JP2001161671A - Medical x-ray apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a medical X-ray apparatus suitable for producing a three- dimensional X-ray image using the gravity. SOLUTION: This apparatus comprises a ring-shaped holder, a circular rotating ring held along the inner surface of the holder rotatably, a photographing system consisting of an X-ray source and an X-ray detector disposed on opposite positions in the radial direction on the inner surface of the rotating ring, an inclining means for inclining the rotation surface of the photographing system against the floor surface, a setting means for setting a subject on a photographing position, and a tilting means for making the inclining center axis of the inclining means and the inclining center axis of the setting means coincide with each other.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a medical X-ray apparatus, and more particularly, to an X-ray tube apparatus and an X-ray tube apparatus which are opposed to each other with a subject interposed therebetween.
The present invention relates to a technology effective when applied to a support mechanism with a line detector.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an examination or treatment using a conventional medical X-ray apparatus typified by an X-ray fluoroscopic table or a C-arm type X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus of a circulatory system, angiography using a contrast agent or the like is required. Catheter surgery under fluoroscopy (hereinafter referred to as “IV
R "). In particular, the IVR and others have stated that "SPIE-The International Society for Optical Engin
eering, Vol. 2708, pp361-370, 1996 ”, from a two-dimensional X-ray image taken while rotating the opposed X-ray irradiating means and X-ray detecting means around the subject. By reconstructing a three-dimensional X-ray image of the subject,
The state of the treatment target site was checked before the operation, such as when preparing a treatment plan, and the effect of the treatment after the operation was checked.

[0003] In recent years, along with the advance of medical technology, the 55th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Radiological Technology: Abstract No. 4
As shown in “00”, in the procedure for the abdominal organs, the subject is placed in a standing position or in a reverse tilted position with the head lower than the foot, and the intestinal gas, which is an obstructive shadow, is moved to clearly It has been reported that a good X-ray image could be obtained by using such a technique, and such a technique has attracted attention.

[0004] In contrast, in contrast examinations such as angiography examinations in which a contrast medium is injected into a site to be examined (a site of interest), as in the case of the movement of intestinal gas described above, the subject is placed in a standing or standing position. By performing X-ray fluoroscopy with the head tilted backward from the feet or in the opposite posture,
It has been reported that a better X-ray image could be obtained than in the case where the image was taken in the horizontal position, and attention has been paid.
In particular, in an angiography test in which a contrast agent is injected into a blood vessel to examine the blood vessel, it has been noted that an aneurysm is well depicted in an X-ray image by changing the position of a subject and observing the subject. . Furthermore, it has been noted that by observing blood flow, organs, joints, and the like in a standing position, which is a daily life position of a subject, clinically effective information that cannot be found in a horizontal position is obtained.

[0005] Medical X that can cope with such new procedures
As an X-ray apparatus, for example, there is an X-ray imaging apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-233475 (hereinafter referred to as “Document 1”). In the X-ray imaging apparatus described in Document 1, an imaging system is formed by supporting an X-ray irradiating unit and an X-ray detecting unit, which are arranged to face each other, with an arc-shaped C-shaped arm. This imaging system was cantilevered by a holder slidably supported along a C-shaped arm. The holder was supported by a lifting mechanism arranged on the floor. At this time, the holder was supported by the lifting mechanism by a rotation mechanism having a rotation center axis parallel to the floor. The above configuration is the same as that of a general circulatory system C-arm X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus.

The X-ray apparatus described in Document 1 has a cantilever type bed apparatus having a mechanism for inclining a top plate on which a subject is mounted at an angle other than the horizontal position, in addition to the configuration described above. And a mechanism that allows the C-shaped arm to follow when the top plate is tilted. In this type of X-ray imaging apparatus, the trajectory drawn by the X-ray central axis of the imaging system becomes flat even when the tabletop is tilted by performing the sliding operation in accordance with the rotation of the holder, which is necessary for reconstructing a three-dimensional X-ray image. Operation is possible.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION As a result of studying the above prior art, the present inventor has found the following problems. In the conventional X-ray imaging apparatus described in Document 1, when the subject is set to a position other than the horizontal position, the amount of slide of the C-shaped arm with respect to the holder and the amount of rotation of the imaging system by the rotation mechanism are accurately positioned. If the control cannot be performed, there is a problem that the spatial resolution of the generated three-dimensional X-ray image is reduced. Further, even when mechanical bending of the C-shaped arm due to rotation cannot be corrected with high accuracy, there is a problem that the spatial resolution of the generated three-dimensional X-ray image is reduced.

Further, as the rotation center axis of the rotation mechanism and the inclination angle of the top plate are set to be large, the amount of sliding of the C-shaped arm per predetermined rotation angle of the rotation mechanism becomes large. There is a problem that the rotation speed of the must be reduced. That is, in the X-ray imaging apparatus described in Document 1, the inclination angle of the top plate in the actual measurement is limited.

Further, in the X-ray imaging apparatus described in Document 1, it is necessary to insert the C-shaped arm from the body axis direction of the subject, and therefore, the imageable portion is the portion on the side where the C-shaped arm is inserted. In other words, there is a problem that the photographable area is small. It is conceivable to increase the diameter of the C-shaped arm. However, when the diameter of the C-shaped arm is increased, there is a problem that the center of rotation of the C-shaped arm when sliding and rotating increases. Was. Also,
When the diameter of the C-shaped arm is increased, it is necessary to increase the position of the top plate on which the subject is placed in order to match the position of the examination site of the subject with the position of the rotation center, and the operability of the operator performing the IVR is increased. There was a problem that it was greatly reduced. Furthermore, when a relatively short surger, such as a Japanese person, uses the IVR, it is necessary to perform an IVR requiring a relatively long time in an unreasonable posture, which places a great burden on the surgeon. There was also a problem.

An object of the present invention is to provide a medical X-ray apparatus suitable for generating a three-dimensional X-ray image using a gravitational load by changing the posture of a subject.

Another object of the present invention is to enable the imaging system to be rotated 360 degrees around the subject even when the subject's body position is changed from reverse tilt to horizontal position to standing position. To provide a medical X-ray apparatus.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a medical X-ray apparatus capable of improving the quality of a three-dimensional X-ray image of a subject.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a medical X-ray apparatus capable of increasing the imaging speed of a three-dimensional X-ray image of a subject set at a position other than the horizontal position.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a medical X-ray apparatus capable of expanding an imaging range.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a medical X-ray apparatus capable of reducing a burden on an operator.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a medical X-ray apparatus capable of improving diagnostic efficiency.

The above and other objects and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0018]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Among the inventions disclosed in the present application, the outline of a representative one will be briefly described.
It is as follows.

(1) An annular holding body, an annular rotating ring rotatably held along the inner peripheral surface of the holding body, and radially opposing inner rotating surfaces of the rotating ring An imaging system comprising an X-ray source and an X-ray detector arranged at respective positions, an inclining unit for inclining a rotation surface of the imaging system with respect to a floor surface, a setting unit for setting a subject to an imaging position, A tilting means for matching the tilting central axis of the tilting means with the tilting central axis of the setting means.

(2) An annular holding body, an annular rotating ring rotatably held along the inner peripheral surface of the holding body, and radially opposing inner peripheral surfaces of the rotating ring An imaging system comprising an X-ray source and an X-ray detector arranged at respective positions, an inclining unit for inclining a rotation surface of the imaging system with respect to a floor surface, a setting unit for setting a subject to an imaging position, A tilting means for tilting the setting means so that a tilting central axis of the tilting means becomes a tilting central axis of the setting means, wherein the tilting means is provided at one end extending in an arc shape. A support arm on which the setting means is disposed; and a slide means for supporting the support arm slidably at a support point along the shape of the support arm.

(3) In the medical X-ray apparatus according to the above (2), the slide means is arranged at a position independent of the inclination of the imaging system by the inclination means.

(4) In the medical X-ray apparatus according to the above (2), the slide means is disposed on the holder.

According to the above-mentioned means (1) to (4),
An annular holding body, an annular rotating ring rotatably held along the inner peripheral surface of the holding body, and X-rays respectively arranged at radially opposed positions on the inner peripheral surface of the rotating ring. Since the imaging system includes an imaging system including a source and an X-ray detector, and a tilting unit that tilts a rotation surface of the imaging system with respect to a floor surface,
The inclination angle of the rotation surface of the imaging system with respect to the floor surface can be easily set. At this time, the tilting means tilts the setting means so that the tilting central axis of the tilting means coincides with or substantially coincides with the tilting central axis of the setting means, so that the angle between the subject and the rotating surface of the imaging system can be easily set. It can be kept constant. Therefore, even when generating a three-dimensional X-ray image or photographing an X-ray transmission image using gravity, the angle between the subject and the rotating surface of the imaging system can be easily kept constant. .

Further, an X-ray source and an X-ray
The line detector and the line detector are held by a holder, and the holder is configured to incline the rotation surface of the imaging system with respect to the floor surface by the tilting means. Therefore, the inclination angle of the rotation surface of the imaging system with respect to the floor surface Regardless, the imaging system can be easily rotated in the same plane. Therefore, even when the body position of the subject is changed from the reverse tilt to the horizontal position to the upright position, the imaging system can be easily rotated 360 degrees around the subject.
Furthermore, since the rotating surface of the imaging system can be easily rotated in the same plane regardless of the inclination angle with respect to the floor surface,
Compared with the related art, the imaging speed of the three-dimensional X-ray image of the subject set at a position other than the horizontal position can be improved. Therefore,
Diagnosis efficiency can be improved. In addition, since the imaging system can be easily rotated in the same plane regardless of the inclination angle of the rotation surface of the imaging system with respect to the floor, the rotation of the imaging system can be stabilized regardless of the inclination angle.
The image quality of the three-dimensional X-ray image of the subject can be improved.

At this time, the tilting means includes a support arm in which the setting means is disposed at one end extending in an arc shape, and a slide means for slidably supporting the support arm at a support point along the shape of the support arm. To form This sliding means was arranged at a position which is held at a predetermined position regardless of the inclination of the photographing system by a tilting means such as a floor surface, and the sliding means slidably moved the supporting arm at the supporting position along its shape. Sometimes, the sliding means is arranged such that the tilting center axis which is the rotation center axis of the setting means disposed at one end of the support arm is the tilt center of the tilting means. The angle between the imaging surface and the subject can be easily changed while keeping the inclination angle with respect to the surface constant.

On the other hand, a tilting means is constituted by a support arm in which setting means is arranged at one end extending in an arc shape, and a slide means for supporting the support arm so as to be slidable along the shape of the support arm at a support point. By forming the slide means on the holder which is inclined together with the inclination of the imaging system by the inclination means, even if the holder is inclined by the inclination means, the rotating surface of the imaging system and the setting means Can be easily maintained. That is, by changing the tilt angle of the holder by the tilting means, the posture of the subject is changed from reverse tilt to horizontal position to standing position while maintaining the angle between the subject and the imaging surface constant. Therefore, it is possible to easily capture an X-ray image from the peripheral direction of the subject using a gravitational load and generate a three-dimensional X-ray image from the captured X-ray image.

[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings together with embodiments (examples) of the invention. In all the drawings for describing the embodiments of the present invention, components having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their repeated description will be omitted.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a view for explaining a schematic configuration of a medical X-ray apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, wherein 100 is a support apparatus main body, 101 is an X-ray tube, and 102 is X-ray detector, 103 is a rotating ring, 104 is a holder, 1
05 is a support member, 106 is a support column, 107 is a table device (setting means), 108 is a top plate, 109 is a top plate support unit, and 110 is a top plate support arm.

The holding member 104 is formed in an annular shape.
A rotating ring 103 formed in an annular shape along the inner peripheral surface of the holding body 104 is rotatably supported, for example, in a direction indicated by E in FIG. An X-ray tube 101 and an X-ray detector 102 are provided at radially opposite positions on the inner peripheral surface of the rotating ring 103.
And are arranged. The X-ray tube 101 is an X-ray tube that emits a radial X-ray beam such as a cone beam. The X-ray detector 102 is, for example, a two-dimensional flat panel X-ray detector using a well-known TFT.

The holding body 104 is cantilevered via a supporting member 105 by a supporting column 106 erected on a floor (not shown). In particular, the support member 105
Has a configuration in which one side portion on the long side is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the holding body 104 and the other side portion is supported by a rotating mechanism (tilting means) disposed on the support column 106. ing. This rotation mechanism uses an axis set in parallel with the floor surface indicated by S in FIG. 1 as a rotation center axis. Therefore, in the medical X-ray apparatus according to the first embodiment, the rotating ring 10
With the rotation of 3, the virtual circular plane drawn by the imaging system can be tilted with respect to a plane perpendicular to the floor. However, in the following description, from the focal point of the X-ray beam emitted from the X-ray tube 101,
The axis that reaches the X-ray detector 102 through the isocenter, which is the intersection of the rotation center axis of the imaging system and the rotation center axis of the rotating mechanism, is referred to as the X-ray center axis of the imaging system.

Next, a support mechanism of the table device 107 which is a feature of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the table device 107 according to the first embodiment includes a top plate 108 on which a subject (not shown) is set or mounted, for example, in a recumbent position, and a top plate that supports the top plate 108 at one end in the longitudinal direction. And a support unit 109. The top plate support unit 109 includes a well-known slide mechanism, and is arranged in a longitudinal direction of the top plate 108, which is a direction indicated by F in FIG. 1 (that is, a rotation center axis of a rotation mechanism disposed on the support column 106). The top plate 108 is slidably supported in the short side direction of the top plate 108 which is a direction indicated by H (that is, the direction of the rotation center axis of the rotating mechanism disposed on the support column 106). .

The top plate support arm 110 is an arc-shaped C-shaped arm having a table device 107 disposed at one end, and is slidably supported along the arm shape by a holder (not shown). At this time, the holder is set such that the rotation center axis of the arm when the top plate support arm 110 is slid along the shape thereof coincides with the rotation center axis of the rotation mechanism arranged on the support column 106. ing.

Next, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a schematic configuration of the support device main body. Hereinafter, the support device main body of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, 201 is a belt, 202 is a pulley, and 203 is a first pulley.
, 204 denotes a rotating shaft, and 205 denotes a rotating mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the support apparatus main body according to the first embodiment, the rotary shaft 204 of the well-known rotary mechanism 205 disposed inside the support column 106 is fixed to the side surface of the support member 105. , Rotatably supported. Rotation mechanism 2
Reference numeral 05 includes a second motor (not shown), which is a well-known motor, for example, and a well-known gear box having a gear train for reducing the rotation of the second motor. It is configured to be output.

On the other hand, a well-known first motor 203 is fixed inside the support member 105, and a pulley 202 is fixed to a rotating shaft of the first motor 203. A belt 201 is wound around the pulley 202 and the outer peripheral surface of the rotating ring 103 rotatably supported by the holding body 104. The rotation of the rotating ring 103 is controlled by controlling the rotation of the first motor 203. The rotation is controlled.

As a result, it is possible to rotate the X-ray tube 101 and the X-ray detector 102 disposed opposite to the inner peripheral surface of the rotating ring 103 around the isocenter. However, the rotation control of the first motor 203 and the rotation mechanism 205 will be described later.

A well-known rotary encoder (not shown) for measuring the amount of rotation of the rotating shaft 204 is disposed in the rotating mechanism 205. Based on the output of the rotary encoder, a motor control means (not shown) controls the amount of rotation of the rotating mechanism 205. That is, the tilt angle of the rotating surface of the imaging system with respect to the floor is controlled. The details of the motor control means will be described later.

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining a schematic configuration of the holder according to the first embodiment. In particular, FIG.
FIG. 3B is a side view in a case where the top plate 8 is held in a horizontal position, and FIG. 3B is a side view in a case where the top plate 108 is held in a vertical position. 3, reference numerals 301, 302, 305, and 306 denote supporting rollers, 303 and 304 denote idle rollers, and 307.
Denotes a pulley, 308 denotes a belt, 309 denotes a motor, and 310 denotes a holder.

As is clear from FIGS. 3A and 3B, the holder 310 according to the first embodiment is fixed to the floor surface, and the top plate supporting arm 110 can be slid along its shape. It has a configuration to support. The slide mechanism is
Known support rollers 302 and 306 for supporting the top plate support arm 110 from the outer peripheral surface side along the shape thereof, and known support rollers 30 for supporting the top plate support arm 110 along the shape from the inner peripheral surface side.
1 and 305 are disposed facing each other. That is, a pair of support rollers 301 and 302 that are arranged to face each other,
A support roller with a set of support rollers 305 and 306 slidably supports the top plate support arm 110 such that the support arm 110 is sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface side and the inner peripheral surface side.

A belt 308 fixed at one end and the other end is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the top plate support arm 110. The belt 308 is hung on a pulley 307 attached to a rotation shaft of a motor 309 arranged in a holder 310. This belt 308 is also applied to well-known idle rollers 303 and 304,
The desired tension is applied. Therefore, the holder 310 according to the first embodiment has a configuration in which the belt 308 is moved by rotating the motor 309, and the top plate support arm 110 is slid along the shape. That is, the table device 107 according to the first embodiment has a configuration in which the tilt angle is controlled by the rotation of the motor 309.

The holder 310 has a top plate support arm 1
A well-known encoder (not shown) for measuring the slide amount of 10 is provided, and a motor control means (not shown) controls the slide amount of the top support arm 110, that is, the tilt angle of the top 108, based on the encoder output. Has become. For details on the motor control means,
It will be described later.

Next, an imaging operation of an X-ray image in the medical X-ray apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, in the following description, the top 10
A case will be described in which an X-ray image is taken with the X-ray center 8 orthogonal to the X-ray central axis of the imaging system.

As shown in FIG. 3A, when imaging an X-ray image of a subject (not shown) mounted on the top surface of the top plate 108 in a horizontal position, the rotation of the motor 309 is controlled. The top support arm 11 until the top 108 is level with the floor.
Slide 0. At this time, the second motor is controlled to rotate the holding member 104, that is, the rotation surface of the imaging system so as to be perpendicular to the floor surface, thereby performing the horizontal imaging. X-ray fluoroscopy is performed by directly displaying an X-ray image obtained by imaging the subject in this horizontal position, and the imaging system is rotated around the subject to capture and reconstruct an X-ray image at each predetermined rotation angle. Generates a three-dimensional X-ray image.

On the other hand, when an X-ray image is to be taken while the subject is standing as an examination and treatment using a gravity load by changing the posture of the subject (not shown), the rotation of the motor 309 is controlled. The top support arm 110 is slid until the top 108 is perpendicular to the floor surface. At this time, the second motor is controlled to rotate the holding body 104, that is, the rotation surface of the imaging system so as to be horizontal with the floor surface, thereby performing the imaging in the upright position. By directly displaying the X-ray image of the subject in this state, X-ray fluoroscopy is performed in the most upright position in daily life, and the imaging system is rotated around the subject to rotate at predetermined rotation angles. The three-dimensional X-ray image in the upright position is generated by photographing and reconstructing the X-ray image. In the above description, the operation when the top plate 108 is in the horizontal position and the vertical position has been described.
Needless to say, the same operation as described above can be applied to a case in which the position of the foot of the subject to be mounted on the head 8 is reversed or the posture is inclined from a horizontal position to an upright position.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the functional block configuration of the control unit and the image processing unit of the medical X-ray apparatus according to the first embodiment, wherein 400 is a perspective image processing unit, 410 is a photographed image processing unit, 401 , A / D conversion means, 402, Image processing means, 403, Frame memory, 404, Display gradation processing means, 405, D / A conversion means, 406, Display means,
07 is a switching means, 411 is a data collection means, 412
Is a preprocessing means, 413 is a convolver, 414 is a back projection means, 415 is an image memory, 416 is an image conversion means,
421 is an X-ray control unit, 422 is a system controller, 423 is an operation unit, 424 to 426 are motor control units, and 427 is a second motor. However, in the X-ray apparatus of the present embodiment, the perspective image processing unit 400 has the same configuration as the conventional perspective image processing unit, and therefore, in the following description, the captured image processing unit 410 and the system controller 422 will be described in detail.

In FIG. 4, a switching unit 407 outputs an analog signal (analog X-ray image) output from the X-ray detector 106 to the fluoroscopic image processing unit 400 based on a switching control output of the system controller 422. It is a well-known switching unit that switches between output to the photographed image processing unit 410 and, for example, a well-known analog switch. However, the medical X of the first embodiment
In the X-ray apparatus, the switching control output from the system controller 422 is based on an instruction for X-ray fluoroscopy, X-ray imaging, tomography, or three-dimensional imaging input from the operation unit 423.

The data collecting means 411 is a well-known A / D converting means for converting an analog signal into a digital signal, and is for collecting an X-ray image converted into a digital signal (hereinafter referred to as "projection data"). X-ray images obtained by rotating the imaging system by 360 degrees around the subject are sequentially converted into digital signals (projection data) and stored. The data collection unit 411 includes, for example, a well-known A / D converter included in a well-known information processing apparatus that implements control and image processing of the medical X-ray apparatus according to the first embodiment, and a main storage or a main storage of the information processing apparatus. This can be realized by an external storage device such as a magnetic disk device, and a storage control program that operates on the information processing device for sequentially storing the A / D-converted X-ray images in a storage unit.

The pre-processing unit 412 includes the data collection unit 41
1 is a well-known pre-processing unit that performs pre-processing such as gain correction, offset correction, gamma correction, image distortion correction, logarithmic conversion, and sensitivity unevenness correction on the collected projection data. The present invention can be realized by a program operating on an information processing device constituting the device.

The convolver 413 is a well-known integrating means for correcting blur of the projection data by integrating a predetermined weighting function such as Sheep and Logan with the pre-processed projection data. The present invention can be realized by a program operating on an information processing apparatus constituting the medical X-ray apparatus of the first aspect.

The backprojection means 414 sequentially adds the input values and backprojects the projection data after the blur correction, thereby obtaining X-rays of an imaging area called a CT image and a three-dimensional image.
A well-known back projection means for generating a line absorption coefficient distribution image,
For example, the present invention can be realized by a program operating on the information processing apparatus constituting the medical X-ray apparatus according to the first embodiment. As described above, in the first embodiment, the reconstruction operation for reconstructing the tomographic image in the imaging region is performed by the convolver 413 and the back projection unit 414. For example,
As a reconstruction operation method of a tomographic image, an image reconstruction operation method called a convolution method or the like is used. As a reconstruction operation method of a three-dimensional image, (LAFeldkampetal. Practical
cone beam algorithm, J.Opt.Soc.Am.A, Vol.1, No.6, pp
612-619, 1984) (hereinafter, referred to as “Document 2”) using a cone beam reconstruction calculation method by Feldkamp or the like. However, in the first embodiment, the operation means 4
It is possible to select whether to reconstruct a three-dimensional X-ray image or to reconstruct a tomographic image based on an imaging instruction or a display instruction input from 23, and to reconstruct both X-ray images to be the same. It is also possible to select whether to display the X-ray image on the screen or to display the X-ray image captured by setting the inclination angle of the top plate 108 to a different angle.

The image memory 415 is a well-known memory for storing CT images.
The present invention can be realized by an external storage device such as a main memory or a magnetic disk device mounted on an information processing device constituting a line device.

The image conversion means 416 performs a well-known volume rendering process or a maximum value projection process for converting the three-dimensional image reconstructed by the reconstruction operation into a three-dimensional absorption distribution image as a plane image. A well-known three-dimensional X-ray image generating means and a well-known level converting means for converting distribution data of the X-ray absorption coefficient of the CT image and the three-dimensional absorption distribution image into an image of a gray level which can be identified by human eyes. This can be realized by a program that operates on the information processing device that configures the medical X-ray apparatus according to the first embodiment.

The system controller 422 controls the switching means 407 based on the photographing mode input from the operation means 423 to control the X-ray image picked up by the X-ray detector 102.
Switches the line image display mode. Further, the system controller 422 controls the motor control means 424 to 426 to drive the first and second motors 203 and 427 and the motor 309 to rotate the imaging system, the inclination angle of the imaging system, and the top plate 108. Set the tilt angle of.

Next, the operation of the medical X-ray apparatus of Embodiment 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 at the time of capturing a three-dimensional X-ray image and a tomographic image (at the time of rotational imaging) will be described with reference to FIG. When an instruction of the inclination angle of the top plate 108 and the angle between the rotation surface of the imaging system and the top plate 108 is input from the operation unit 423, the system controller 422 firstly operates the rotary encoder and the holder 310 arranged on the rotation mechanism 205. Motor control means 42 based on the output of the encoder
4 to 426 are instructed to rotate the first and second motors 203 and 427 and the motor 309, and the inclination angle of the top plate 108 and the angle between the rotation surface of the imaging system and the top plate 108 are set to the designated inclination angles. Set. Next, the system controller 42
2 controls the switching means 407 to control the X-ray detector 102
Is switched to the data collection means 411.

Here, when the start of photographing is instructed from the operation means 423, the system controller 422 instructs the motor control means 424 to rotate the first motor 203 and the X-ray control means 421 to the X-ray tube 101. Is instructed. Based on this instruction, the X-ray control unit 421 supplies a driving current to the X-ray tube 101 to irradiate cone beam X-rays. On the other hand, the motor control unit 424 supplies a current for rotation to the first motor 203 to
By rotating 3, the rotational driving force is transmitted to the rotating ring 103 via the belt 201, and the imaging system is rotated around the subject. At this time, the data collection unit 411, to which the X-ray image has been input from the X-ray detector 102, converts the X-ray image into projection data for each predetermined rotation angle and takes it into the storage unit, thereby setting the rotation center axis M to The projection data of the subject imaged as the center of rotation is collected (imaged). If the end of cone beam imaging is instructed after the completion of one rotation of imaging, the system controller 422 controls the motor control unit 424 to stop the rotation of the first motor 203, and Collection of projection data from all circumferential directions is ended.

The projection data stored in the storage means is subjected to pre-processing such as gain correction, offset correction, gamma correction, image distortion correction, logarithmic conversion, and sensitivity unevenness correction by the pre-processing means 412, and then the convolver 413 Is output to The projection data after the preprocessing is corrected for blur by the convolver 413, and then subjected to backprojection calculation by the backprojection unit 414 to generate a three-dimensional X-ray image in the image memory 415. The three-dimensional X-ray image is subjected to volume rendering processing, maximum value projection processing, or the like in order to convert the three-dimensional X-ray image into a three-dimensional absorption distribution image, which is a planar image, by a three-dimensional X-ray image generation unit of an image conversion unit 416. After being converted into a three-dimensional absorption distribution image, the distribution data of the X-ray absorption coefficient is converted by a level conversion means into a gray level image which can be identified by the human eyes, and the three-dimensional X-ray absorption image is displayed on the display screen of the display means 406.
It is displayed as a line image.

As described above, in the medical X-ray apparatus according to the first embodiment, the top support arm 110 for supporting the table device 107 is formed in an arc shape, and the holder 310
Thereby, it is slidably supported along the shape of the top plate support arm 110. At this time, the top plate support arm 110
By setting the installation position of the holder 310 and the radius of the top support arm 110 such that the center axis of rotation of the camera coincides with the center axis of the rotation mechanism 205 that is a tilt mechanism that tilts the rotation plane of the imaging system, The angle formed by the top plate 108 supported by the plate support unit 109 and the rotating surface of the photographing system can be easily kept constant. Therefore, even when generating a three-dimensional X-ray image or photographing an X-ray transmission image using gravity, the angle between the subject and the rotating surface of the imaging system can be easily kept constant. . However, it goes without saying that the accuracy for matching the rotation center axis of the top support arm 110 with the rotation center axis of the rotation mechanism 205 is determined according to the accuracy of the imaging system.

At this time, in the medical X-ray apparatus according to the first embodiment, the X-ray tube 101 and the X-ray detector
03, and the rotating ring 103 is rotatably held by an annular holder, so that it can be easily rotated in the same plane regardless of the inclination angle of the rotating surface of the imaging system with respect to the floor surface. Can be done. Therefore, even when the body position of the subject is changed from the reverse tilt to the horizontal position to the upright position, the imaging system can be easily rotated 360 degrees around the subject. Furthermore, since the rotating surface of the imaging system can be easily rotated in the same plane regardless of the inclination angle with respect to the floor surface, a three-dimensional X-ray image of the subject set to a position other than the horizontal position can be easily obtained as compared with the related art. Can be improved in imaging speed. Therefore, diagnosis efficiency can be improved. In addition, regardless of the inclination angle of the rotation surface of the imaging system with respect to the floor surface, the rotation can be easily performed in the same plane. That is, since the rotation of the imaging system is stabilized irrespective of the inclination angle with respect to the floor surface, the image quality of the three-dimensional X-ray image of the subject can be improved.

The height from the floor to the top plate 108 is
Since the rotation ring 103, that is, the diameter when the imaging system is rotated, can be determined, the height from the floor surface to the top plate can be set relatively low.
The burden on the operator can be reduced when performing the operation.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 5 is a view for explaining a schematic configuration of a support apparatus main body in a medical X-ray apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In particular, FIG. Board 1
FIG. 5B is a side view in a case where 08 is held in a horizontal position, and FIG. 5B is a side view in a case where a top plate 108 is held in an upright position. In the second embodiment, the configuration other than the holder 501 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the details of the holder 501 will be described.

As is apparent from FIG. 5, the support device main body 100 according to the second embodiment has a holder 501 for slidably supporting the top plate support arm 110 fixed to the holding body 104. At this time, the holder 501 is set such that the center axis of rotation when the top plate support arm 110 is slid coincides with the rotation axis of the rotation mechanism 205 that tilts the holder 104 that supports the imaging system. At this time, the radius of the top support arm 110 is set so that the rotation center axis of the top support arm 110 matches the rotation center axis of the rotation mechanism 205 which is a tilt mechanism that tilts the rotation surface of the imaging system. Accordingly, the angle between the top plate 108 supported by the top plate support unit 109 and the rotating surface of the imaging system can be easily maintained constant. Therefore, the medical X of the first embodiment
The effect of the wire device can be obtained.

Further, in the medical X-ray apparatus according to the second embodiment, since the holder 501 is fixed to the holder 104, it is necessary to generate a three-dimensional X-ray image using gravity or to photograph an X-ray transmission image. Even when performing, when the angle between the subject and the rotating surface of the imaging system is kept constant, the subject and the rotating surface of the imaging system can be moved without sliding the top support arm 110. There is an effect that the angle formed can be maintained.

Further, in the second embodiment, the holding member 10
Since the structure can be removed from the lower part of 4, the usability of the examiner can be improved. As a result, the diagnostic efficiency and the treatment efficiency such as IVR can be further improved.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 6 is a view for explaining a schematic configuration of a support apparatus main body in a medical X-ray apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In particular, FIG. Board 1
FIG. 6B is a side view in a case where 08 is held in a horizontal position, and FIG. 6B is a side view in a case where a top plate 108 is held in an upright position. In the third embodiment, the configuration other than the top plate support arm 601 is the same as that of the first embodiment.
In the following description, details of the top support arm 601 will be described.

As is apparent from FIG. 6, the support apparatus main body 100 according to the third embodiment has the top plate support arm 601 directly fixed to the holder 104. At this time, the third embodiment
Is set so that the top plate 108 and the rotation plane of the imaging system are orthogonal to each other. It is needless to say that the inclination angle between the top plate 108 and the rotating surface of the imaging system is not limited to a right angle, and may be set to another inclination angle. Further, in the third embodiment, the shape of the top plate support arm 601 is formed in an arc shape, but is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that another shape may be used.

As described above, in the medical X-ray apparatus according to the third embodiment, since the top support arm 601 is directly fixed to the holder 104, the top plate 108 supported by the top support unit 109 is used for imaging. The angle formed by the rotation surface of the system can always be kept constant. Therefore, the effects of the medical X-ray apparatuses according to the first and second embodiments can be obtained.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 7 is a view for explaining a schematic configuration of a display means in a medical X-ray apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In particular, FIG. FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a case where display of a fluoroscopic image and a three-dimensional X-ray image can be displayed on separate display units. FIG. 7B illustrates a three-dimensional X-ray image and a X-ray image obtained by changing the body position of a subject. FIG. 9 is a diagram in a case where display with a fluoroscopic image can be displayed on separate display units.

As shown in FIG. 7A, a first display unit 406 connected to the D / A conversion unit 405 and a second display unit 701 connected to the image conversion unit 416 are provided. As a result, an X-ray fluoroscopic image is displayed on the first display means 406, and 3D images are displayed on the second display means 701.
Since the two-dimensional X-ray image is displayed, the X-ray fluoroscopic image and the three-dimensional X-ray image can be easily compared.

As shown in FIG. 7B, D / A
A first display unit 406 connected to the conversion unit 405,
Second and third display units 702 and 703 connected to the image conversion unit 416 are provided. As a result, an X-ray fluoroscopic image is displayed on the first display means 406, and the second display
The third display means 702 and 703 display a three-dimensional X-ray image. At this time, the image conversion means 41
6 displays a three-dimensional X-ray image reconstructed from X-ray images measured at different body positions on the second and third display means 702 and 703, for example, so that the second display means 702 Since the subject can display a three-dimensional X-ray image in a recumbent position and the third display means 703 can display a three-dimensional X-ray image in a standing position, the X-ray fluoroscopic image and Comparison with 3D X-ray images and 3D X with different body positions
Line images can be easily compared.

The present invention is particularly effective when applied to a medical X-ray apparatus for measuring a human body as a subject. In addition, by making it possible to install a well-known step on the subject mounting surface side of the top plate 108, it becomes possible to set the subject on the top plate 108 in an upright position. In addition, by enabling the setting of the step, it is possible to reduce the displacement of the subject with respect to the top even when the body mounted on the top in the horizontal position is moved to the upright position. Therefore, the correction of the imaging position can be reduced.

Further, in the medical X-ray apparatuses according to the first to fourth embodiments, the imaging mechanism and the tilt mechanism of the top plate 108 are configured to be directly fixed to the floor surface. However, the present invention is not limited to this. By providing an elevation mechanism in the imaging mechanism and / or the tilting mechanism, the body axis position of the subject with respect to the isocenter of the imaging mechanism can be changed.
Even if the detection area of 02 is small, it is possible to set the region of interest in the up-down direction.

Further, in the medical X-ray apparatuses according to the first to fourth embodiments, the imaging mechanism and the tilting mechanism of the top plate are configured to be directly fixed to the floor surface. However, the present invention is not limited to this. By providing a horizontal movement mechanism in the imaging mechanism and / or the tilting mechanism, the body axis position of the subject with respect to the isocenter of the imaging mechanism can be changed.
Can be set in the horizontal direction even if the detection area is small.

Further, by providing an elevating mechanism in the photographing mechanism and / or the tilting mechanism and providing a horizontal moving mechanism in the photographing mechanism and / or the tilting mechanism, the body axis position of the subject with respect to the isocenter of the photographing mechanism can be changed. Therefore, even if the detection area of the X-ray detector 102 is small, it is possible to set the region of interest in the vertical and horizontal directions.

As described above, the invention made by the present inventor is:
Although specifically described based on the embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments of the present invention, and it is needless to say that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. .

[0075]

The effects obtained by typical ones of the inventions disclosed in the present application will be briefly described as follows. (1) It is easy to generate a three-dimensional X-ray image using gravity. (2) The imaging system can be rotated 360 degrees around the subject even when the subject's body position is changed from reverse tilt to horizontal position to standing position. (3) The image quality of the three-dimensional X-ray image of the subject can be improved. (4) The imaging speed of the three-dimensional X-ray image of the subject set at a position other than the horizontal position can be improved. (5) The photographing range can be enlarged. (6) The burden on the operator can be reduced. (7) The diagnostic efficiency can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of a medical X-ray apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a schematic configuration of a support device main body according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a holder according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a functional block configuration of a control unit and an image processing unit of the medical X-ray apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of a support device main body in the medical X-ray apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of a support apparatus main body in the medical X-ray apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of a display unit in a medical X-ray apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

100: Supporting device main body, 101: X-ray tube, 102: X-ray detector, 103: Rotating ring, 104: Holder, 105
... Supporting member, 106 ... Support column, 107 ... Table device, 108 ... Top plate, 109 ... Top plate support unit, 11
0,601: top plate support arm, 201: belt, 202
... pulley, 203 ... first motor, 204 ... rotating shaft, 2
05: rotating mechanism, 301, 302, 305, 306: support roller, 303, 304: idle roller, 307
Pulley, 308 belt, 309 motor, 310,5
01 holder, 401 A / D conversion means, 402 image processing means, 403 frame memory, 404 display gradation processing means, 405 D / A conversion means, 406 display means, 407 switching means, 410 … Photographed image processing unit,
411: Data collection means, 412: Preprocessing means, 413
... Convolver, 414 ... Back projection means, 415 ... Image memory, 416 ... Image conversion means, 421 ... X-ray control means, 422 ... System controller, 423 ... Operation means, 424, 425, 426 ... Motor control means, 427
... second motor, 701, 702 ... second display means, 7
03: second display means.

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Akira Kurome 1-1-1 Uchikanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo F-term in Hitachi Medical Corporation 4C093 AA01 AA21 CA17 CA18 CA37 EB13 EB17 EC02 EC16 EC23 EC28 EC29 ED05 ED07 FF42

Claims (1)

[Claims] An annular holding member, an annular rotating ring rotatably held along an inner peripheral surface of the holding member, and a radially opposed position on the inner peripheral surface of the rotating ring. An imaging system consisting of an X-ray source and an X-ray detector respectively arranged in the apparatus, an inclining means for inclining a rotating surface of the imaging system with respect to a floor surface, a setting means for setting a subject to an imaging position, A medical X-ray apparatus, comprising: tilting means for matching the tilt center axis of the means with the tilt center axis of the setting means.