JPH09117444A - Digital x ray photographing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To readily select an X-ray image taken in a desired direction among a many numbers of X-ray photographic images taken in various directions which are stored in a memory. SOLUTION: The whole of many information each showing the taking direction of photography which is determined by every set angle of an X-ray tube 2 and a supporting mechanism 4 for an image intensifier 3 is displayed on one window by a graphic monitor 25. By selecting an information taken in a desired photographing angle among many numbers of information images by a mouse 26, the X-ray photographic image taken in the desired direction is read out from a magnetic disc 13, and reproduced and displayed on a reference imaging monitor 18.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is capable of capturing transmitted X-ray images from various imaging directions, and the X-ray images obtained in each imaging direction are stored as imaging data while being stored. By providing a structure capable of reproducing and displaying an X-ray image, so-called cardiovascular interventional radiology (hereinafter, appropriately abbreviated as “IVR”)
The present invention relates to a digital X-ray imaging apparatus that can also be used for various purposes, and particularly to a technique for making it possible to easily select an X-ray image in a desired imaging direction from a large number of stored X-ray images.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A digital X-ray photographing apparatus as digital radiography stores X-ray images photographed from various directions, and at the same time extracts necessary ones from a large number of stored X-ray images. Since it can be displayed, it is also used in advanced medical technology such as so-called cardiovascular IVR, which is extremely useful in the medical field such as diagnosis and treatment.

The circulatory system IVR preliminarily photographs transmission X-ray images from various photographing directions in a state where a contrast agent is injected into a blood vessel or the like.
While directly storing the X-ray images in the desired imaging direction from among the large number of X-ray images that have been stored and observing them, medical treatment for blood clots and the like occurring in blood vessels is performed directly. It is a kind of traditional endovascular treatment.

The digital X-ray imaging apparatus is provided with a holding mechanism capable of setting the X-ray tube and the image intensifier, which are opposed to each other with the subject (patient) interposed therebetween, at various angles. X-ray images from various shooting directions are stored by shooting a transmission X-ray image at an appropriate set angle while changing the angle one after another and by capturing the imaging data into a magnetic disk or the like. That is, a large number of X-ray images with different imaging directions are stored in advance and prepared. Then, at the time of intravascular treatment of the subject, which is performed following the radiography of the transmission X-ray image, an X-ray image in a desired radiographing direction is obtained from a doctor who is undergoing treatment in the examination room to a radiographer (operator) in the operation room. Specify verbally. Then, the operator selects the X-ray corresponding to the doctor's designation from the many stored X-ray images.
A line image is selected and reproduced and displayed on an image monitor placed in the examination room. The doctor performs an appropriate medical treatment while seeing the X-ray image displayed on the image monitor.

[0005]

However, in the case of the conventional digital X-ray imaging apparatus, it is not easy for the operator to select an X-ray image corresponding to a doctor's instruction from a large number of stored X-ray images.

When the operator selects an X-ray image corresponding to a doctor's instruction, a large number of representative X-ray images in each imaging direction are displayed side by side on the screen of the operation monitor (multi-display), or a representative X-ray image is displayed. Are displayed one by one on the screen of the operation monitor one after another (page feed display), and the corresponding X
I'm looking for a line image. However, the designation of the X-ray image by the doctor is performed by notifying the angle number corresponding to the imaging direction.
On the other hand, only the X-ray image is displayed on the image monitor, and the imaging data corresponding to the angle number announced by the doctor is not displayed. Therefore, the operator must find out, from a large number of X-ray images, one that corresponds to the doctor's designation, based on his or her anatomical knowledge. However, skill is required to determine the imaging direction of the X-ray image from the image, and it is not easy to immediately find the X-ray image in the desired imaging direction. Moreover, circulatory system IV
In the case of R or the like, it is necessary to perform medical treatment satisfactorily, and for that purpose, it is essential that the X-ray image designated by the doctor is promptly reproduced and displayed in front of the doctor's eyes.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention is a digital X-ray radiographing system capable of easily selecting an X-ray image in a desired radiographing direction from a large number of X-ray images photographed and stored in various directions. An object is to provide a device.

[0008]

The present invention has the following configuration in order to achieve such an object. That is, the digital X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a holding mechanism capable of setting the X-ray tube and the image intensifier, which are opposed to each other with the subject in between, at various angles, and the X-ray to the subject. Video signal detection means for digitizing an X-ray visible image output from the image intensifier in association with irradiation to obtain imaging data, data storage means for capturing and storing the imaging data, and reading from the data storage means An angle for detecting each set angle of the holding mechanism at the time of taking in each of the image pickup data, in a digital X-ray photographing apparatus provided with an image display means for inputting the outputted image pickup data and displaying it as an X-ray image on an image monitor. The detection means and a plurality of pieces of shooting direction information respectively indicating shooting directions determined by the set angle detected by the angle detection are the same on the operation monitor. A photographing direction display means for displaying together the plane,
A shooting direction selecting unit that selects desired information from the shooting direction information displayed on the operation monitor, and the data storage unit stores each shooting data in association with the shooting direction information; Read control means for reading the imaging data corresponding to the shooting direction information selected by the shooting direction selection means from the data storage means and giving it to the image display means.

[0009]

The operation of the digital X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention is as follows. First, the transmission X-ray images from various photographing directions are photographed and the photographed X-ray images are stored as follows. While setting the holding mechanism of the X-ray tube and the image intensifier at various angles, irradiate the subject with X-rays and observe the transmitted X-ray image visualized by the image intensifier, while setting an appropriate set angle. Then, the image pickup data obtained in a digital form from the video signal detecting means is taken into the data storing means while being associated with the photographing direction determined by the angle of the holding mechanism detected by the angle detection. As a result, a large number of X-ray images in various imaging directions are stored in association with the imaging directions.

Then, in the case of selecting an X-ray image in a desired photographing direction from a large number of X-ray images stored as described above, the following is performed. In the apparatus of the present invention, the photographing direction display means collectively displays a large number of photographing direction information indicating the photographing directions determined by the respective setting angles of the holding mechanism at the time of fetching the respective captured image data, on the same screen on the operation monitor. . The operator uses the photographing direction selection means to select information to be collated with a desired photographing direction from a large number of photographing direction information displayed on the screen of the operation monitor. Then, the imaging data associated with the selected shooting direction information is read from the data storage means by the read control means and sent to the image display means. As a result, the X of the desired shooting direction is displayed on the screen of the image monitor. The line image is immediately displayed.

[0011]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of a digital X-ray imaging apparatus of the present invention. In the digital X-ray imaging apparatus of the embodiment,
An X-ray image is taken while the subject (patient) M is lying on the top 1. The X-ray tube 2 and the image intensifier 3 sandwich a subject (patient) M lying on the top plate 1 therebetween, and a holding mechanism 4 such as a C-shaped arm.
It is supported in the opposite state. The holding mechanism 4 is the X-ray tube 2
And the image intensifier 3 are supported so as to face each other, they are supported in the body axis direction (S direction in the figure), around the body axis (O direction in the figure), and around the vertical axis (C in the figure). direction)
It can be set to various angles by rotating it to, for example, so that (transparent) X-ray images in various imaging directions can be obtained.

A high-voltage generator 5 is connected to the X-ray tube 2 and a high-voltage generator 5 is operated by an IVR doctor by pushing a hand switch 6 near the top 1 or stepping on a foot switch 7. A high voltage is applied to the X-ray tube 2 from the generator 5, and the X-ray is exposed to the subject M.

A television camera 8 is connected to the image intensifier 3. The X-rays that have passed through the subject M are converted into visible light by the image intensifier 3 and are multiplied, and are photographed by the television camera 8. The television camera 8 is connected to a CCU (camera control unit) 9 that performs processing such as amplifying the output signal. The CCU 9 is connected with an A / D (analog → digital) converter 10 for converting an output signal, which has been amplified and the like, into a digital signal. That is, a portion between the image intensifier 3 and the A / D converter 10 is a video signal detecting means, and X
Imaging data is obtained from the A / D (analog → digital) converter 10 in a digitized form when line irradiation is performed.

An image processing unit 11 is connected to the A / D converter 10 for performing noise reduction of a digitized signal and filtering processing such as edge enhancement.
Further, in the subsequent stage of the image processing unit 11, a fluoroscopic image display for displaying a fluoroscopic X-ray image in real time via a D / A (digital → analog) converter 14 for converting an image-processed digital signal into an analog signal. Monitor 15 is connected.

The A / D converter 10 includes a switch 1
A magnetic disk (data storage means) 13 is connected via 2. The switch 12 is in a closed state (ON state) when the hand switch 6 is pressed. When the switch 12 is closed, the magnetic disk 13 captures and stores the image data, and when the switch 12 is opened, the capture data is stopped. Then, as will be described in detail later, the magnetic disk 13 has a configuration in which each image pickup data is stored in association with the shooting direction information.

Further, on the magnetic disk 13, a reference image monitor (image monitor) for displaying the stored X-ray image is provided via an image processing unit 16 for performing an enhancement process and a subsequent D / A converter 17. ) 18 is connected. The means for fetching the imaged data to the magnetic disk 13 and the means for controlling the reading of desired imaged data from the magnetic disk 13 are mainly composed of a control program stored in an HD (hard disk) 19 and a CPU 20.

The set angle of the holding mechanism 4 in the digital X-ray imaging apparatus can be controlled by the operation unit 21. When the rotation angle in the S direction, the O direction, or the C direction is designated by the operation unit 21, the electric motor operates so that the rotation angle in each direction becomes as instructed. In addition, a rotation angle detection mechanism 22 using a rotary encoder or the like
Thus, the rotation angle in each direction is detected and is always sent to the operation unit side as information indicating the set angle of the holding mechanism 4. In the case of the embodiment, the set angle information is composed of three angle signals, one for each of the S direction, the O direction, and the C direction.

On the operating side, the graphic monitor (operation monitor) 25 displays a large number of shooting direction information indicating the shooting direction determined by each set angle of the holding mechanism 4 at the time of capturing each piece of image pickup data on the operating side. It is configured to be collectively displayed on the same screen in.
This photographing direction display means is a feature of the present invention, and will be specifically described below.

It is assumed that there are two rotation angles that determine the shooting direction controlled here, the S direction and the O direction. Regarding the rotation angle in the O direction, as shown in FIG. 2, when the subject M is viewed from the vertical front side (direction facing the subject M), the case where the subject M is rotated to the right is defined as the RAO angle, and the case where it is rotated to the left is the LAO angle. And As for the rotation angle in the S direction, as shown in FIG. 3, when the subject M is viewed from the front in the lateral direction, it is referred to as a Cr (cranial) angle when it is rotated toward the head, and when it is rotated toward the feet, it is defined as Cd
(Cordal) Angle. That is, RAO, LAO, C
The shooting direction can be specified by the angles r and Cd. Then, as shown in FIG.
A coordinate axis for displaying a photographing direction in which a straight line in which the angles of O, LAO, Cr, and Cd are graduated at equal intervals is made orthogonal is displayed on the screen of the graphic monitor 25.

On the other hand, the O-direction angle signal and the S-direction angle signal are constantly sent from the rotation angle detection mechanism 22 to the operating side, and when the image pickup data is taken in the magnetic disk 13, the O-direction is detected. The angle signal and the S-direction angle signal are converted into RAO, LAO, Cr, and Cd, which are angles that define the shooting direction, and at the same time, are stored in the memory 23 in association with the capturing order of the imaging data. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, a pair of numerical data indicating the capturing order and the angle are stored in the capturing order in the form of a table. As a result, the numerical data indicating the capturing order of the imaging data is associated with the set angle of the holding mechanism 4, that is, the shooting direction.

On the other hand, the set angle converted into the angle of RAO, LAO, Cr or Cd (that is, shooting direction information) is, as shown in FIG. 5, a graphic controller (GC) 2
R on the coordinate axis of the graphic monitor 25 via
It is displayed in an appropriate shape (circular shape in FIG. 5) at a position corresponding to the coordinate on each orthogonal axis of AO, LAO, Cr and Cd. At the time of display, numerical data indicating the capturing order is also entered in the round mark, and is displayed as each shooting direction information, for example, in the form of "". The same thing is repeated every time the imaging data is captured. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, shooting direction information determined by each set angle of the holding mechanism 4 at the time of capturing each piece of image pickup data is collectively displayed on the same screen of the graphic monitor 25. If the numbers indicating the capturing order are displayed on the screen of the graphic monitor 25, there is also an advantage that the history of the shooting direction can be known only by looking at the screen.

It should be noted that it is possible that only the image data is taken into the memory 23 and not displayed on the graphic monitor 25 during photographing. Further, when the captured data is repeatedly captured at the same set angle, the circular marks are slightly shifted so as to be displayed in an overlapping manner. When the fifth set of image data and the sixth set of image data are captured at the same set angle, for example, “” may be superposed behind “” as shown at “” in the upper right of FIG. To
Although the number 6 is not visible, no particular problem occurs because the shooting direction of the stored X-ray image is clearly indicated. Alternatively, only the circular mark having no numerical data indicating the capturing order may be used as the shooting direction information. Even with only the display of the round mark, all the imaging directions of the stored X-ray images are clearly specified.

From each of the above angle signals, RAO, LAO, C
Each means for converting r or Cd into an angle, storing the converted angle and the order of capturing in the memory 23, displaying the coordinate axis on the graphic monitor 25, and writing a round mark on the coordinate axis is an HD (hard disk). ) 19 and the CPU 20.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, each image pickup data taken in the magnetic disk 13 is also stored with accompanying numerical data indicating the taking order.
Then, as described above, the numerical data indicating the capturing order is associated with the shooting direction. Therefore, each piece of captured image data that is captured in a state in which the numerical data indicating the capture order is attached is also stored in the magnetic disk 13 in association with the shooting direction. It should be noted that R is added to each image pickup data captured in the magnetic disk 13.
The angle information of AO, LAO, Cr, and Cd may be attached and stored in the magnetic disk 13 in the form of directly associating the imaging data with the imaging direction.

As described above, the X-ray photographing progresses, and the storage of the X-ray image and the storage of the respective photographing direction information ends. Reproduction and display of X-ray images captured and stored from various directions are performed as follows. First, as shown in FIG.
Information on the photographic directions of a large number of stored X-ray images is collectively displayed on the same screen of the graphic monitor 25.

The necessary X-ray image capturing direction is "L".
"AO 60 °, Cr 58 °", operate the mouse 26 to put a pointing mark (arrow) m at "" at 60 ° of the RAO orthogonal axis and 58 ° of the Cr orthogonal axis on the screen of the graphic monitor 25. After the movement, the mouse (shooting direction selection means) 26 is clicked to select the shooting direction. Then, the CPU 20, which is connected to the graphic controller 24 and serves as an image data read-out control unit, refers to the correspondence table (FIG. 6) between the image capture order and the angle information stored in the memory 23, and thus the “LAO 60 ° , Cr58 ° ”is recognized as the fifth X-ray image in the capturing order of the X-ray image in the imaging direction. Immediately thereafter, the image pickup data in the image pickup data file E in which the fetching order “fifth” in the magnetic disk 13 is stored is read out and sent to the image processing unit 16 for processing. The processed imaging data is sent to the reference image monitor 18 via the D / A converter 17, and the “LAO 60 °, Cr
An X-ray image in the imaging direction of “58 °” is displayed on the screen. When the shooting data stored in the magnetic disk 13 is accompanied by shooting direction information, desired shooting data may be retrieved and read based on the shooting direction selected by the mouse 26.

In the above, the case of the photographing direction determined by the rotation angles of the S direction and the O direction has been described, but the case of the photographing direction determined by the rotation angles of the S direction and the C direction, or O
The same applies to the case of the shooting direction determined by the rotation angle between the direction and the C direction.

The operation of the digital X-ray imaging apparatus having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 8 by taking the case of carrying out a medical treatment of the circulatory system IVR as an example.

[Step S1] Before and after the injection of the contrast agent into the subject M lying on the tabletop 1, the X-ray tube 2 and the image intensifier 3 are sequentially changed in the set angle by the holding mechanism 4, and the fluoroscopic image is obtained. The X-ray image displayed on the screen of the display monitor 15 is observed, and at the set angle determined to be appropriate, the captured image data is captured and stored in the magnetic disk 13 as an X-ray image (preoperative imaging). Of course, the necessary shooting direction information is the magnetic disk 13 and the memory 2.
It is also stored in 3. Especially in the circulatory system IVR, since blood vessels are complicatedly complicated, X-ray images in various imaging directions are required in addition to one imaging direction. Therefore, a large number of X-ray images in different imaging directions should be stored. become.

[Step S2] After the preoperative imaging, the doctor starts the medical treatment for the thrombus in the blood vessel found by the preoperative imaging, while the operator, as shown in FIG.
Imaging direction information of a large number of X-ray images captured and stored from various directions are displayed together on the same screen of the graphic monitor 25.

[Step S3] During treatment, the doctor appropriately designates a necessary X-ray image capturing direction to the operator. Here, it is assumed that the shooting direction is designated as “LAO 60 °, Cr 58 °”.

[Step S4] The operator looks at the screen displayed on the screen of the graphic monitor 25 and clicks "" displayed at the coordinate position of "LAO 60 °, Cr 58 °" designated by the doctor with the mouse 26. Then, the photographing direction information corresponding to the designated photographing direction is selected.

[Step S5] When the photographing direction information is selected by the mouse 26, the CPU 20 causes the memory 23 to operate.
Recognizing that the image in the shooting direction has the fifth imaging data, the fifth imaging data is read from the magnetic disk 13, and the reference image is read through the image processing unit 16 or the like. Sent to the monitoring monitor 18. Then, the X-ray image in the imaging direction of “LAO 60 °, Cr 58 °” is displayed on the screen of the reference image monitor 18 in the examination room where the doctor is present, so the doctor sees the appropriate X-ray image and promptly performs medical treatment. To do.

[Step S8] If necessary, after the treatment is completed, the contrast medium is reinjected into the blood vessel of the subject M,
The X-ray image is taken again to observe the affected area, and the X-ray image is recorded.

The present invention can be modified as follows. (1) In the case of the embodiment, RAO, LAO, Cr and C
Although the imaging direction information is displayed on a coordinate axis whose orthogonal axis is a straight line in which the angle that defines the imaging direction, d, is equally spaced, for example, on a three-dimensional drawing of the heart Another example is a structure in which an arrow indicating the shooting direction is displayed as shooting direction information.

(2) In the case of the embodiment, the mouse 26 is used as the photographing direction selecting means, but the photographing direction selecting means for selecting the photographing direction information by the key operation of the operation unit 21 may be used. However, a modification in which both photographing direction selecting means are provided together is also a modified embodiment.

[0037]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the digital X-ray photographing apparatus of the present invention, a desired photographing direction is selected from a large number of photographing direction information collectively displayed on the same screen on the operation monitor. Since the X-ray image in the desired imaging direction can be taken out only by selecting the information to be compared with, it is possible for an operator who is not skilled in anatomical knowledge and skill in determining the imaging direction from the X-ray image. However, it is possible to easily select an X-ray image in a desired imaging direction from a large number of X-ray images that have been imaged and stored from various directions.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of a digital X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a RAO angle and a LAO angle indicating a direction of X-ray photography.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a Cr angle and a Cd angle, which show directions of X-ray photography.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a state before writing information on a coordinate axis for displaying imaging direction information of an X-ray image.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a state after information writing on the coordinate axis for displaying the imaging direction information of the X-ray image.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of contents stored in a memory 23.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of stored contents of a magnetic disk 13.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of implementation of medical treatment of cardiovascular system IVR.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Top plate 2 ... X-ray tube 3 ... Image intensifier 4 ... Holding mechanism 13 ... Magnetic disk 18 as data storage means 18 ... Reference image monitor 20 as image monitor 20 ... CPU 22 as reading control means ... Angle Rotation angle detecting mechanism as detecting means 25 ... Graphic monitor as operating monitor 26 ... Mouse as photographing direction selecting means

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A holding mechanism capable of setting an X-ray tube and an image intensifier, which are opposed to each other with a subject interposed therebetween, at various angles, and the image intensifier that accompanies X-ray irradiation of the subject. A video signal detecting means for digitizing an X-ray visible image outputted from the fire to obtain image pickup data, a data storage means for fetching and storing the image pickup data, and image pickup data read out from the data storage means are inputted. In a digital X-ray imaging apparatus having image display means for displaying as an X-ray image on an image monitor, an angle detection means for detecting each set angle of a holding mechanism at the time of capturing each of the image pickup data, and the angle detection Shooting direction display means for collectively displaying a plurality of shooting direction information respectively indicating shooting directions determined by the detected set angle on the same screen on the operation monitor. A shooting direction selection unit that selects desired information from the shooting direction information displayed on the operation monitor, and the data storage unit stores each shooting data in association with the shooting direction information, Further, the digital X-ray imaging apparatus is provided with a read control means for reading the image pickup data corresponding to the image pickup direction information selected by the image pickup direction selection means from the data storage means and giving it to the image display means. .