JPH08238238A - Medical radiographic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a medical radiographic apparatus capable of preventing error in photographing by allowing the checking of a photographing range to be taken beforehand to shorten positioning time. CONSTITUTION: A head 11 of a patient is irradiated with a light beam L14 indicating the upper limit of a photographing range to be taken by a curved surface tomography, a light beam L15 indicating the upper limit of a photographing range in the flat tomography and a light beam L16 indicating the lower limits of photographing ranges in the curved surface tomography and the flat tomography from a light beam generator. When the head 11 of the patient is held securely at a specified position between the an X-ray generator and a film cassette having an X-ray film, the positioning of the head 11 is performed referring the light beams L14-L16 together with a center line beam L11 and an eye/ear horizontal beam L12.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dental or otolaryngological medical X-ray apparatus for performing at least one of curved tomography and plane tomography.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 8 shows a light beam projected onto a patient's head 1 by a conventional medical radiography apparatus. When performing curved tomography or plane tomography of the patient's upper or lower jaw, the patient's head 1 is fixed at a predetermined position between the X-ray generator and the recording medium that is the X-ray detection means. There is a need. The light beam shown in FIG. 8 is used for alignment when fixing the head 1 of the patient.

Alignment of the patient's head 1 is performed with reference to the midline beam L1, occlusal plane beam L2, horizon beam L3 and tomographic plane beam L4 shown in FIG.
Here, the tomographic plane beam L4 is a light beam for positioning the swivel arm that supports the X-ray generator and the X-ray detection means in an opposed state.

First, the midline beam L1 is aligned with the midline of the head 1, and the occlusal plane beam L2 and the head 1 are aligned.
And the horizontal beam L3
The patient's head is fixed so that the line connecting the inferior orbital edge and the external auditory meatus on top or the line connecting the subnasal point and the external auditory canal matches. When performing curved surface tomography, the entire arm is moved back and forth for positioning so that the tomographic plane beam L4 coincides with the tomographic reference position (the position of the patient's canine). When performing planar tomography, the position is determined by measurement or from the film on which curved tomography was performed.

[0005]

In the above-mentioned prior art,
The beams L1 to L4 are for aligning the position of the patient's head 1 and for positioning the swivel arm, and do not indicate an imaging range when curved tomography and plane tomography are actually performed. For this reason, the position of the imaged part where the image is actually taken is known only at an approximate position, and the operator who takes the image should have experience so that the imaged part that is actually imaged matches the imaged part to be imaged. The position of the patient's head and the swing arm are aligned according to the feeling.

[0006] In a single-function imaging apparatus that performs only curved surface tomography, the X-ray generator and the X-ray recording medium are often fixed in vertical position. In this case, alignment is relatively easy. However, there were few problems such as an error in alignment.

However, in recent years, especially in the X-ray tomography apparatus for dentistry, a multifunctional imaging apparatus capable of performing both curved surface tomography and planar tomography has become widespread, and such multifunctional imaging is performed. In the apparatus, it is necessary to move the positions of the X-ray generator and the X-ray detection means in the vertical direction in accordance with curved tomography or plane tomography for alignment. As described above, when the X-ray generator and the recording medium are moved in the vertical direction to perform the alignment, it is difficult to perform the alignment using only the conventional beams L1 to L4, and the accurate alignment is performed. In order to perform the above, it is necessary to perform a long time alignment work.

Further, in the conventional photographing apparatus which projects only the beams L1 to L4, since the photographing range actually photographed is not shown, the photographing range cannot be confirmed before the photographing, and a photographing error occurs. However, there is a problem in that the exposure dose of the patient is increased by performing the imaging again.

An object of the present invention is to provide a medical X-ray imaging apparatus capable of confirming the imaging range to be imaged in advance, shortening the alignment time, and preventing imaging mistakes. is there.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to an arm having an X-ray generator and X-ray detection means disposed opposite each other with respect to a patient's head and a line or area light beam on the patient's head. And a light beam generator that projects an image to indicate an imaging range to be imaged, and is a medical X-ray imaging apparatus. Further, the light beam generator of the present invention includes a light bulb or a light emitting diode as a light source. Further, according to the present invention, an elevating main body supported by a column so as to be movable up and down, a holding frame extending on the elevating main body, for holding the arm so as to be pivotable via a pivoting means, and the elevating body are individually provided. A patient frame provided with a holding means for holding and fixing a patient's head, the light beam generator being attached to the X-ray detection means, the lifting body or the patient frame. And Further, according to the present invention, an elevating main body supported by a column so as to be vertically displaceable, a holding frame extending on the elevating main body, for holding the arm so as to be pivotable via a pivoting means, and the elevating body are individually provided. A patient frame provided with a holding means for holding and fixing a patient's head, the light beam generator being an X-ray generator, or a portion of an arm to which the X-ray generator is attached. It is characterized in that it is mounted in the vicinity of. Furthermore, the light beam generator of the present invention is characterized by projecting a linear light beam that indicates an upper limit and a lower limit of an imaging range. Further, the light beam generator of the present invention is characterized by projecting a planar light beam in a region from an upper limit to a lower limit of a photographing range.
Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a timer means for irradiating the light beam from the light beam generator for a predetermined period. Further, the present invention is characterized in that the irradiation of the light beam is stopped when the X-ray imaging is started. Further, the light beam generator of the present invention is characterized in that the brightness or color of the light beam is changed according to curved tomography or plane tomography. Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the irradiation region of the light beam moves in association with the vertical displacement of the X-ray generator and the X-ray detection means. Further, the present invention is characterized in that the irradiation region of the light beam moves in accordance with a change in magnification of the tomographic image to be captured.

[0011]

According to the present invention, the light beam generator projects a linear or planar light beam onto the patient's head to indicate the imaging range to be imaged.

Therefore, since the position of the patient's head is aligned so that the range on which the light beam is projected matches the range to be imaged, the alignment can be performed easily and in a short time. It is possible to perform accurate alignment with the work of.

Further, since the photographing range actually photographed is indicated by the light beam, the actual photographing range can be confirmed in advance before photographing. As a result, it is possible to prevent imaging mistakes, and it is possible to prevent the exposure dose of the patient from increasing due to the re-imaging of the imaging due to the imaging mistakes.

Since the photographing range can be confirmed in advance by the light beam, when the photographing range indicated by the light beam is smaller than the photographing range to be photographed, the photographing range is narrowed down or the photographing is performed. It can be divided into two times, and it can be judged before the photographing that the photographing of the entire photographing range should be performed.

According to the invention, the light beam is emitted from a light bulb or a light emitting diode and is projected onto the patient's head through a lens or the like.

According to the present invention, the medical X-ray imaging apparatus further includes an arm in which an X-ray generator and X-ray detecting means such as an X-ray film or an X-ray detecting element are arranged to face each other with respect to the patient's head. It is held on a holding frame via a turning means including a turning motor and an XY table, and in this way, the arm is turned around a desired path around the patient's head to irradiate a desired imaging region with X-rays. Is possible.

The medical X-ray radiographing apparatus constructed as described above can perform at least one of curved tomography and plane tomography. For curved tomography,
While irradiating X-rays, the X-ray generator and the X-ray detecting means are moved along the curved tomographic plane set on the patient's head, and the X-ray detecting means is provided with the X-ray film in synchronization with the movement. If so, the X-ray film is moved in the direction opposite to the direction in which the X-ray detection means is moved. Further, when the plane tomography is performed, the X-ray generator and the X-ray detection means are linearly moved in opposite directions along the plane tomographic plane set on the head of the patient while irradiating the X-ray. Move to.

When such curved tomography or plane tomography is performed, the patient's head is fixed at a predetermined position between the X-ray generator and the X-ray detecting means. To fix the patient's head, the holding frame and the lifting / lowering body are displaced up and down according to the position of the patient's head in the standing or sitting posture, and the X-ray emitted from the X-ray generator is applied to the patient's head. The patient's head is provided on the patient frame while aligning the position of the patient's head with respect to the X-ray generator and the X-ray detecting means so that the X-ray detecting means may pass through the imaging region to be imaged. It is held and fixed by the holding means.

The positioning of the patient's head with respect to the X-ray generator and the X-ray detecting means is performed while confirming the position of the imaging range indicated by the light beam on the patient's head. The light beam generator is attached to the X-ray detection means, the lifting body or the patient frame.

Therefore, when the light beam generator is attached to the X-ray detecting means or the elevating / lowering body, the light beam generator is displaced up and down along with the X-ray generator and the X-ray detecting means. Even if the X-ray detection means is displaced up and down, it is not necessary to move the irradiation area of the light beam.

Further, when the light beam generator is attached to the X-ray detecting means, the light beam is always emitted from the X-ray detecting means toward the X-ray generator, so that the magnification of the tomographic image to be photographed is changed. However, the irradiation area of the light beam moves with the change of the enlargement ratio, and the area of the photographing range indicated by the light beam changes. When the light beam generator is attached to the X-ray detection means, the light beam is always radiated toward the X-ray generator.
For example, if the arm that supports the X-ray generator and the X-ray detection means is moved at regular intervals so that the distance between the X-ray detection means and the imaging region is shortened, that is, the enlargement ratio is reduced. As a result, the area of the imaging range indicated by the light beam becomes smaller, and the distance between the X-ray detection means and the imaging region is increased, that is, the magnification is increased. The area of the photographing range indicated by the light beam becomes large.

When the light generator is attached to the patient frame, for example, by mounting the light beam generator inside the turning radius of the X-ray generator and the X-ray detection means, the X-ray generator and the X-ray detection can be performed. Regardless of the position of the means, the arm, the X-ray generator, and the X-ray detection means do not block the light beam, and the light beam can always indicate the imaging range.

According to the invention, the light beam generator is
It is mounted in the vicinity of the X-ray generator or the portion of the arm where the X-ray generator is mounted. As a result, the light beam generator is displaced up and down along with the X-ray generator and the X-ray detection means, so that the irradiation area of the light beam is moved even when the X-ray generator and the X-ray detection means are displaced up and down. No need. In addition, since the light beam is always emitted from the X-ray generator in the direction of the X-ray detecting means, even if the magnification of the tomographic image is changed, the area of the imaging range indicated by the light beam changes accordingly, and the light beam There is no need to move the irradiation area of.

According to the invention, the light beam generator comprises:
A linear light beam indicating the upper limit and the lower limit of the shooting range is projected.

According to the invention, the light beam generator comprises:
A planar light beam is projected onto a region from the upper limit to the lower limit of the photographing range.

Further, according to the present invention, when the timer means is activated during the position alignment work of the patient's head, the light beam is emitted from the light beam generator only for a predetermined period during which the timer means is activated. Is irradiated. When the alignment is performed and a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the irradiation of the light beam is automatically stopped by the timer means.

Further, according to the present invention, during the work of aligning the head of the patient, the irradiation of the light beam emitted from the light beam generator is automatically stopped when the photographing is started.

Therefore, since the irradiation of the light beam is automatically stopped except during the required period, the work for stopping the irradiation of the light beam is not necessary and the operability is good. Further, since the light beam is emitted only for the period required for alignment, power consumption can be reduced.

According to the invention, the light beam generator comprises:
The brightness or color of the light beam is changed according to curved tomography or plane tomography.

Therefore, whether curved surface tomography is performed,
Whether plane tomography is performed can be confirmed in advance by the brightness or color difference of the light beam before imaging.
It is possible to prevent shooting mistakes.

According to the invention, an X-ray generator and an X-ray generator are also provided.
The irradiation area of the light beam is moved in association with the vertical displacement of the line detection means.

Therefore, even if the X-ray generator and the X-ray detecting means are displaced up and down, the photographing range can be indicated by the light beam.

Further, according to the present invention, the irradiation region of the light beam is moved according to the change of the enlargement ratio of the tomographic image to be photographed.

Therefore, in general, when the magnifying power is changed, the area of the photographing range actually photographed changes with the change of the magnifying power, but the irradiation with the light beam is carried out with the change of the magnifying power. Since the area also moves, it is possible to indicate the shooting range corresponding to the magnitude of the enlargement ratio.

[0035]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows a light beam L projected onto a patient's head 11 by an X-ray imaging apparatus 12 which is an embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure which shows 14-L16. FIG. 2 shows an X-ray imaging apparatus 1.
It is a side view which shows the structure of 2. The X-ray imaging apparatus 12 includes a pair of temporal holding members 2 for holding and fixing the patient's head.
6, 27 and chin rest 20, the swing arm 16,
The lifting / lowering main body 13, the patient frame 19, the support column 28, the base 25, and the three light beam generators 21 to 23 attached to the film cassette 18 are provided.

The revolving arm 16 is formed in a generally U-shape, and an X-ray generator 17 is attached to one end thereof, and a film cassette 18 and a slit plate (not shown) are attached to the other end thereof. To be The film cassette 18 is
It is provided so as to be linearly movable in the horizontal direction with respect to the swivel arm 16 and the slit plate, and at the time of curved surface tomography described later, a film cassette is attached to an elongated slit portion provided on the slit plate. 18 moves linearly. In addition, the film cassette 18 is provided with an X-ray film that is exposed to X-rays.

Further, in this embodiment, the film cassette 18 containing the X-ray film was provided as the X-ray detecting means, but C for converting the image of the incident X-ray into an electric signal.
A CD (charge coupled device) or the like may be provided.

The turning means 15 is provided near the center of the turning arm.
It is suspended from the holding frame 14 via the, and the holding frame 14 is integrally extended from the elevating body 13. In the turning means 15, a turning mechanism for turning the turning arm 16 and an XY table for moving the turning center of the turning arm 16 in an arbitrary horizontal direction are incorporated. Therefore, the swivel arm 16 can be swung according to, for example, the shape of the patient's dental arch, and curved tomography can be performed, and planar tomography can be performed on an arbitrary cross section of the dental arch and the skull. Becomes

The elevating main body 13 is provided so as to be vertically displaceable on a column 28 standing on a base 25.
The position of the head 11 of the patient 29 in the vertical direction and the head 1
The positions of the X-ray generator 17 and the film cassette 18 with respect to the vertical direction can be adjusted according to the position of the imaged region in FIG.

A chin rest 20 and a handle 24 are attached to a patient frame 19 which is independently movable up and down on a support column 28 so as to be vertically movable.
Since the patient frame 19 can be displaced up and down, the patient 29
The vertical position of the chin rest 20 on which the chin is placed can be adjusted in the vertical direction according to the height of the patient. The handle 24 is attached to the lower surface of the patient frame 19, and by holding the handle 24 by the patient, the posture of the patient 29 at the time of photographing can be stabilized, and the shoulder of the patient 29 is raised and the swivel arm 16 is moved. There is no hindrance to the turning.

The respective light beam generators 21 to 23 project the respective light beams L14 to L16 indicating the imaging range in which curved tomography or planar tomography is performed on the head 11 of the patient 29. Such light beams L14 to L16 are used when aligning the head 11 of the patient 29 described later.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the light beam generator 21 provided in the X-ray imaging apparatus 12. The light beam generator 21 includes a main body 32 and a light source 31 that is detachably provided in the main body 32. A light beam emitted from a lamp 31a included in the light source 31 passes through a slit (not shown) included in the main body 32, a lens 32b, and a mirror 32c, and exits 32d provided in a housing 32a of the main body 32 so that the head 11 of the patient 29 can be captured. Illuminated in the direction. In the present embodiment, the slit has an elongated shape and the light beam L14 emitted from the light beam generator 21 has a linear elongated shape. However, by changing the slit shape, the light beam L14 The shape can be, for example, a planar rectangular shape. Further, in this embodiment, a light bulb is used as the lamp 31a, but a light emitting diode may be used.

The angle of the mirror 32c is variable,
The irradiation direction of the light beam L14 can be changed by changing the angle of the mirror 32c.

The light beam generators 22 and 23 have the same structure as the light beam generator 21, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 4 shows the film cassette 18, the light beam generators 21 to 23, the X-ray generator 17 and the light beam L1.
It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the projection surface 36 of the head 11 in which 4 to L16 are projected. As shown in FIG. 4, each of the light beam generators 21 to 23 is arranged on the surface 18a of the film cassette 18 facing the X-ray generator 17 at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction.

The light beam L14 emitted from the light beam generator 21 indicates the upper limit of the imaging range in curved surface tomography. Light beam L15 emitted from the light beam generator 22
Indicates the upper limit of the imaging range for plane tomography. The light beam L16 emitted from the light beam generator 23 indicates the lower limit of the imaging range in curved surface tomography and planar tomography.

On a slit plate (not shown) arranged to face the surface 18a of the film cassette 18, an elongated slit portion used for curved tomography and a rectangular slit portion used for plane tomography. When X-rays are incident on the film cassette 18 after passing through such slits, the incident area on the surface 18a of the X-rays incident on the film cassette 18 is not affected by curved tomography. It becomes an elongated incident area 37, and becomes a rectangular incident area 38 at the time of plane tomography.

The vertical width W1 of the incident area 37 is wider than the vertical width W2 of the incident area 38, and the lower end of the incident area 37 and the lower end of the incident area 38 coincide with each other. ing. On the surface 18a, the light beam generator 21 is arranged such that its position in the vertical direction coincides with the upper end of the incident region 37, and the light beam generator 22
Are arranged so that their vertical positions coincide with the upper ends of the incident regions 38, and the light beam generator 23 is arranged so that their vertical positions coincide with the lower ends of the incident regions 37 and 38.

Each of the beam generators 2 arranged in this way
The respective light beams L14 to L16 emitted from 1 to 23 are
The light beams L14 to L16 extend in the horizontal direction on the projection surface 36 of the head portion 11a, and the light beams L14 to L16.
The irradiation direction of 16 is irradiated in the focal direction when X-rays are irradiated by the X-ray generator 17.

As a result, the X-ray generator 17 is used for photographing.
The swivel arm 16 for supporting the film cassette 18 and the film cassette 18 at a constant interval is changed so that the distance between the film cassette 18 and the projection surface 36 is reduced, and the magnification of the tomographic image to be captured is changed. Then, the shooting range for actual shooting increases with the change in the enlargement ratio. However, the interval between the light beams L14 and L16, which is the shooting range indicated by the light beams L14 to L16, and the light beam L15. The distance between L16 and L16 also increases with the change in magnification.

On the contrary, the film cassette 18 and the projection surface 3
If the swivel arm 16 is moved so as to increase the distance to 6 and changed so as to increase the enlargement ratio, the photographing range actually photographed decreases as the enlargement ratio changes. Light beams L14 and L16 indicating the shooting range
And the distance between the light beams L15 and L16 become smaller as the expansion rate changes.

Referring to FIG. 1, the X-ray imaging apparatus 12 includes
The elevating main body 13 is provided with two light beam generators (not shown) for irradiating the midline beam L11 and the horizontal beam L12, respectively, and the swivel arm 16 is provided with a light beam generator (not shown) for irradiating the tomographic plane beam L13. To be At the time of photographing, the head 11 of the patient 29 is aligned to a predetermined position between the X-ray generator 17 and the film cassette 18 by using the chin rest 20 and the temporal pressing members 26 and 27. Need to be held and fixed. The alignment of the head 11 with respect to the X-ray generator 17 and the film cassette 18 is performed by the above-described beams L11 to L11 with respect to the head 11.
It is performed while confirming the position of L16.

In photographing, the head 11 of the patient 29 is held and fixed in the following manner. First, the patient 29 is made to stand in front of the X-ray imaging apparatus 12, and then the elevating body 13 and the patient frame 19 are displaced up and down according to the height of the patient, and the incident area 37 of the X-ray generator 17 and the film cassette 18, The jaw of the patient 29 is placed on the chin rest 20 while aligning the position of the head 11 with respect to the X-ray generator 17 and the film cassette 18 so that the straight line connecting with 38 penetrates the imaging region of the head 11 to be imaged. Then, the pair of side head pressing members 2 which are erected downward from the revolving arm 16
The head 11 of the patient 29 is held and fixed by 6, 27.

The position of the head 11 is adjusted by the midline beam L
11 is aligned with the midline of the head 11, and the line connecting the lower orbital edge of the patient 29 and the ear canal is aligned on the horizontal beam L12, or the line connecting the subnasal point and the ear canal is aligned. To do so. The front and rear alignment of the arm at the time of curved surface tomography is performed by the tomographic beam L13. Further, the raising / lowering main body is moved up and down so that the photographing range actually photographed indicated by the light beams L14 to L16 matches the desired photographing range.

When the head 11 of the patient 29 is held and fixed in this manner, curved tomography or planar tomography is performed according to the purpose of photography. The curved surface tomography, for example, when performing curved surface tomography of the dental arch of the patient 29,
While irradiating X-rays from the X-ray generator 17, the X-ray generator 1
The X-ray generator 17 and the film cassette 18 are moved along the dental arch so that a straight line connecting the No. 7 and the film cassette 18 penetrates the dental arch in the vertical direction, and X is synchronized with the movement. The wire film cassette 18 is attached to the slit plate having an elongated slit portion, and the revolving arm 1
It is performed by linearly moving in the direction opposite to the moving direction of 6.

Further, the plane tomography is performed by, for example, the patient 29.
When taking a tomographic plane perpendicular to the dental arch of
While irradiating the X-ray generator 17 with X-rays, the revolving arm 16 is revolved so that the straight line connecting the X-ray generator 17 and the film cassette 18 penetrates the desired tomographic plane of the dental arch in the vertical direction. , X-ray generator 17 and film cassette 18 are linearly moved in opposite directions parallel to each other along the sectional plane of the dental arch.

The X-ray imaging apparatus 12 is provided with a timer means for irradiating the beam from the light beam generators 21 to 23 only for a predetermined period, and when the head 11 of the patient 29 is aligned, The irradiation of L14 to L16 is started,
When a predetermined period required for alignment has elapsed, the timer means stops the irradiation of the light beams L14 to L16. Alternatively, the X-ray imaging apparatus 12 is provided with means for stopping the irradiation of the light beam when the imaging is started,
When aligning the head 11 of the patient 29, the light beam L1
The irradiation of 4 to L16 is started, and after the alignment, the irradiation of the light beams L14 to L16 is stopped when the photographing is started.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the light beam projected on the head 11 of the patient 29 to show the image capturing range. In the example of FIG. 5A, each of the light beams L14 to L16 is used.
Are projected at a predetermined interval. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
It corresponds to the example of (1).

In the example shown in FIG. 5B, the light beams L14 to L14.
In addition to 16, the elongated linear light beam L17 is projected along the up-down direction passing through the center of the light beams L14 to L16 with respect to the horizontal direction. By projecting the light beam L17, it is possible to easily confirm the center of the shooting range in the horizontal direction.

In the example of FIG. 5C, the light beams L14 to L14
Two elongated linear light beams L18 and L19 are projected along the vertical direction passing through both ends of 16. By projecting the light beams L18 and L19, in the case of performing plane tomography, it is possible to confirm the sizes of the plane tomographic plane to be actually photographed in the vertical and horizontal directions.

In the example of FIGS. 5A to 5C, the light beam L14 emitted at the time of alignment during curved tomography and the light beam L14 emitted at the time of alignment during plane tomography. By making the brightness or color of the light beam L15 different from that of the light beam L15, it is possible to confirm in advance before the imaging whether the imaging to be performed is the curved tomography or the planar tomography.

In the example of FIG. 5 (4), at the time of alignment for curved tomography, the area A1 between the light beams L14 and L16 is irradiated with a planar light beam to perform alignment for plane tomography. In the case of the area A between the light beams L15 and L16
2 is irradiated with a planar light beam. The light beam applied to the area A1 and the light beam A2 applied to the area A2 are
The brightness or color may be different.

Therefore, when the head 11 of the patient 29 is aligned, the light beams L14 to L16 are projected in addition to the midline beam L11 and the horizontal line beam L12, and the regions where the light beams L14 to L16 are projected. And the imaging area to be imaged are matched so that the head 11 of the patient 29
Since the position alignment is performed, the position alignment can be easily performed, and the accurate position alignment can be performed in a short time work.

Further, since the photographing range actually photographed by the light beams L14 to L16 is shown, the actual photographing range can be confirmed in advance before photographing. as a result,
It is possible to prevent an imaging mistake, and it is possible to prevent an increase in the radiation exposure dose of the patient due to the retake of the imaging due to the imaging mistake.

Further, since the photographing range can be confirmed in advance by the light beams L14 to L16, when the actual photographing range indicated by the light beams L14 to L16 is smaller than the photographing range to be photographed, the photographing is performed. It is possible to determine in advance whether to set a smaller range or to perform shooting in two times and to shoot the entire shooting range to be shot.

The light beam generators 21 to 23 are attached to the film cassette 18, and the light beam generator 2
1 to 23 are X-ray generator 17 and film cassette 18
As the X-ray generator 17 and the film cassette 18 are displaced up and down, the light beam L14 is displaced.
It is not necessary to move the irradiation area of L16.

Further, since the light beams L14 to L16 are always radiated from the film cassette 18 toward the X-ray generator 17, even if the magnification of the tomographic image to be photographed is changed, the light beams L14 to L16 are changed in accordance with the change of the magnification. The distance between L14 and the light beam L16 and the distance between the light beam L15 and the light beam L16 change. As a result, the operator can confirm the size of the imaging range corresponding to the size of the enlargement ratio.

Further, since the irradiation of the light beams L14 to L16 by the light beam generators 21 to 23 is automatically stopped except during the period required for the alignment work, the operator has to bother to emit the light beams L14 to L16. There is no need to stop irradiation, and operability is good. Moreover, since the light beams L14 to L16 are emitted only during the period required for the alignment, the power consumption can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the photographing is performed while the patient 29 is standing up, but the chair may be attached to the base 25 so that the photographing is performed in the sitting posture.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing the construction of an X-ray imaging apparatus 12a which is another embodiment of the present invention. In the X-ray imaging apparatus 12a of FIG. 6, parts corresponding and similar to those of the X-ray imaging apparatus 12 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. The feature of the X-ray imaging apparatus 12a is that the light beam generators 21 to 23 are
The point is that it is attached to the elevating body 13 instead of 8.

In this embodiment, the light beam generators 21-23 are used.
Is provided on the surface of the elevating / lowering body 13 facing the patient 29, and the light beam generators 21 to 23 are used for alignment.
The light beams L14 to L16 emitted from are emitted toward the face of the patient 29.

Therefore, when the X-ray generator 17 and the film cassette 18 are displaced up and down, the light beam generators 21 to 23 are displaced up and down along with the elevator main body 13, so that the X-ray imaging apparatus 12 of the above-described embodiment is used. Similarly, the X-ray generator 1
It is not necessary to move the irradiation areas of the light beams L14 to L16 associated with the vertical displacement of the film cassette 18 and the film cassette 18.

In order to change the enlargement ratio of the tomographic image to be photographed, the light beam generators for adjusting the positions of the light beam generators 21 to 23 in the vertical direction or changing the irradiation directions of the light beams L14 to L16. It is necessary to adjust the angles of 21 to 23 and move the irradiation regions of the light beams L14 to L16 according to the change of the enlargement ratio. Such vertical position adjustment or angle adjustment is performed by the light beam generators 21 to 23.
Is provided with a slide mechanism so as to be movable in the vertical direction on the elevating body 13, or the light beam generator 21
.About.23 can be carried out by providing a rotating mechanism for changing the direction of the light beams, and the sliding mechanism or the rotating mechanism can be driven to change the size of the irradiation range of the light beams L14 to L16 in response to the change in the enlargement ratio. You can

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment X of the present invention.
It is a side view which shows the structure of the radiography apparatus 12b. X in Figure 7
In the X-ray imaging apparatus 12b, the same or similar parts as those of the X-ray imaging apparatus 12 of FIGS. The characteristic point of the X-ray imaging apparatus 12b is
This is the point at which the light beam generators 21 to 23 are attached to the attachment arm 30 attached to the patient frame 27.

In the X-ray imaging apparatus 12b, the light beam generators 21 to 23 are the X-ray generator 17 and the film cassette 1.
Since it is provided inside the turning radius of 8, the turning arm 1 can be rotated no matter what position the X-ray generator 17 and the film cassette 18 are placed.
6, the X-ray generator 17, and the film cassette 18 do not block the light beams L14 to L16, and the light beam L14 to L16 can always indicate the imaging range.

In the X-ray imaging apparatus 12b, since the light beam generators 21 to 23 are attached to the attachment arm 30 attached to the patient frame 19, the X-ray generator 17, the film cassette 18 and the patient frame 19 are displaced up and down. When the X-ray generators 21 to 23 are changed or the magnification is changed, the X-ray generators 21 to 23 are moved in the vertical direction with respect to the mounting arm 30, or the irradiation directions of the light beams L14 to L16 are changed. It is necessary to rotate the light beam generators 21-23. Such movement or rotation of the light beam generators 21 to 23 can be realized by providing a slide mechanism or a rotation mechanism included in the X-ray imaging apparatus 12a described above.

As another embodiment, the light beam generator 2
1 to 23 may be attached in the vicinity of the X-ray generator 17 or a portion of the swivel arm 16 to which the X-ray generator 17 is attached. In the case where the light beam generators 21 to 23 are attached in this way, the X-ray imaging apparatus 12 of the above-described embodiment is used.
As in the case of (1), it is not necessary to move the irradiation regions of the light beams L14 to L16 with respect to the vertical displacement of the X-ray generator 17 and the film cassette 18 and the change of the magnification of the tomographic image.

[0078]

As described above, according to the present invention, the position of the patient's head is aligned so that the region on which the light beam is projected and the image capturing region to be imaged are aligned. Can be easily performed, and accurate alignment can be performed in a short time work.

Further, since the photographing range actually photographed is indicated by the light beam, the actual photographing range can be confirmed in advance before photographing. As a result, it is possible to prevent imaging mistakes, and it is possible to prevent the exposure dose of the patient from increasing due to the re-imaging of the imaging due to the imaging mistakes.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a light beam L14 to L1 projected on a patient's head 11 by an X-ray imaging apparatus 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure which shows 6.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing a configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus 12.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a light beam generator 21 included in the X-ray imaging apparatus 12.

FIG. 4 is a film cassette 18 and light beam generators 21 to 21.
23 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between a projection surface 36 of the head 11 onto which the X-ray generator 23 and the light beams L14 to L16 are projected.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a light beam projected on a head 11 of a patient 29 to show a photographing range to be photographed.

FIG. 6 is an X-ray imaging apparatus 12a that is another embodiment of the present invention.
It is a side view which shows the structure of.

FIG. 7 is an X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
It is a side view which shows the structure of 2b.

FIG. 8 shows a light beam projected onto the head 1 of a patient by a conventional medical radiography apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 Head 12,12a, 12b X-ray imaging apparatus 13 Lifting main body 14 Holding frame 15 Swivel means 16 Swivel arm 17 X-ray generator 18 Film cassette 19 Patient frame 21-23 Light beam generator 25 Base 28 Strut L11-L16 beam

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An arm having an X-ray generator and an X-ray detection unit, which are arranged to face each other with respect to a patient's head, and a linear or planar light beam is projected on the patient's head for imaging. A medical X-ray imaging apparatus comprising: a light beam generator that indicates an imaging range. 2. The medical X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light beam generator includes a light bulb or a light emitting diode as a light source. 3. An elevating main body supported by a column so as to be movable up and down, a holding frame extending on the elevating main body, for holding the arm so as to be pivotable via a pivoting means, and the elevating body is individually provided. A patient frame provided with a holding means for holding and fixing a patient's head, the light beam generator being attached to the X-ray detection means, the lifting body, or the patient frame. Claim 1
The medical X-ray imaging apparatus described. 4. An elevating main body supported by a column so as to be movable up and down, a holding frame extending on the elevating main body, for holding the arm so as to be pivotable via a pivoting means, and the elevating body is individually provided. A patient frame provided with a holding means for holding and fixing a patient's head, the light beam generator being an X-ray generator, or a portion of an arm to which the X-ray generator is attached. The medical X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the medical X-ray imaging apparatus is attached in the vicinity of. 5. The medical X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light beam generator projects a linear light beam indicating an upper limit and a lower limit of an imaging range. 6. The medical X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light beam generator projects a planar light beam onto an area from an upper limit to a lower limit of an imaging range. 7. The medical X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising timer means for irradiating the light beam from the light beam generator for a predetermined period. 8. The medical X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation of the light beam is stopped when the X-ray imaging is started. 9. The medical X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light beam generator changes the brightness or color of the light beam according to curved tomography or plane tomography. 10. The medical X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation region of the light beam moves in association with the vertical displacement of the X-ray generator and the X-ray detection means. 11. The medical X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation region of the light beam moves according to a change in magnification of a tomographic image to be imaged.