JPWO2006006601A1 - X-ray diagnostic imaging equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The X-ray image diagnostic apparatus of the present invention controls an X-ray generator that irradiates a subject with X-rays, and an irradiation region of the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generator to the subject. An X-ray diaphragm device configured to be capable of interlocking with one or more diaphragm blades, an operation information storage means for storing operation information for operating the X-ray diaphragm device in a predetermined control mode, and the stored operation information X-rays that output the transmission X-rays of the subject passing through an opening formed by the operation-controlled X-ray diaphragm device as image data. A detector and a display for displaying the output image data as an image;

Description

  This application claims the priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-206527 filed on July 13, 2004, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-209183 filed on July 15, 2004, and the contents thereof. Is incorporated herein by reference.

  The present invention relates to an X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus effective for improving the operability of an X-ray diaphragm.

  In recent years, interventional techniques for examining or treating vascular lesions or digestive lesions using percutaneous examination tools such as catheters and endoscopes without performing surgical operations on patients. Has become widespread, and the fluoroscopic time of the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus has been greatly increased. As a result, it has become important to reduce exposure in fluoroscopy, and frequent operation of the X-ray aperture to prevent exposure outside the required area has been required.

  In an X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus, an X-ray diaphragm device that limits an X-ray irradiation field is used (for example, JP-A-8-266535, JP-A-2003-116845). In this imaging apparatus, an X-ray radiated from an X-ray tube device is irradiated to a subject lying on a table via an X-ray diaphragm device, and the X-ray transmitted through the subject is image intensifier or X-ray plane. It is detected by a detector or the like to be visualized and displayed on a monitor. In the aperture device, the upper and lower aperture blades are driven to block X-rays other than the region of interest among the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube device.

  However, in the above-mentioned patent document, when changing the visual field region after inserting the X-ray diaphragm, or when it is necessary to observe the peripheral area of this visual field area, that is, the area shielded by the X-ray diaphragm, the situation other than the visual field area Confirmation is required. However, the situation of the area where the X-ray diaphragm is inserted cannot be recognized because it is not displayed on the monitor. For this reason, it is necessary to open the X-ray diaphragm once and confirm the situation of the area other than the visual field area on the monitor, and then change the visual field area by controlling the X-ray diaphragm to a desired area. As a result, it takes time to operate the X-ray diaphragm in response to a request for frequent operation of the X-ray diaphragm. The above-mentioned patent document does not mention anything about improvement in operability of the X-ray diaphragm.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus in which the operability of the X-ray diaphragm is improved.

  The X-ray image diagnostic apparatus of the present invention controls an X-ray generator that irradiates a subject with X-rays, and an irradiation region of the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generator to the subject. An X-ray diaphragm device configured to be capable of interlocking with one or more diaphragm blades, an operation information storage means for storing operation information for operating the X-ray diaphragm device in a predetermined control mode, and the stored operation information X-rays that output the transmission X-rays of the subject passing through an opening formed by the operation-controlled X-ray diaphragm device as image data. It has a detector and a display for displaying the output image data as an image.

  According to the present invention, the X-ray diaphragm can be efficiently operated by controlling three or more diaphragm blades so as to be interlocked. As a result, the amount of exposure to the subject can be reduced as much as possible.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus of the present embodiment includes an X-ray tube 1 that is an X-ray source and a diaphragm device 2 that controls an irradiation range of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 1. And an X-ray flat panel detector (FPD) 3 that detects an X-ray that has passed through the subject through the X-ray diaphragm 2 and generates an image. Usually, the X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray diaphragm 2 constitute an X-ray generation unit and are attached to one end of a support mechanism 4 such as a C-type arm, and the FPD 3 is attached to the other end of the C-type arm. A movable table 5 on which the subject 7 is placed is provided between the X-ray tube 1 and the FPD 3, and the region of interest of the subject 7 is positioned by turning the C-arm or sliding the table 5. . The image visualized by the FPD 3 is displayed on the display (monitor) 6. An image intensifier (I, L) and a TV camera may be used instead of the FPD.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the X-ray diaphragm device 2 used in the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus has a total of four diaphragm blades 20 (21, 22, 23, 24). The diaphragm blade 20 mainly composed of a lead plate is the most important blade that sets the X-ray irradiation field to the minimum X-ray irradiation range necessary for diagnosis.

  These upper, lower, left and right diaphragm blades 21 to 24 are arranged in a frame shape as shown in FIG. 3, and are independently driven by a motor (not shown). The current positions of the diaphragm blades 21 to 24 are detected by blade position detecting means (not shown) and output as position data. The blade position detection means is performed by detecting the rotational position of the motor, for example. This rotation position can be detected, for example, by using a stepping motor or by detecting the rotation position of the motor using a Hall element. Of course, you may provide the sensor which detects the position of each aperture blade 21-24 directly.

  On the other hand, the X-ray irradiation field is confirmed without irradiating X-rays by visual observation of the light irradiation field from the lamp 25 provided in the X-ray diaphragm device (FIG. 2). In other words, the light emitted from the lamp 25 is reflected by the mirrors 26 and 27 and the irradiation range is limited by the diaphragm blade 20, and the light irradiation field obtained by the light flux passing through the diaphragm blade 20 is visually confirmed. it can. The lamp 25 is turned on by a lighting switch 28.

  All the operations of the above-mentioned X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus are performed on the remote console 8. The console 8 includes a diaphragm operator 9 that controls the operation of the X-ray diaphragm 2, a support mechanism operator 10 that controls the turning and sliding of the support mechanism 4, a table operator 11 that controls the slide of the table 5, and the X-ray An X-ray irradiation switch 12 for controlling irradiation is provided. Among them, the diaphragm operating device 9 has a joystick shape as shown in FIG. That is, the operation bar 31 is erected from the console 8, and the operation bar 31 is configured to be freely tiltable in any direction of 360 °, and the selected diaphragm blade is operated in accordance with the tiltable direction. be able to. In addition, a push switch 32 is provided at the tip of the operation rod 31, and the selected diaphragm blade control mode is sequentially switched according to the number of times the push switch 32 is pressed.

  A functional block diagram of the diaphragm device is shown in FIG.

  First, a signal input from the operating device 9 is converted into a necessary control signal by the operating device control unit 41 and input to the aperture control unit 42. In response to this control signal, the diaphragm control unit 42 instructs the drive motor of the diaphragm blade 20 to operate to operate the diaphragm blade 20 or displays the selected diaphragm blade 20 on the indicator 44. As will be described later, the indicator 44 is arranged in a frame shape on each side of the monitor 6 that displays an X-ray fluoroscopic image, and is configured by a light that lights in the direction of the selected diaphragm blade. Further, information on which position the diaphragm blade 20 has been moved is output from the diaphragm control unit 42 to the X-ray detector 3 (here, FPD) and the image processing unit 43, and an image of a region limited by the diaphragm blade is displayed. It is controlled to be displayed on the monitor 6.

  Next, a more specific control method for the diaphragm blades will be described. FIGS. 6A to 6D show a screen of the monitor 6 on which the indicator 44 is installed. A small thick frame in the screen is a region of interest, and a frame-shaped indicator 44 is provided on the periphery of the monitor display screen. The indicator 44 is configured so that each side corresponding to the selected diaphragm blade can be lit. For example, when the upper diaphragm blade is selected, the upper side 44U of the indicator is lit (FIG. 6B), and when the left diaphragm blade is selected, the left side 44L of the indicator is lit (FIG. 6C). ) When the lower diaphragm blade is selected, the lower side 44D of the indicator is lit, and when the right diaphragm blade is selected, the right side 44R of the indicator is lit.

  The diaphragm blades to be controlled are switched in the order shown in FIG. 7 depending on the number of times the push switch 32 (FIG. 4) is pressed. That is, the upper diaphragm blade 51 → the left diaphragm blade 52 → the lower diaphragm blade 53 → the right diaphragm blade 54 → the whole diaphragm blade (position change of the region of interest) 55 → the whole diaphragm blade (size change of the region of interest) 56 → the operation prohibition 57 → The control mode can be switched in the order of the upper aperture blade 51.

  In the state of FIG. 6 (A), none of the indicators 44 are lit, and no diaphragm blades are selected in this state. Therefore, even if the operating rod 31 is tilted, none of the diaphragm blades move.

  Next, when the push switch 32 is pressed once, the upper diaphragm blade control mode 51 is entered, and the upper side 44U of the indicator is lit as shown in FIG. 6B. The surgeon can freely move the upper diaphragm blade by tilting the operating rod 31 up and down in this state.

  Next, when the push switch 32 is pressed again, the left diaphragm blade control mode 52 is entered, and the left side 46L of the indicator is lit as shown in FIG. 6C. Similarly, the left diaphragm blade can be operated by tilting the operating rod 31 left and right.

  Next, the push switch 32 is pressed three times to set the all blade (position change) control mode 55, and the size of the region of interest composed of the four blades is not changed, and only the position is determined according to the operation of the operation rod 31. Control to move in any direction. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6D, the operator can grasp the mode by lighting all the indicators 44 on the four sides.

  Further, the push switch 32 is pressed again to change to the all blade (size change) control mode 57, and the size of the region of interest is changed by tilting the operation bar 31 up and down or left and right with the four side indicators 44 blinking. It is also possible to do. For example, it may be enlarged or reduced with reference to the center of the region of interest.

  In addition, in this control mode, the size of the region of interest can be controlled to be enlarged or reduced from the center of the region of interest by tilting the operating bar up and down while pressing the push switch 32.

In this example, the indicator 44 is provided. However, if the display area of the monitor 6 can be sufficiently secured, the same display as the indicator 44 may be performed at an appropriate position on the image.
Further, the indicators on the four sides may be blinked in the all blade (position change) control mode and always lighted in the all blade (size change) control mode. Alternatively, it may be displayed in different colors depending on the control mode.

In addition, although the push switch 32 is integrated with the operation rod 31, the same effect can be obtained even if the push switch 32 and the operation rod 31 are provided separately at separate locations. For example, by using a foot switch instead of the push switch 32, the operating device 9 can be further reduced.
Instead of the push switch, an individual switch corresponding to each control mode 51-57 of the diaphragm blades may be provided and switched.
FIG. 8 shows the relationship between the operating direction of the operating rod and the moving direction of the diaphragm blades.
When the control mode is the upper blade control mode, when the operating rod is tilted in the direction shown in the figure, only the diaphragm blade 21 (see FIG. 3) moves in the direction of the thick arrow. The left, lower and right wings do not move.
Similarly, in the left blade, lower blade, and right blade control modes, when the operating rod is tilted in the illustrated direction, only the corresponding diaphragm blade moves in the direction of the thick arrow.
In the full blade (position change) control mode and the full blade (size change) control mode, each diaphragm blade 21-24 moves in the direction of the thick arrow in accordance with the direction in which the operation rod is tilted.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a control system of the diaphragm blades.
The memory of the aperture control unit 42 (see FIG. 5) stores a table 62 corresponding to FIG. 8 in which the control mode, the operating direction of the operating rod, and the moving direction of each aperture blade are associated with each other.
For example, when the operator selects the all-blade (position change) control mode and tilts the operation rod 31 in a desired direction, among the switches connected to the operation rod, a switch corresponding to the tilted direction enters and the operation direction is changed. The signal shown is input to the CPU 61 of the aperture controller 42. The CPU 61 receives a signal from the operation bar 31 and refers to the table 62 to output a drive signal for driving the diaphragm blades corresponding to the selected control mode and the operation direction of the operation bar to the motors M1 to M4.
Each diaphragm blade is controlled to move in the direction of the thick arrow while the operation rod is turned down and the switch is turned on. When the operating rod is returned to the vertical position, when all the switches connected to the operating rod are cut off, each diaphragm blade stops at that position.

  Next, an embodiment will be described in which the arrangement of the lamp for confirming the X-ray irradiation field is devised in the above-described diaphragm device.

  In this example, as shown in FIG. 10, the arrangement direction of the filaments 28 of the lamp 25 is set to 45 ° with respect to the longitudinal directions of the diaphragm blades 21 to 24.

  A lamp usually uses a filament as its light source. This filament has a certain length, and conventionally, the filament was arranged along one of the diaphragm blades with the longitudinal direction of the filament aligned.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, when the filament 28 is parallel to the left and right diaphragm blades 22 and 24 and the filament 28 is perpendicular to the upper and lower diaphragm blades 21 and 23, the periphery of the light irradiation field restricted by the diaphragm blades. Among them, the vicinity of the side defined by the upper and lower diaphragm blades 21 and 23 is blurred with a width of Bx in the X direction of the filament, that is, the longitudinal direction of the left and right diaphragm blades. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11B, the vicinity of the side defined by the left and right diaphragm blades 22 and 24 is blurred with a width of By in the Y direction, that is, the longitudinal direction of the upper and lower diaphragm blades. For this reason, the widths Bx and By causing blur are different between the X direction and the Y direction, and the outline of the light irradiation field tends to be unclear.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the filament 28 is arranged so as to have an angle of 45 ° with respect to all the diaphragm blades 21 to 24. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11C, the width Bxy where blurring occurs in the X direction and the Y direction can be made uniform, the contour of the light irradiation field is clarified, and the X-ray irradiation field is further facilitated. Can be confirmed.

Next, an embodiment for reducing the exposure amount of the subject when moving the visual field region will be described.
FIG. 12 is a schematic functional configuration diagram of the X-ray image diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment.
This X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator 1 that irradiates a subject 7 with X-rays, an X-ray diaphragm 2 that defines an X-ray irradiation range, and an X-ray transmitted through the subject 7. And an X-ray detector 3 for imaging the X-ray image and a monitor 6 for displaying the photographed X-ray image.

  The X-ray generator 1 has an X-ray tube that generates X-rays. The X-ray generator 1 emits X-rays when a predetermined voltage is applied from the high voltage generator 100.

  The X-ray diaphragm 2 defines the visual field region by inserting the diaphragm blade into the X-ray irradiation field by operating the diaphragm blade. The insertion position of the diaphragm blades of the X-ray diaphragm 2 is detected by the insertion position information detection means and output to the display area calculation means 103 described later.

  The X-ray detector 3 only needs to be capable of converting X-rays into image data. In this example, an X-ray flat panel detector (FPD) was used. The X-rays that have passed through the subject 7 are converted into visible image data by the FPD control unit and output as digital image data. The output image data is stored in the image memory, and is sequentially updated for each frame. This image memory includes an entire visual field storage means 101 described later.

  Further, the X-ray generator 1 and the X-ray detector 3 are supported by support means (not shown), and these positions are configured to be movable with respect to the subject 7 as necessary.

  The X-ray fluoroscopic image output as image data by the X-ray detector 3 is displayed on the monitor 6 in real time.

  Here, the X-ray image diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an entire visual field region storage unit 101, a composite image creation unit 102, and a display region calculation unit 103. The entire visual field storage means 101 stores a fluoroscopic image of the entire visual field before the X-ray diaphragm 2 is inserted. The composite image creating unit 102 creates a composite image by adding the entire visual field region image stored in the full visual field region storage unit 101 and the current fluoroscopic image in which the X-ray aperture 2 is inserted, with luminance. The display area calculation unit 103 calculates a necessary area of the composite image from the insertion position of the X-ray diaphragm 2 and displays it on the monitor 6 in an enlarged manner.

  Next, the operation of the X-ray image diagnostic apparatus of this embodiment will be described.

  First, the X-ray generator 3 is roughly aligned with a procedure target site (hereinafter referred to as “affected part”).

  In order to confirm this alignment, short X-ray irradiation is performed. X-rays transmitted through the subject 7 are imaged by the X-ray detector 3 and converted into image data by the FPD control unit, and this image data is recorded and updated in the image memory as needed during X-ray irradiation. . The final image at this stage may be stored in the entire visual field storage means 101 as a fluoroscopic image of the entire visual field before the X-ray diaphragm 2 is inserted.

  When insertion control of the X-ray diaphragm 2 is started by the operator, the entire visual field region storage unit 101 stores image data output from the X-ray detector 3 before the insertion of the X-ray diaphragm 2 is started.

  Next, the visual field region is determined by inserting the X-ray diaphragm 2 into a desired region. Thereafter, when the operator changes the insertion position of the X-ray diaphragm 2 again to change the position of the visual field region, a composite image is created. That is, when a control command for changing the insertion position of the X-ray diaphragm 2 is input, the composite image creation unit 102 displays the entire field area before the X-ray diaphragm 2 stored in the entire field-of-view area storage unit 101 is inserted. The image and the image data output from the X-ray detector 3 when the control command for changing the insertion position of the X-ray diaphragm 2 is input are added to create a composite image. The control command for changing the insertion position is input, for example, when the full blade (position change) control mode 55 is selected in FIG.

  13A to 13C are schematic explanatory diagrams illustrating the image composition operation in the composite image creation unit 102. FIG. FIG. 13A shows image data (entire field of view image 201) of the entire chest output from the X-ray detector before the X-ray diaphragm is inserted. In the figure, the outer frame represents the maximum display area of the monitor 6. In this example, the entire visual field area image 201 is displayed in the entire display area of the monitor. This image data is stored in the entire visual field storage means 101 and can be read out as necessary. On the other hand, FIG. 13B shows image data (field-of-view region image 202) indicating a part of the chest output from the X-ray detector 3 when a control command for changing the insertion position of the X-ray diaphragm 2 is input. ing. From these two pieces of image data, the composite image creating means 102 creates composite image data as shown in FIG. 13C. The composite image is an image in which the field-of-view area image is superimposed on the entire field-of-view area image, and not only the position of the field-of-view area but also areas other than the field-of-view area are represented. The luminance addition ratio of both images (FIGS. 13A and 13B) when the composite image data is generated by the composite image generation unit 102 depends on the overlapping state of the images in the X-ray diaphragm when the composite image is displayed on the monitor 6. For example, it can be changed in advance, for example, one-to-one or one-to-two. In the case of 1: 1, the image 202 is displayed twice as brightly as the image 201 in FIG. 2C.

  The display area calculation means 103 receives the insertion position information in the image from the X-ray diaphragm 2 and, among the composite images created by the composite image creation means 102, the visual field area defined by the operator by inserting the X-ray diaphragm 2 An optimal image area that helps to control the change is displayed on the monitor 6.

14A and 14B are schematic explanatory diagrams for illustrating the operation of calculating the display image area. The image in FIG. 14A is a composite image created by the composite image creation unit 102 corresponding to FIG. 13C. Now, it is assumed that information indicating that the diaphragm blades inserted from the right direction of the image, for example, are inserted up to the position Rin in the image is sent from the X-ray diaphragm. In that case, the display area calculation unit 103 sets the display target area outside the position Rin in the image, for example, up to the position Rext in the drawing. Similarly, the display position is determined from the composite image in accordance with the position information from the upper blade, the lower blade, and the left blade of the X-ray diaphragm, and displayed on the monitor 6. The extent to which the X-ray diaphragm is inserted from the insertion position to the display target area is determined in advance by the inspection target area or the like.
FIG. 14B is an enlarged view of the calculated display area in the maximum display area of the monitor.

  15A and 15B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of displaying a composite image by the display means. FIG. 15A shows a state of the composite image displayed in the maximum display area of the monitor before the X-ray aperture retracting operation is performed. Now, let the portion displayed on the monitor in the X-ray aperture inserted from the left side of the image be Lin. Then, when the X-ray diaphragm 2 is controlled during the composite image display, the display area calculation means ensures that the ratio of the insertion portion Lin of the X-ray diaphragm 2 to the entire area of the image indicated by Dimg is always constant. The display area is calculated and only the necessary area is displayed on the monitor 6.

  For example, FIG. 15B is a diagram illustrating a state after the left blade of the X-ray diaphragm 2 is retracted. The display area is calculated so that the ratio of the diaphragm insertion portion Lin to the entire image area Dimg before the retraction control is the same as the ratio of the diaphragm insertion portion Lin 'to the entire image area Dimg' after the retraction control. The surgeon can change the position of the diaphragm while viewing the composite image displayed up to the outer area depending on the insertion position of the X-ray diaphragm 2. Therefore, the state of the region other than the current visual field region can be confirmed without opening the X-ray diaphragm 2 and confirming the entire visual field image by irradiating a wide range of the subject with X-rays. The operation of the line stop 2 can be performed.

  In the above embodiment, an example is described in which the fluoroscopic image data immediately before the X-ray diaphragm is inserted is used as the image data stored in the entire visual field storage unit 101. A composite image may be created using image data.

  Next, the X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to this embodiment having an image display selection unit that allows the surgeon to switch between the visual field image and the composite image and display on the monitor will be described. FIG. 16 is a schematic functional configuration diagram of the apparatus. The description of the same components as those in FIG. 12 will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

  In the apparatus of this example, the current fluoroscopic image output from the X-ray detector 3 is normally displayed on the monitor 6. The operator inputs a composite image start signal from the image display selection means 104 when operating the X-ray diaphragm 2. As a result, a composite image is created by the composite image creation means 102 in accordance with the same procedure as in FIG. 12, and the composite image is displayed on the monitor 6.

  Further, the surgeon can arbitrarily select and display the fluoroscopic image on the monitor 6 by switching by the image display selection means 104. For example, even when the X-ray diaphragm 2 is being operated, the current fluoroscopic image output from the X-ray detector 3 can be displayed on the monitor 6 as it is.

  In addition, the output image from the X-ray detector 3 is always displayed on the monitor 6, and the composite image is displayed on the monitor 6 by the image display selection means 104 according to the operator's instruction. The current fluoroscopic image output from the line detector 3 may be displayed.

Next, a description will be given of the apparatus according to the present embodiment that has a composite image display unit that displays only the composite image created by the composite image creation unit separately from the monitor. FIG. 17 is a schematic functional configuration diagram of the apparatus.
The description of the same components as those in FIG. 12 will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

  Also in the apparatus of this example, the perspective image output from the X-ray detector 3 is displayed on the monitor 6 and the composite image is created by the composite image creation means 102 as in FIG. This example is different in that this composite image is displayed on the composite image display means 105 different from the monitor 6. Therefore, the surgeon can control the X-ray aperture 2 while comparing the two images of the current fluoroscopic image displayed on the monitor 6 and the composite image displayed on the composite image display means 105.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 18, a plurality of windows may be provided in the monitor, and the current fluoroscopic image (normal fluoroscopic image) 301 and the composite image 302 may be displayed in each window. For example, it is conceivable to display a main window and a sub window on a monitor screen, display a current perspective image 301 in the main window, and a composite image 302 in the sub window. Furthermore, if necessary, the display content of the main window and the display content of the sub-window may be switched to enable display. According to this configuration, the current fluoroscopic image and the composite image can be observed simultaneously on a single monitor.
The apparatus configuration in this case is the same as that of FIG. 16, but the image display selection means 104 selects whether to display the composite image in the main window or the sub window.

  Next, the X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment that can update the full-field fluoroscopic image corresponding to the operations of the X-ray generator / X-ray detector and the bed on which the subject is placed will be described. FIG. 19 is a schematic functional configuration diagram of the apparatus. The description of the same components as those in FIG. 12 will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

  This X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus images a bed 5 on which a subject is placed, an X-ray generator 1 that emits X-rays toward the subject 7, and X-rays that have passed through the subject 7. An X-ray detector 3, a support means 107 that supports the X-ray generator 1 and the X-ray detector 3 collectively with respect to the bed 5, and a monitor 6 that displays a photographed X-ray image. Have.

  The bed 5 can be moved up and down, left and right, and back and forth with the subject placed thereon. The operation of each part is detected by the motion sensing means 106.

  The support means 107 includes a C arm having the X-ray generator 1 at one end and the X-ray detector 3 at the other end, and a horizontal and / or vertical drive mechanism for moving the C arm in the horizontal and / or vertical direction. Have. In addition, an arc moving mechanism that slides the C arm along the arc of the arm and a rotating mechanism that rotates the C arm about the horizontal axis as a rotation axis are also provided. The operations of these units are also detected by the operation sensing means 106.

  Further, in this apparatus, the functions of the X-ray generator 1 and the X-ray detector 3 and a composite image are created, and the predetermined range can be displayed on the monitor 6 as in the other embodiments. .

  Also in the apparatus of this example, the composite image created by the composite image creation means 102 is displayed on the monitor 6. When the operator controls the bed 5 or the support means 107 during the composite image display, the motion sensing means 106 stops displaying the composite image created by the composite image creation means 102 on the monitor 6, and X The current fluoroscopic image output from the line detector 3 is displayed.

  When the motion sensing means 106 detects the control end signal of the bed 5 or the support means 107 during X-ray irradiation, the entire visual field storage means 101 once opens the X-ray diaphragm 2 and outputs from the X-ray detector 3. Update the full-field fluoroscopic image to be stored.

  Next, the composite image storage unit 102 creates a composite image of the full-field perspective image stored and updated in the full-field region storage unit 101 and the current fluoroscopic image output from the X-ray detector 3, The image is displayed on the monitor 6.

  By operating in this way, the latest composite image is always displayed on the monitor 6 even when the bed 5 or the support means 107 is controlled, and the operator can operate the X-ray diaphragm 2 smoothly. Is possible.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the operability of the X-ray diaphragm can be improved if three or more diaphragm blades can be interlocked with a single operating device. More preferably, all the diaphragm blades can be interlocked with a single controller.

  Further, by making the reference for linking the diaphragm blades not limited to the center of the maximum irradiation field, the size and position of the region of interest can be selected more freely.

  The operation device is preferably a tiltable switch such as a joystick. For example, the operating device is a tiltable switch that tilts the operating rod in an arbitrary direction and operates the diaphragm blades in accordance with the tilted direction. By tilting the operating rod, the diaphragm blades can be controlled with good operability by controlling the diaphragm blades to move in the tilted direction.

  Furthermore, it is preferable to have a selection switch for selecting a combination of aperture blades operated by a tiltable switch. When the selection switch is provided, it is more preferable to provide an indicator indicating the selected diaphragm blade. As a specific example of the selection switch, a push switch is provided on the operation shaft head of the tiltable switch. What is necessary is just to comprise so that the aperture blade selected sequentially may be switched by pushing this switch in multiple times. One example of this operation mode switching is “upper blade → left blade → lower blade → right blade → all blades (irradiation field position change) → all blades (irradiation field size change) → operation prohibition → upper blade”. Can be mentioned. Note that the selection switch is not provided integrally with the tiltable switch, but may be provided independently, or may be a switch other than a push switch. For example, the foot switch can be a selection switch.

  Further, the indicator is not particularly limited as long as the selected diaphragm blade can be displayed. For example, a configuration may be considered in which a frame-shaped lighting member having four sides on the top, bottom, left and right is provided on the outer periphery of a monitor screen that displays a fluoroscopic image, and the diaphragm blades with the lighted sides selected are displayed. As the lighting member, a lamp, an LED, or the like can be used. In addition, if there is a sufficient display area in the monitor screen itself, the diaphragm blades selected by characters, figures, etc. may be displayed in the screen.

  Further, in the above X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus, a light projection lamp indicating an X-ray irradiation field is provided, and the light emission source of this lamp is inclined by 45 ° with respect to each side of the light irradiation field defined by the diaphragm blades. It is desirable to be provided.

  Usually, a filament is used as the light source of the lamp. By providing the light source with an inclination of 45 ° with respect to each side of the light irradiation field defined by the diaphragm blades, the length of each filament along the side (projection length) ) Is constant. For this reason, the blurring method in the vicinity of all sides in the light irradiation field can be made common, and the X-ray irradiation field can be accurately grasped.

  Further, the diaphragm of the X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment can be used for any X-ray apparatus that needs to control the X-ray irradiation range. For example, any general imaging apparatus can be used as well as a DR (Digital Radiography) apparatus that measures an X-ray image as a digital image.

  In addition, the X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment can display a composite image obtained by combining the image of the visual field area after inserting the X-ray diaphragm and the image of the entire visual field area before inserting the X-ray diaphragm. With this apparatus, it is possible to confirm the state of the area that is blocked by the X-ray diaphragm and cannot be observed. Therefore, the amount of exposure of the subject can be reduced and the visual field region can be moved quickly.

  In addition, the X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment can switch the fluoroscopic image of the entire visual field and the current fluoroscopic image to display, so that the operator can check the state of the region other than the visual field at any time. .

  In addition, the X-ray image diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment is provided with a composite image display unit that displays only the composite image created by the composite image creation unit, separately from the display unit, so that the operator can always keep in addition to the visual field image. The state of the area other than the visual field area can be confirmed, and the visual field area can be accurately moved.

  Furthermore, the X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment updates the fluoroscopic image of the entire visual field region with the relative position movement of the bed, the X-ray generator, and the X-ray detector, so that the latest composite image is obtained. It is possible to confirm an area other than the visual field area.

The apparatus of the present invention can be suitably used as a medical X-ray image diagnostic apparatus.
While the above description has been made with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto and that various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an X-ray image diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the diaphragm device. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the arrangement of aperture blades. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the operating device of the diaphragm device of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the diaphragm device of the present invention. 6A to 6D are diagrams schematically showing a monitor screen on which an indicator is installed. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the control mode switching order in the diaphragm device of the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the relationship among the control mode, the operating direction of the operating rod, and the moving direction of the aperture blades in the aperture stop device of the present embodiment. . FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a control system of the diaphragm blades. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the diaphragm blades and the lamp filament used in the diaphragm device of this embodiment. FIGS. 11A to 11C are explanatory diagrams showing blurring of the light irradiation field when the orientation of the filament is parallel, perpendicular, and 45 ° to the diaphragm blades. FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram of an example of the X-ray image diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment. FIG. 13A is a schematic explanatory view showing an image composition operation in the composite image creating means. FIG. 13B is a schematic explanatory view showing an image composition operation in the composite image creating means. FIG. 13C is a schematic explanatory view showing an image composition operation in the composite image creating means. FIG. 14A is a schematic explanatory view showing an operation of calculating a display image in the display area calculating means. FIG. 14B is a schematic explanatory view showing the operation of display image calculation in the display area calculation means. FIG. 15A is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating an operation of displaying a composite image by the display unit. FIG. 15B is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating an operation of displaying a composite image by the display unit. FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of another example of the X-ray image diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram of another example of the X-ray image diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram when a normal perspective image and a composite image are simultaneously displayed on a monitor. FIG. 19 is a schematic configuration diagram of another example of the X-ray image diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment.

Claims (17)

An X-ray generator for irradiating the subject with X-rays;
An X-ray diaphragm device configured to be capable of interlocking with three or more diaphragm blades, which controls an irradiation area of the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generator to the subject;
Operation information storage means for storing operation information for operating the X-ray diaphragm device in a predetermined control mode;
A diaphragm operator for controlling the operation of the X-ray diaphragm device according to the stored operation information;
An X-ray detector that outputs, as image data, transmitted X-rays of the subject that passes through an opening formed by the operation-controlled X-ray diaphragm device;
An X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus comprising: a display for displaying the output image data. The aperture controller is
A control mode selection unit for selecting a control mode of the X-ray diaphragm device;
An operating rod which is erected on the diaphragm operating device and configured to be freely foldable in an arbitrary direction;
A signal processing unit that outputs a drive signal to the X-ray diaphragm device corresponding to the direction in which the operation rod is tilted;
The X-ray image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:   The X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the operation information storage unit stores a table in which a control mode of the X-ray diaphragm device, a direction in which the operation rod is tilted, and a movement direction of the diaphragm blade are associated with each other. .   The X-ray image diagnosis apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control mode selection unit is provided at an end of the operation rod.   The X-ray image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control mode selection unit is provided separately from the operation rod.   The X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control mode selection unit is configured by a switch, and the control mode is sequentially switched according to the number of times the switch is operated.   The X-ray image according to claim 6, wherein the switch is operated a predetermined number of times to set an all-blade position change mode in which all the three or more aperture blades are interlocked, and further, the switch is operated to set an all-blade size change mode. Diagnostic device.   The X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a full-blade size change mode is set by tilting the operation rod in a state where the switch is operated.   The X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an indicator that is arranged in proximity to the display and indicates a diaphragm blade corresponding to a mode selected by the control mode selection unit.   The X-ray image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the indicator is provided at a peripheral edge of the display screen of the display.   The X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the indicator is controlled to be turned on and blinking in accordance with a control mode selected by the aperture controller.   The X-ray diaphragm apparatus has a light projecting lamp indicating an X-ray irradiation field, and the light source of the lamp is arranged at an angle of 45 ° with respect to each side of the light irradiation field defined by the diaphragm blades. The X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, which is provided. An entire visual field storage means for storing an image of the entire visual field before the X-ray diaphragm is inserted;
A composite image creating means for creating a composite image by combining the entire visual field area image stored in the full visual field area storage means and the image in a state in which the X-ray aperture device is inserted;
Display area calculation means for calculating a necessary area of the composite image based on an insertion position of the X-ray diaphragm and displaying the display area on the display;
The X-ray image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   The X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising an image display selection unit that switches between an image of a whole field of view and an image in a state where the X-ray diaphragm device is inserted and displays the image on the display.   The X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a display device that displays an image created by the composite image creating unit, separately from the display.   The X-ray according to claim 13, wherein the display includes means for displaying a plurality of windows on the display for respectively displaying an image of a whole field of view and an image in a state where the X-ray diaphragm is inserted. Diagnostic imaging device. A bed that can be moved with the subject on it, and
Support means for movably supporting the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector with respect to the subject;
Drive state detection means for detecting the drive state of at least one of the bed and the support means;
The said all visual field area | region memory | storage means acquires again and updates the fluoroscopic image of the whole visual field area | region after the drive of the said bed or the said support means based on the detection result of the said drive state detection means, The update of Claim 13 X-ray image diagnostic apparatus.