA000609579A patent/CA1314336C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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